A diagnosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer can feel overwhelming. However, learning what is driving the growth of the cancer may help doctors identify a more personalised treatment approach.
Some non-small cell lung cancers contain changes involving the ALK or ROS1 genes. Crizotinib is a targeted cancer medicine developed to act against cancer cells driven by these specific alterations.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, crizotinib targets particular proteins involved in cancer growth. It is not appropriate for every person with lung cancer. Biomarker testing is required to determine whether the tumour is ALK-positive or ROS1-positive before treatment is considered.
Crizotinib is an oral targeted cancer medicine belonging to a group of treatments known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or TKIs.
It blocks the activity of several proteins, including:
Abnormal ALK or ROS1 proteins can send continuous signals that encourage cancer cells to grow and survive. By interfering with these signals, crizotinib may slow or stop the growth of susceptible cancer cells.
Crizotinib is sold under the brand name Xalkori®. Generic or alternative-source versions may also be available in certain countries, subject to local approval and import regulations.
Crizotinib binds to certain tyrosine kinase proteins inside cancer cells and reduces their activity.
When a tumour is driven by an ALK or ROS1 alteration, blocking the related protein can interfere with the signals the cancer depends on for growth and survival.
This targeted mechanism may help:
A response cannot be guaranteed. Some tumours may not respond, while others can develop resistance after an initial period of disease control.
Crizotinib should not be selected solely because a patient has been diagnosed with NSCLC. The tumour must carry an appropriate molecular alteration.
Biomarker testing may be performed using:
Testing practices differ between countries and treatment centres. A negative blood-based result may sometimes require confirmation using tumour tissue, particularly when the available sample contains limited tumour DNA.
Patients may wish to ask their oncologist:
Depending on the locally approved indication, crizotinib may be considered for adults with advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumours are confirmed as ALK-positive or ROS1-positive.
The oncologist will also consider:
Treatment options have continued to evolve. Newer ALK and ROS1 inhibitors may be preferred in some clinical settings because of their activity, resistance profile or ability to reach cancer in the brain. Crizotinib therefore may not be the preferred first treatment in every country or for every patient.
For adults with ALK-positive or ROS1-positive advanced NSCLC, a commonly referenced dose is 250 mg taken orally twice daily. The actual dose must be determined by the treating oncologist.
| Treatment consideration | General information |
|---|---|
| Commonly referenced adult dose | 250 mg twice daily |
| Administration | Taken by mouth with or without food |
| Treatment duration | Continued according to response, tolerability and the oncologist’s instructions |
| Available capsule strengths | Commonly include 200 mg and 250 mg |
| Missed dose | Follow the approved patient leaflet and the prescriber’s instructions |
| Dose reduction | May be required when clinically significant side effects develop |
Capsules should normally be swallowed whole. They should not be crushed, dissolved or opened unless the approved product information specifically permits an alternative method.
Patients must not increase, reduce or stop their dose without consulting the oncology team.
The price of crizotinib can differ substantially between countries. It may be influenced by the manufacturer, capsule strength, pack size, local reimbursement, taxes, shipping and import requirements.
| Medicine | Available form | Product type | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xalkori® | Crizotinib capsules | Branded medicine | Varies by country, strength and authorised supplier |
| Crizotinib | Oral capsules | Generic or alternative-source medicine | $225.00 |
The $225.00 price does not specify a capsule strength or pack quantity. These details should be confirmed before ordering.
The price is provided for general information and is not a recommendation to purchase or begin treatment. A valid prescription is required, and the product must be legally permitted for supply to the destination country.
Before ordering, patients should confirm:
Patients should never choose an oncology medicine based on price alone. Product authenticity, quality documentation and a lawful supply route are essential.
Crizotinib approval, reimbursement and personal-import requirements vary across the target countries.
| Region or country | Important access consideration |
|---|---|
| USA | FDA approval, a valid prescription and authorised dispensing requirements apply |
| UK | Access may depend on NHS criteria, specialist prescribing or private treatment |
| Australia and New Zealand | National approval, reimbursement and specialist-access rules should be reviewed |
| France and Italy | National and regional reimbursement procedures may affect access |
| Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore | Registration and personal-import requirements differ by jurisdiction |
| South Korea and Hong Kong | Local regulatory approval and hospital prescribing pathways should be confirmed |
| Albania, Romania and Tunisia | Availability may differ between public, private and import channels |
| UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait | A prescription and prior import or health-authority approval may be required |
Patients should consult their treating oncologist, a licensed pharmacist and the relevant national medicines authority before arranging an international supply.
A medicine legally available in one country is not automatically approved for importation into another.
Regular follow-up allows the oncology team to determine whether the cancer is responding and whether the treatment is being tolerated.
Monitoring may include:
The frequency of monitoring depends on the patient’s condition, test results and local clinical practice.
Side effects vary between patients. Some are mild and manageable, while others require dose adjustment or treatment interruption.
Commonly reported effects may include:
Visual effects may include flashes of light, blurred vision, light trails or difficulty adjusting between light and darkness. Patients should inform their oncology team about new or worsening vision changes.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Patients should read the approved information supplied with their medicine.
Crizotinib is processed partly through the CYP3A enzyme system. Medicines that strongly inhibit or induce this pathway can change the amount of crizotinib in the body.
Potential interactions may occur with certain:
Grapefruit and grapefruit products may increase crizotinib exposure and should generally be avoided unless the oncology team advises otherwise.
Patients should provide their doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. No medicine should be started or discontinued without professional advice.
Crizotinib may harm an unborn baby. Patients who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or able to conceive should discuss the risks with their oncology team.
Effective contraception may be required during treatment and for a specified period after the final dose. The required duration may differ for female and male patients and should follow the locally approved product information.
Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment and for the stated period after the final dose because of the potential risk to the infant.
Cancer cells can change over time and may develop resistance to targeted therapy. Disease progression does not necessarily mean that all treatment possibilities have been exhausted.
The oncologist may consider:
The next treatment should be based on the molecular findings, previous medicines, location of progression and the patient’s overall condition.
Cancer medicines should only be obtained from a licensed and traceable source.
Before accepting a product, patients or caregivers should verify:
Crizotinib should not be purchased from anonymous sellers, social-media accounts or websites that offer it without a prescription.
Patients and caregivers can find additional information through these recognised organisations:
Crizotinib is an important example of how biomarker testing can guide targeted cancer treatment. For patients whose advanced NSCLC is driven by an ALK or ROS1 alteration, it may help control cancer growth and reduce disease-related symptoms.
However, crizotinib is not the best choice for every patient. Newer targeted therapies, previous treatment, brain involvement, potential side effects and local availability can all influence the treatment decision.
Patients should work closely with their oncology team, attend regular monitoring appointments and obtain the medicine only through a lawful prescription-based supply channel.
Medical disclaimer: This content is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Crizotinib is a prescription anticancer medicine that can cause serious side effects and drug interactions. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified oncology specialist.
Amit Agarwal is a medical content writer specialising in prescription medicines, chronic diseases and global healthcare access. His work examines medicine affordability, international pharmaceutical supply and the practical challenges patients may experience when obtaining treatment from other countries.
