Journey of Resilience
Remarkable Outcomes in Stage IV ALK-Postive Lung Cancer
A Young Mom’s Triumphant Battle Against Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Alisa S., a 35-year-old mother of two, began experiencing persistent cough, fatigue, and chest pain in late 2020. Initial doctors misattributed her symptoms to asthma or long COVID, delaying proper evaluation. Undeterred, Alisa insisted on a CT scan, which revealed a mass in her left lung. She was ultimately diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer at City of Hope, where a lesion was also found on her brain.
Alisa’s treatment involved immunotherapy (Keytruda) plus chemotherapy (carboplatin and pemetrexed) and stereotactic radiosurgery to address the brain metastasis. By July 2022, she reached NED, but continued immunotherapy triggered liver toxicity and had to be paused.
In January 2023, her cancer recurred. Additional genetic testing discovered an ALK-positive mutation, enabling Alisa to begin a targeted therapy called alectinib. Since then, her cancer remains under control.
Reflecting on her experience, Alisa highlights the importance of self-advocacy and expert care. Today, Alisa cherishes precious time with her husband and children, grateful for advanced treatments that have given her renewed hope—and a second chance at life.
Diagnosis
Stage IV NSCLC with a brain metastasis
Biomarker profile: ALK-positive
Treatment
Began with immunotherapy, chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery; once ALK fusion identified, switched to alectinib (oral ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor)
Outcome
Achieved no evidence of disease but faced recurrence
Source: City of Hope (Published December 2023)
