See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Xalkori
What is Xalkori, and what cancer does it treat?
Xalkori is the brand name for crizotinib, an oral cancer medicine. It’s used to treat certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have specific genetic alterations, including ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) rearrangements and ROS1 rearrangements. It has also been used in other ALK/ROS1-driven cancer contexts depending on local approvals and prior treatment history. [1]
How does Xalkori work?
Crizotinib blocks signaling from ALK (and ROS1), which can slow tumor growth in cancers that depend on those genetic changes. [1]
How is Xalkori typically taken?
Xalkori is taken as a daily oral therapy, with the exact dosing schedule and any dose changes depending on factors such as age, kidney/liver function, and side effects. Patients generally follow their prescriber’s instructions for dose adjustments. [1]
What side effects are most commonly reported?
Common side effects associated with crizotinib/Xalkori include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, decreased appetite, constipation, vision changes, and swelling. Serious risks can include effects on the heart’s rhythm (QT prolongation), liver enzyme elevations, and lung inflammation/pneumonitis—so clinicians monitor closely and adjust or stop treatment if needed. [1]
What patients ask about most: “Can I take it with other medicines?”
Drug interactions can matter because crizotinib is metabolized by liver enzymes. Patients are typically advised to tell their clinician about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements before starting, since some medicines can change crizotinib levels and effectiveness or increase side effects. [1]
How does Xalkori compare with newer ALK inhibitors?
Xalkori (crizotinib) is one of the earlier ALK/ROS1 targeted therapies. Newer ALK inhibitors can offer different side-effect profiles, dosing convenience, and effectiveness depending on the specific mutation and treatment line. Which option is best depends on prior therapy, disease stage, and patient-specific factors discussed with an oncology team. [1]
What happens if Xalkori stops working?
If the cancer progresses on Xalkori, oncologists may switch to another targeted ALK inhibitor or a different treatment approach depending on the tumor’s biology, prior responses, and available options. Mechanisms of resistance vary by tumor and can influence the next best therapy. [1]
Where can I find dosing, warnings, and prescribing details?
For the most accurate guidance on dosing, monitoring, contraindications, and full safety information, the prescribing information for Xalkori is the primary reference, since labels can differ by country and update over time. [1]
Sources:
1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/