This observational study evaluates whether vortioxetine - an antidepressant medication with cognitive-enhancing properties - can reduce the neurological and cognitive side effects associated with lorlatinib treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring ALK or ROS1 gene rearrangements.
Lorlatinib is a highly effective third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but it causes neuropsychological adverse events (NAEs) in approximately 42% of patients, including cognitive impairment, mood changes, and speech disturbances. Vortioxetine has demonstrated cognitive improvement in depressed patients and in preclinical models of androgen deprivation therapy-induced cognitive impairment.
Twenty-four adult patients with ALK/ROS1-positive NSCLC receiving lorlatinib as standard care and prescribed vortioxetine (10-20 mg/day) for NAE management will be enrolled. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and quality-of-life questionnaires will be conducted at baseline, week 6, week 12, and month 6 to document changes in cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and quality of life.
Histologically confirmed diagnosis of ALK/ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stage IIIB/IV.
Currently receiving lorlatinib as part of the standard therapeutic regimen.
Documented neurocognitive adverse events (NAEs) attributable to lorlatinib.
Age >= 18 years.
Prior diagnosis of major cognitive impairment unrelated to cancer treatment.
Current use of another antidepressant that cannot be discontinued.
Uncontrolled major psychiatric disorder.
History of uncontrolled epilepsy or recent seizures.
Adults (\>= 18 years) with histologically confirmed advanced (stage IIIB/IV) lung adenocarcinoma harboring ALK or ROS1 fusions, currently receiving lorlatinib as standard care, and initiating vortioxetine for NAE management.
Case-only
Prospective
Not listed
Psychomotor Speed
Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). The DSST measures psychomotor speed and sustained attention. Participants match symbols to digits within a fixed time limit. Score range: 0 to 90 (number of correct substitutions in 90 seconds); higher scores indicate better cognitive performance. Within-subject change from baseline analyzed using ANCOVA.
Processing Speed and Visual Attention
Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A). The TMT-A measures processing speed and visual scanning. The outcome is time to completion in seconds; lower scores indicate better performance. Clinically meaningful change assessed using the Reliable Change Index (RCI).
Executive Function and Cognitive Flexibility
Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B). The TMT-B measures executive function and set-shifting ability. The outcome is time to completion in seconds; lower scores indicate better performance. Clinically meaningful change assessed using the Reliable Change Index (RCI).
Selective and Sustained Attention
D2-R Test of Attention. The D2-R Test of Attention measures selective and sustained visual attention. The primary metric is the Total Concentration Performance score (TN-E), calculated as total items processed minus errors. Score range: 0 to 299; higher scores indicate better attentional performance.
Depressive Symptoms
Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The MADRS is a clinician-administered scale measuring severity of depressive symptoms across 10 items. Score range: 0 to 60; higher scores indicate greater depression severity. Response defined as \>= 50% reduction from baseline; remission defined as score \< 10. MCID: \>= 50% reduction.
Depressive Symptoms
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 is a 9-item self-report scale for depression screening and severity assessment. Score range: 0 to 27; higher scores indicate greater depressive symptom burden. Severity categories: minimal (0-4), mild (5-9), moderate (10-14), moderately severe (15-19), severe (20-27). MCID: \>= 5-point reduction.
Health-Related Quality of Life
36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Physical Component Summary (PCS). The SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) is a norm-based composite score derived from four SF-36 subscales (physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health). Score range: 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better physical health status. MCID: \>= 4 points.
Health-Related Quality of Life
36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Mental Component Summary (MCS). The SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) is a norm-based composite score derived from four SF-36 subscales (vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, mental health). Score range: 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better mental health status. MCID: \>= 4 points.
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