crizotinib + pembrolizumab

Crizotinib + pembrolizumab is an investigational combination therapy consisting of two distinct agents: crizotinib, a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting ALK, ROS1, and MET kinases; and pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint. This combination has been studied primarily in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring ALK rearrangements or MET overexpression. The rationale for combining these agents is to leverage targeted inhibition of oncogenic drivers with immune checkpoint blockade to enhance antitumor activity. Early-phase clinical studies have explored safety and preliminary efficacy but were terminated early due to slow accrual as newer-generation ALK inhibitors became available. The most common toxicity observed was elevated transaminases. Preclinical data suggest that this combination may restore sensitivity to immunotherapy in tumors resistant to PD-1 blockade alone[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

crizotinib plus pembrolizumabcrizotinib and pembrolizumab combination