Drug glossary Targeted therapy

Crizotinib Xalkori

Used in colorectal cancer outside its approved indication. It appears in 4 clinical trials.

Oral ALK ROS1 MET

United States Off-label

European Union EMA approved Since 2012

Spain Hospital use Used off-label in colorectal cancer

What it is

Crizotinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor primarily approved for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer that has been explored in colorectal cancer through precision medicine approaches. In CRC, crizotinib is used off-label for tumors harboring specific genetic alterations, particularly ALK rearrangements or ROS1 fusions, which occur in a small subset of patients. The drug represents a targeted approach for patients whose tumors demonstrate these rare but actionable molecular alterations identified through comprehensive genomic profiling.

How it works

Crizotinib selectively inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase), ROS1, and MET kinases. By blocking these aberrant signaling pathways, the drug disrupts tumor cell proliferation and survival mechanisms that drive cancer growth in genetically defined patient populations.

Molecular targets

ALK ROS1 MET

Common side effects

Visual disturbancesNauseaDiarrheaVomitingEdemaConstipationFatigueDecreased appetite

Not all are listed, and everyone experiences them differently. If you notice any, tell your care team.

Trials with this drug

3 recruiting

Study to Investigate Outcome of Individualized Treatment in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer NCT05725200 Recruiting Phase 2 Norway Talazoparib and Palbociclib, Axitinib, or Crizotinib for the Treatment of Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors, TalaCom Trial NCT04693468 Recruiting Phase 1 United States Study of IDE196 in Patients With Solid Tumors Harboring GNAQ/11 Mutations or PRKC Fusions NCT03947385 Recruiting Phase 1 United States, Australia, Canada Targeted Therapy Directed by Genetic Testing in Treating Patients With Advanced Refractory Solid Tumors, Lymphomas, or Multiple Myeloma (The MATCH Screening Trial) NCT02465060 Active, not recruiting Phase 2 United States, Guam, Puerto Rico

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