Crizotinib (Xalkori) detailed instructions and medication precautions for patients

Crizotinib is an oral small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that mainly targets anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1and some MET receptors are abnormally activated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Its mechanism of action is by inhibiting abnormal kinase signaling pathways in tumor cells, blocking cancer cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis, thereby delaying disease progression. Crizotinib is suitable for patients with advanced or metastatic ALK positive and ROS1 NSCLC. It is one of the first approved drugs in targeted therapy, providing patients with precise treatment options.

In terms of clinical efficacy, crizotinib shows significant advantages. Multiple randomized controlled studies have shown that for ALKpositiveNSCLC patients, crizotinib can significantly prolong progression-free survival (PFS), with a medianPFS pan>PFScan reach more than 10 months, while the overall response rate (ORR) is about 60%. For ROS1 positive patients, ORR can exceed 70%, accompanied by symptom improvement, such as dyspnea, cough relief, and improved quality of life. Oral administration is convenient for patients to maintain long-term treatment, and the persistence of efficacy is closely related to the patient's genotype. Therefore, genetic testing is usually required before use to confirm the positive status of ALK or ROS1.

In terms of drug safety, although crizotinib has significant efficacy, it has certain side effects. Common adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, visual disturbances, edema, and mild liver enzyme elevations. Some patients may experience serious reactions such as prolongation of the QT interval, arrhythmia, or interstitial pulmonary disease. Therefore, liver function, blood routine, and electrocardiogram monitoring are required before medication and during treatment. If severe discomfort or cardiopulmonary symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly. Most side effects can be managed clinically through dose adjustment, temporary discontinuation, or supportive care to ensure treatment continuity.

Patients need to pay attention to a number of things while using crizotinib. First of all, you should take it orally regularly as directed by your doctor. You should not increase or decrease the dosage or take the medicine intermittently on your own, so as not to affect the efficacy or cause drug resistance. Secondly, avoid contact with strongCYP3A4The simultaneous use of inhibitors or inducers may cause changes in blood concentration, thereby increasing toxicity or reducing efficacy. Thirdly, imaging, hematology and liver and kidney function indicators should be reviewed regularly during treatment, and changes in symptoms should be paid attention to. In addition, pregnant or lactating patients should use it with caution or avoid use. Male patients need to take effective contraceptive measures during treatment and for a certain period after stopping the drug to prevent the drug from affecting fertility and the fetus.

In summary, crizotinib is an important targeted therapy for ALK and ROS1 positive NSCLC patients, with significant efficacy and controllable safety. Through standardized medication, regular monitoring and side effect management, patients can improve their quality of life while extending progression-free survival. Reasonable genetic testing, individualized dose adjustment and follow-up plans are key to ensuring the efficacy and safety of crizotinib, which is especially suitable for patients with advanced or recurrent disease and provides a reliable targeted therapy strategy for clinical lung cancer treatment.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-promacta-eltrombopag-first