How it is administered

Crizotinib is taken by mouth and is available as capsules or oral pellets.

For adults, the usual dose is 250 mg taken twice daily, with or without food. For children and young adults with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the dose is based on body surface area (280 mg/m²) and is also taken twice daily.

Capsules should be swallowed whole. Oral pellets are provided in capsules that need to be opened and the contents given directly into the mouth or with a dosing aid (like a spoon or medicine cup), followed by water to ensure all pellets are swallowed. Do not chew or crush the pellets.

How it works

Crizotinib is a targeted therapy known as a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking specific proteins in cancer cells called receptor tyrosine kinases, including ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase), ROS1, and c-Met.

In some cancers, such as ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the ALK gene is abnormally activated, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Crizotinib blocks the action of this abnormal ALK protein, which can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and may even shrink tumors.

By targeting these specific proteins, crizotinib helps to control the progression of cancer in patients whose tumors have these genetic changes.

Who Should take it

Crizotinib is used for:

• Pediatric patients (1 year and older) and young adults with relapsed or refractory, systemic ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
• Adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are ALK- or ROS1-positive.
• Adults and children (1 year and older) with unresectable, recurrent, or refractory ALK-positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT).

For ALCL, it is specifically for patients whose cancer tests positive for ALK gene changes and who have not responded to, or have relapsed after, other treatments.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for crizotinib. However, it should be used with caution in certain patients:

• Pregnant women: Crizotinib can harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after stopping the medication.
• Patients with severe liver or kidney problems may require dose adjustments.
• Patients with a history of heart rhythm problems, severe visual disorders, or lung inflammation should discuss risks with their doctor.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all your health conditions and medications before starting crizotinib.

Commonly used with

Crizotinib is generally used as a single agent for ALK-positive ALCL. In some clinical settings, it may be used after other chemotherapy regimens have failed or when the disease has come back.

Antiemetic and antidiarrheal medications are often recommended alongside crizotinib to help manage gastrointestinal side effects, especially in children and young adults.

Commonly tested with

Crizotinib has been studied both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy in pediatric patients with ALCL. However, its safety and effectiveness in combination with chemotherapy for newly diagnosed ALCL have not been fully established.

Routine monitoring with blood tests, liver function tests, and eye exams is recommended during treatment.