Crizotinib for previously treated anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Crizotinib has a marketing authorisation in the UK which includes 'adults with previously treated ALK-positive advanced non-small-cell lung cancer'.

The summary of product characteristics lists the following as the most common adverse reactions associated with crizotinib: visual disorder, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, oedema, fatigue, decreased appetite, neutropenia, elevated aminotransferases, anaemia, leukopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dizziness, bradycardia, abdominal pain and rash. For full details of adverse reactions and contraindications, see the summary of product characteristics.

The recommended dosage of crizotinib is 250 mg twice daily.

The list price of crizotinib is £4,689 for 60 capsules (excluding VAT; BNF online, accessed October 2016). The company has agreed a patient access scheme with the Department of Health. This scheme provides a simple discount to the list price of crizotinib, with the discount applied at the point of purchase or invoice. The level of the discount is commercial in confidence. The Department of Health considered that this patient access scheme does not constitute an excessive administrative burden on the NHS.