How it is administered

Ceritinib is taken by mouth as a tablet or capsule. The recommended dose is 450 mg once daily with food. If a dose is missed, it should be taken unless the next dose is due within 12 hours. If vomiting occurs after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose; continue with the next scheduled dose.

How it works

Ceritinib is a type of targeted cancer therapy known as a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking the activity of specific proteins called kinases, particularly the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). These kinases are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By inhibiting ALK and other related proteins, ceritinib can slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells that depend on these pathways.

Ceritinib is most active against cancers that have changes (mutations or rearrangements) in the ALK gene. It also inhibits other kinases, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), insulin receptor (InsR), and ROS1, but its main effect is through ALK inhibition. By blocking these signals, ceritinib helps control cancer cell proliferation and survival.

Who Should take it

Ceritinib is indicated for adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are ALK-positive, as detected by an FDA-approved test. While it is not specifically approved for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, its mechanism of action may be relevant in cancers with ALK rearrangements, which can occasionally be seen in some lymphomas.

Patients should only take ceritinib if their cancer has been tested and confirmed to have ALK positivity. It is typically used when the cancer has spread (metastatic) and may be used after other treatments have failed or if the cancer is resistant to other therapies.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for ceritinib, but it should not be used in patients who have had severe allergic reactions to ceritinib or any of its components.

Caution is advised in patients with severe liver impairment, those with a history of pancreatitis, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as ceritinib can cause harm to an unborn baby. Patients with congenital long QT syndrome or those taking medications that prolong the QT interval should use ceritinib with caution and under close medical supervision.

Commonly used with

Ceritinib is usually used alone as a targeted therapy for ALK-positive cancers. It is not typically combined with other cancer drugs, but supportive medications such as antiemetics (for nausea) or antidiarrheals may be used to manage side effects.

It is important to avoid certain medications that interact with ceritinib, such as strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, and drugs that can prolong the QT interval or cause bradycardia.

Commonly tested with

Ceritinib is often tested in combination with other targeted therapies or after failure of other ALK inhibitors like crizotinib. It may also be studied alongside chemotherapy agents in clinical trials for various cancers.

Routine blood tests to monitor liver function, blood sugar, and pancreatic enzymes are commonly performed during treatment. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are also recommended to monitor heart rhythm.