avelumab + crizotinib

Avelumab + crizotinib is a combination therapy consisting of avelumab, a human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, and crizotinib, an ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor. This combination was investigated in the JAVELIN Lung 101 trial for patients with ALK-negative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The rationale behind this combination was based on preclinical data suggesting potential synergistic activity between checkpoint inhibitors and ALK inhibitors in NSCLC. However, in clinical trials, the maximum tolerated dose was exceeded at avelumab 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks plus crizotinib 250 mg twice daily orally, with 42% of patients experiencing dose-limiting toxicities.