Case Report: Trazodone as a possible treatment for psychiatric adverse events related to ALK inhibitors - Takeaways - MDSpire

Case Report: Trazodone as a possible treatment for psychiatric adverse events related to ALK inhibitors

  • By

  • Luca Persico

  • Andrea Miuli

  • Stefania Chiappini

  • Alessio Mosca

  • Michele De Tursi

  • Mauro Pettorruso

  • Giovanni Martinotti

  • June 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Lorlatinib is a third-generation TKI approved for ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, often causing psychiatric adverse events.

  • 2

    Approximately 60% of patients on lorlatinib experience neurocognitive and psychiatric adverse events, including mood and cognitive changes.

  • 3

    A 46-year-old female patient developed significant psychiatric symptoms after 6 weeks of lorlatinib treatment, leading to a psychiatric consultation.

  • 4

    The patient was treated with low-dose trazodone, resulting in improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety without reported side effects.

  • 5

    Follow-up assessments indicated a return to psychological balance, with psychometric scores normalizing after trazodone treatment.

Original Source(s)

Case Report: Trazodone as a possible treatment for psychiatric adverse events related to ALK inhibitors

  • by Luca Persico, Andrea Miuli, Stefania Chiappini, Alessio Mosca, Michele De Tursi, Mauro Pettorruso, Giovanni Martinotti

  • June 30, 2026

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