Crizotinib as a first line treatment ... - The Roy Castle Lu...

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

5,910 members3,532 posts

Crizotinib as a first line treatment for ALK+ patients

LorraineD profile image
LorraineDPartnerRoy Castle
1 Reply

We are pleased that crizotinib (xalkori) has been approved by NICE for use with a sub-group of people affected by lung cancer. It had previously been approved for use in Scotland by the Scottish Medicine Consorium (SMC). This is a new treatment for a small group of patients with ALK+ tumours. To work out if a targeted therapy may work for you your cancer doctor will carry out a test of your tumour tissue.

Crizotinib is now available as a first line treatment for those who are ALK+. ALK is a protein which encourages cancer cells to grow, divide and spread. It is found in approximately 3- 5% of those with non-small cell lung cancer. Previously those who were ALK+ had to undergo chemotherapy before a targeted therapy was provided.

We welcome NICE’s decision to approve this medicine which has been judged clinically and cost effective following the manufacturer, Pfizer’s, decision to offer a discount scheme to make the drug available to patients via the NHS.

More information on targeted therapies is available in our booklet. You can download it from our website roycastle.org/how-we-help/l...

Or get more information by calling our nurse led Freephone helpline on 0800 358 7200.

Written by
LorraineD profile image
LorraineD
Partner
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
1 Reply
Bow-19 profile image
Bow-19

That is really good news for people who are just being diagnosed as ALK positive. A step in the right direction. I am really pleased that it has been approved as a first line treatment. It has been a first line treatment in the US for at least the last 3 years. 😀

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

ALK positive - Alectinib or Crizotinib?

Hello! My mum has been newly diagnosed as having ALK positive lung cancer, with brain mets. The NHS...

Brain Mets

Hi everyone, I just wondered if anyone had any idea if you have brain mets and you have ALK+ lung...

My mum is newly Diagnosed

My mum has been newly diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) with bone mets. She had...

Husband about to start crizotinib.Worried about side effects,infections etc

Hello all. My husband is just about to start oral crizotinib (just found out he's ALK positive). We...

Second Anniversary

Hello Lung Cancer Survivors, I haven’t posted in a long time , but today I celebrate being NED...