Is Crizotinib still effective after five or six years of taking it?

Crizotinib (Crizotinib) is a targeted therapy drug mainly used to treat tyrosine kinase fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (ALKpositiveNSCLCNSCLC span>) and ROS1 fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (ROS1positive NSCLC). For those patients who respond well to crizotinib, it often significantly prolongs survival and improves quality of life.

The effectiveness of long-term use of crizotinib will be affected by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:

1.Development of drug resistance: During long-term use of crizotinib, some patients may develop drug resistance. Drug resistance refers to the gradual loss of sensitivity of tumor cells to drugs, resulting in the drug no longer working on the tumor. This may be due to mutations within the cells that prevent the drug from effectively inhibiting the activity of the abnormal protein. The development of drug resistance may cause crizotinib to lose its therapeutic effect on tumors.

2.Treatment timing and methods: The persistence of crizotinib treatment often depends on the patient's individual situation and tumor characteristics. Doctors will adjust treatment plans based on the patient's disease progression, treatment response, side effects, and other health factors. In some cases, doctors may consider combination treatments, switching targeted therapies, or other treatments to prolong treatment effects.

3.Risk of disease progression: Even if a patient responds well to crizotinib, tumors may still develop and progress during long-term use. Survival after treatment may be continuously shortened as the disease progresses.

4.Clinical trials and research progress: Scientists and doctors’ research into cancer treatments is constantly evolving. Over the past few years, new treatment advances and agents may have emerged that may provide better treatment options for those patients taking long-term crizotinib.

Although crizotinib is an effective targeted therapy, patients require close monitoring and regular reexamination during long-term use. Prompt communication and following your doctor's recommendations are critical to patient outcomes. In addition, treatment plans and disease management should be developed by a professional medical team to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Crizotinib is currently on the market in China and is included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically, and the price is around 6,000~12,000 yuan. Since the price of medical insurance policies varies greatly across regions, please consult your local pharmacy or medical insurance bureau for specific prices. There are original and generic versions of crizotinib available abroad. The original version is mainly Pfizer’s original drug, and the price is around 11,000 yuan. Generic drugs are mainly from Bangladesh and Laos. Due to different pharmaceutical manufacturers and drug specifications, generic drugs cost around 2,700~3,000 yuan. Moreover, the ingredients of foreign original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same as those of domestic drugs.