Crizotinibi

Crizotinibi is a targeted therapy drug used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) inhibitor. This means it works by blocking the activity of specific proteins that are abnormal in some cancer cells, which helps to stop cancer growth. Crizotinibi is typically prescribed for patients whose NSCLC has a specific genetic mutation, either in the ALK gene or the ROS1 gene. These mutations lead to the production of fusion proteins that drive cancer cell proliferation. Before starting treatment with crizotinibi, patients undergo genetic testing to determine if their tumor has these specific mutations. If the tests are positive, crizotinibi can be an effective treatment option. The drug is taken orally in capsule form. Common side effects can include visual disturbances, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and swelling. Crizotinibi was one of the first targeted therapies approved for ALK-positive NSCLC, representing a significant advancement in personalized cancer treatment. It has shown to be effective in improving progression-free survival in eligible patients.