The role and efficacy of Crizotinib

A study of 347 adults with previously treated ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer showed that those taking crizotinib survived an average of nearly eight months without their disease worsening. In another study of 343 adult patients who had never received treatment before, those who received crizotinib lived an average of nearly 11 months without their disease worsening.

A study of 53 adult patients with ROS1-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer showed that about 70% of patients taking crizotinib had a complete or partial response to the treatment. This was considered a favorable response compared with the 20-30% response rate seen in previously treated patients. Among previously untreated patients, 6 out of 7 responded to treatment.

One study examined the use of crizotinib in 36 children and adolescents with ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) or inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) that cannot be removed with surgery. Of the 22 patients with ALK-positive ALCL, 86% (19 of 22) achieved a complete (17 patients) or partial (2 patients) response, lasting an average of 3.6 months. Among 14 patients with ALK-positive IMT, 86% (12/14) achieved complete response (5 patients) or partial response (7 patients), lasting an average of 14.8 months.

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).