Detailed explanation of common side effects and relief measures of Crizotinib (Xalkori)

Crizotinib is an oral, small molecule inhibitor targeting ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) and ROS1 fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As a targeted drug, crizotinib can significantly inhibit the proliferation and growth of tumor cells, but certain adverse reactions may still occur during treatment. Understanding its common side effects and corresponding mitigation measures is crucial to improving patient compliance, ensuring efficacy, and reducing treatment risks.

First of all, one of the most common side effects is gastrointestinal reactions, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and loss of appetite. Most patients experience mild to moderate symptoms early on, which can often be alleviated with dietary modifications. For example, dividing the daily dose into divided doses, choosing easy-to-digest foods, avoiding taking the medication on an empty stomach, or combining it with a small meal can help reduce discomfort. In addition, taking antiemetics, probiotics, or proper fluid rehydration can help relieve symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. If symptoms seriously affect daily life, you should communicate with your doctor in time and consider adjusting the dose or discontinuing the drug for a short period of time.

Secondly, crizotinib may cause abnormal liver function, which is its more important systemic side effect. Patients should regularly monitor liver function indicators during treatment, including ALT, AST, bilirubin, etc. If there is a mild increase, treatment can usually be continued and close observation can be made; if liver function is significantly damaged, temporary discontinuation of the drug should be considered and liver-protective measures should be taken under the guidance of a doctor, such as using liver-protective drugs or adjusting diet. Maintaining adequate rest, avoiding alcohol and reducing the burden on the liver are also important auxiliary measures.

In addition, crizotinib may affect cardiac function, manifested asQT prolongation, arrhythmia, or palpitations. High-risk patients, such as those with heart disease or who are taking other drugs that prolong the QT interval, should undergo an electrocardiogram before treatment and have regular follow-up electrocardiograms during medication. If obvious heart rhythm abnormalities occur, the drug should be discontinued immediately and evaluation and intervention from a cardiologist should be sought. Hematologic side effects, such as decreased white blood cell, platelet, or red blood cell count, also need to be managed through regular blood routine monitoring and necessary drug or nutritional intervention.

In addition, some patients may experience adverse reactions such as blurred vision, swelling, or fatigue. Vision problems generally appear in the early stages of medication and can be alleviated by avoiding night driving, using eye protection lamps and resting the eyes; edema can be improved by limiting salt intake, raising lower limbs, or using diuretics under the guidance of a doctor; fatigue can be alleviated to a certain extent through regular work and rest, moderate exercise and nutritional supplements. Generally speaking, the side effects of crizotinib are mostly manageable, and the key lies in timely monitoring, early identification and scientific intervention.

In summary, crizotinib is effective in treating ALK or ROS1It has significant curative effect in positive non-small cell lung cancer, but patients may experience various side effects such as gastrointestinal reactions, abnormal liver function, affected heart function, and changes in the blood system during the medication. Through regular examinations, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, necessary drug intervention and close communication with doctors, adverse reactions can be effectively alleviated, ensuring that patients complete treatment safely and continuously, and ultimately achieving the goal of optimizing efficacy and quality of life.

Reference:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crizotinib