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ALK/ROS1 tyrosine-kinase inhibitor

Crizotinib (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Xalkori

Crizotinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for ALK-positive and ROS1-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits the ALK, ROS1 and MET (c-MET) receptor tyrosine kinases, blocking oncogenic signalling driven by ALK or ROS1 gene rearrangements.

Prescribing in practice

  • Can cause QT-interval prolongation, bradycardia, hepatotoxicity, pneumonitis and visual disturbances, requiring baseline and ongoing monitoring.
  • It is a CYP3A4 substrate and inhibitor, so review for interacting drugs and avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers.
  • Initiated and supervised only by specialists experienced in the use of anticancer agents, with patient selection by validated molecular testing per the SPC.

Monitoring

Monitor liver function, ECG (QT interval) and heart rate, and remain alert for respiratory or visual symptoms throughout treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Report breathlessness, cough, fever, fainting or palpitations promptly.
  • Visual changes such as flashes or blurring are common, especially early on, and should be reported.
  • Effective contraception is advised during and for a period after treatment.

Evidence & guidelines

Efficacy in ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer was established in the PROFILE trials and is reflected in the SPC and NICE guidance.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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