Vol 8, No 5 (2012)
Review paper
Published online: 2012-11-27
Crizotinib — a new molecular targeted agent in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2012;8(5):193-203.
Abstract
Non-small cellular lung cancer (NSCLC) represents heterogeneous group of neoplasms with diversity of
histopathological, molecular profile and various clinical course. Progress in the field of molecular biology,
which has taken place during last years, enabled identification of potential oncogenic pathways. ALK
mutations are rare and can be found in approximately 5% of patients with the diagnosis of NSCLC. They
are more common in young, non-smoking men with adenocarcinoma. Crizotinib is an ATP-competitive,
orally bioavailable ALK inhibitor and was approved by FDA in August 2011 for treatment of patients with
locally advanced or metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC. Phase I and II trials revealed promising results. Treatment
with crizotinib was associated with 62% of objective response rate in molecularly defined subgroup
of patients. Final conclusions are subject to further III phase clinical trials.
histopathological, molecular profile and various clinical course. Progress in the field of molecular biology,
which has taken place during last years, enabled identification of potential oncogenic pathways. ALK
mutations are rare and can be found in approximately 5% of patients with the diagnosis of NSCLC. They
are more common in young, non-smoking men with adenocarcinoma. Crizotinib is an ATP-competitive,
orally bioavailable ALK inhibitor and was approved by FDA in August 2011 for treatment of patients with
locally advanced or metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC. Phase I and II trials revealed promising results. Treatment
with crizotinib was associated with 62% of objective response rate in molecularly defined subgroup
of patients. Final conclusions are subject to further III phase clinical trials.
Keywords: non-small cell lung cancermolecular targeted therapyALK kinase inhibitorcrizotinib