Podcast: Pharmacists at the Forefront: Advancing Care for Patients with ROS1+ NSCLC

The video begins with an overview of ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, highlighting the importance of identifying ROS1 rearrangements early in the diagnostic process. It explains how these genetic mutations influence treatment decisions and underscores the shift from traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy toward precision medicine approaches. Emphasis is placed on understanding molecular testing, overcoming testing barriers, and ensuring that patients receive the most effective targeted therapies based on their biomarker profiles.

The discussion then delves into the class of ROS1 inhibitors—crizotinib, entrectinib, repotrectinib, and taletrectinib—outlining their mechanisms of action and key clinical trial results, including data from the PROFILE, STARTRK, TRIDENT, and TRUST studies. The session contrasts first-generation agents with newer options, emphasizing differences in efficacy, duration of response, and resistance mechanisms. It also examines how central nervous system metastases and evolving mutations affect treatment sequencing, and how next-generation inhibitors like repotrectinib are expanding therapeutic opportunities for patients.

In the final portion, the focus turns to practical management of treatment-related adverse events, particularly neurological effects such as dizziness. Strategies are shared for monitoring, counseling, and distinguishing between mild and serious toxicities to minimize treatment interruptions. The video concludes with insights on the pharmacist’s critical role in patient education, toxicity management, and long-term adherence support, underscoring the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary care in achieving optimal outcomes for patients with ROS1-positive NSCLC.