Crizotinib is chemotherapy drug (Targeted therapy), which belongs to the class signal transduction inhibitor. it is available with the trade name Xalkori. it acts by inhibiting tyrosine kinase inhibitor, including ALK which results in the blockade of growth, proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer cells.
Availability, dosage and administration
Crizotinib is available in capsule form. Note that the pills should not be powdered or broken during consumption.
Availability
It is available as 200 mg and 250 mg hard capsules
Dosage
250 mg orally, twice a day.
Uses:
- FDA approved for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that is ALK positive.
- FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that is ROS positive.
Side effects
The common side effects that patients may experience while on a regimen of crizotinib are:
- Vision problems
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Heartburn
- Taste changes
- Dizziness
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Tingling in fingers and toes
- Increased liver enzymes
- Lung toxicity
- Cardiac toxicity
Precautions
- Before starting crizotinib treatment, inform your doctor about other medications that you might be taking
- Do not take any kind of vaccination or immunization without informing your doctor.
- Inform your doctor before starting the Crizotinib treatment if you are pregnant as it can be hazardous to the fetus.
- Do not conceive a child while on the crizotinib treatment. This applies to both men and women.
- Do not breast feed while on Crizotinib treatment.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while on Crizotinib treatment as it can increase the crizotinib in the blood to dangerous levels.
Read more on chemotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer.