Treatment Transitions in ALK+ NSCLC
Panelists discuss how practice improvements and patient resources can be implemented to empower both health care providers and patients who have ALK-positive disease.
This segment focuses on helping patients navigate disease progression and treatment transitions. After years on a single therapy, patients may experience anxiety or confusion when faced with the need for a change. Nurses play a vital role in preparing patients for next-line options and explaining why transitions occur.
The panel discusses the importance of framing progression as an expected part of the cancer journey. By normalizing resistance and highlighting available alternatives, clinicians maintain patient optimism and engagement. Education on resistance mechanisms and retesting also helps patients feel reassured that their new treatment plan is grounded in science.
Care coordination is another critical aspect of this transition phase. Nurses assist with logistics such as biomarker retesting, insurance approval, and follow-up scheduling while providing emotional support. Keeping communication clear and consistent reduces stress during what can be a difficult adjustment period.
