Generic Name: alectinib
Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications
Company: Genentech
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Drug Indication
Alecensa is an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor approved for the treatment of ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
General Info
Alecensa interferes with anaplastic lymphoma kinase and RET receptor tyrosine kinases, proteins that play a role in cancer cell growth.
The ALEX trial showed that Alecensa delayed disease progression more than the older ALK inhibitor Xalkori (crizotinib) in people with previously untreated ALK-positive NSCLC. Other studies showed that Alecensa had a response rate of about 40% in NSCLC patients previously treated with Xalkori. Alecensa was approved in 2015.
Dosage
Dosing Info: Alecensa is taken as a capsule twice daily.
Side Effects
Common side effects include fatigue, constipation, swelling, muscle pain and anemia. More serious adverse events may include liver toxicity, lung inflammation, kidney problems and heart rhythm abnormalities. Alecensa can cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.
For More Info: https://www.alecensa.com/patient.html
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.alecensa.com/patient/patient-support/financial-and-other-resources.html
Last Reviewed: August 22, 2019
