Alectinib: ALK Inhibitor for NSCLC
Alectinib is a highly selective, second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) and RET kinase. It is specifically designed to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) driven by an ALK gene translocation.
A distinctive feature of the drug is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it effective against brain metastases. On Unifarm, you can find details regarding original medications (such as Alecensa) containing this active ingredient.
Indications
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Treatment of patients with ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC as detected by an FDA-approved test.
- First-line Treatment: For patients who have not received prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease.
- Subsequent Therapy: For patients whose disease has progressed on or who are intolerant to crizotinib.
- Adjuvant Treatment: Approved in some regions for post-surgical treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC.
Dosage and administration
The medication is taken orally as capsules twice daily.
Standard Regimen:
- Recommended Dose: 600 mg (four 150 mg capsules) taken twice daily (total daily dose of 1200 mg).
- Administration: Must be taken with food to ensure proper absorption.
Capsules should be swallowed whole. Dose modifications may be required based on individual safety and tolerability.
- Hypersensitivity to Alectinib or any excipients.
- Pregnancy (can cause fetal harm).
- Breastfeeding (should be discontinued during treatment and for at least one week after the final dose).
Monitoring of liver function, lung symptoms, and heart rate is recommended. Common adverse reactions include:
- Gastrointestinal: Constipation, nausea, diarrhea.
- General: Edema (fluid retention), fatigue.
- Musculoskeletal: Myalgia (muscle pain), increased CPK levels.
- Hepatic: Increased bilirubin, ALT, and AST levels (hepatotoxicity).
- Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
- Respiratory: Rare cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis.
