Crizotinib Efficacy and Side Effects

Treatment with crizotinib (Crizotinib) increases survival time in adults with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer without worsening the disease, regardless of whether they have been previously treated. In patients with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, studies have shown that the drug has high response rates, especially in patients who have previously received treatment for other cancers. The most common side effects are vision problems, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, edema, constipation, increased liver enzymes in the blood, fatigue, decreased appetite, dizziness, and neuropathy.

Crizotinib has also been shown to be effective in children withALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma or ALK-positive myofibroblastic tumor that cannot be removed with surgery. Although the study was small, the results are considered very good and promising considering the rarity of these diseases. The most common side effects are increases in liver enzymes in the blood, vomiting, neutropenia, nausea, diarrhea, and leukopenia.

The original drug Crizotinib has been launched in China and is covered by medical insurance, but it is only reimbursed for patients who meet the indications. The price per box may be around RMB 15,000. The price of the original Turkish version of Crizotinib sold overseas may be more than RMB 10,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is expensive. There are also cheaper generic crizotinib drugs available overseas. The ingredients are basically similar to those of the original drugs sold domestically and abroad. For example, the price of 250mg*60 tablets produced by a Bangladesh pharmaceutical factory may be more than 2,000 yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates).