Ceritinib 150 mg

A prescription oral anticancer drug called ceritanib 150 mg is mostly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It belongs to a class of drugs called ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) inhibitors, which are targeted therapies designed to block the activity of abnormal ALK proteins that drive cancer cell growth.

Ceritinib 150 mg is one of the available dosages and is often used in multi-tablet regimens based on the recommended daily intake. It offers flexibility in dose adjustments depending on patient tolerance and clinical need.

Mechanism of Action

Ceritinib is an ALK inhibitor that works by selectively blocking the activity of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase. ALK mutations or rearrangements, which are in charge of tumor growth and survival, are present in a subgroup of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

By inhibiting the ALK protein’s function, it disrupts intracellular signaling pathways necessary for cancer cell proliferation and survival. This leads to tumor cell death or growth inhibition, making Ceritinib an effective option for ALK-positive patients, especially those who have developed resistance to other ALK inhibitors like crizotinib.

Ceritinib is particularly valuable in patients whose cancer has spread to the brain, as it has demonstrated central nervous system (CNS) activity, a crucial benefit in managing advanced-stage disease.

Indications and Uses

The main conditions for which ceritanib is utilized include:

1. Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Patients with ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) identified by an FDA-approved test are eligible to receive. It may be used as:

• First-line treatment in newly diagnosed patients

• Patients who have advanced on crizotinib or who are intolerant to it should receive second-line therapy.

This targeted therapy is particularly effective in patients with CNS metastases and offers improved outcomes over traditional chemotherapy.

Dosage and Administration

Recommended Dosage:

• Standard dose: 450 mg orally once daily with food

• As an alternative, take 750 mg once daily without food (older regimen).

• Ceritinib 150 mg tablets are taken in combination to meet the full dosage (e.g., 3 tablets of 150 mg = 450 mg)

Administration Guidelines:

• Take the tablets daily at the same time.

• Avoid breaking, chewing, or crushing the tablets.

• To lessen gastrointestinal adverse effects, take with food.

Dose Adjustments:

Doses may be reduced in 150 mg increments (e.g., to 300 mg, 150 mg) based on:

• Side effects

• Liver or kidney function

• Other medications taken concurrently

Benefits of Ceritinib 150 mg

✅ Precision-targeted therapy for ALK-positive lung cancer
✅ Effective even in brain metastases
✅ Improves progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy
✅ Flexible dosing with 150 mg tablets
✅ Oral administration – no hospital infusions
✅ Useful for patients resistant to other ALK inhibitors

Clinical Efficacy

Ceritinib has demonstrated clinical efficacy in pivotal trials such as:

ASCEND Trials (ASCEND-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)

Ceritinib was assessed in both treatment-naïve and pre-treated NSCLC patients in these trials, and the results demonstrated:

• Higher overall response rate (ORR) compared to chemotherapy

• Longer median progression-free survival (PFS)

• Durable response in patients with brain metastases

• Improved quality of life

As a result, gained regulatory approval in many countries and is included in treatment guidelines globally.

Side Effects

As with all targeted therapies, Ceritinib may cause side effects. The 150 mg dose allows for precise titration to help manage these effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Decreased appetite

• Constipation

Serious Side Effects:

• Liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity)

• QT prolongation (heart rhythm abnormality)

• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

• Interstitial lung disease (ILD)

• Pancreatitis

Regular blood glucose checks, ECGs, and liver function tests should all be part of a patient’s close monitoring.

Warnings and Precautions

Ceritinib may not be suitable for all patients. Important precautions include:

• Liver impairment: Monitor LFTs regularly

• Cardiac risk: Use caution in patients with pre-existing heart conditions

• Pancreatic risk: Check amylase and lipase if symptoms develop

• Gastrointestinal side effects: Can be severe without food

• Pregnancy & lactation: Can harm a developing fetus; not recommended during breastfeeding

Contraception: Effective birth control is recommended during treatment and for at least 3 months after the final dose.

Drug Interactions

Ceritinib is metabolized by CYP3A4, so interactions with other drugs are possible.

Avoid with:

• Strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) – may increase Ceritinib levels

• Strong CYP3A inducers, such as phenytoin and rifampin, may lessen effectiveness.

• Drugs that prolong QT interval – increases heart rhythm risks

Always let your doctor know about all of the drugs and supplements you take.

Storage and Handling

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F)

• Keep in its original container to shield it from light and moisture.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets

• Do not use expired medication

Patient Monitoring

Routine monitoring is critical to ensure safety and efficacy. Your doctor may:

• Order blood tests to monitor liver enzymes and blood sugar

• Perform ECG tests for heart rhythm monitoring

• Assess for lung symptoms suggestive of ILD

• Track tumor response via imaging (CT/MRI scans)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Ceritinib used for?

Ceritinib is used to treat ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, especially in patients who are newly diagnosed or have failed prior therapy.

2. How long do I need to take Ceritinib?

Ceritinib is typically given until the condition worsens or the toxicity becomes intolerable. Your physician will oversee and direct the course of treatment.

4. Does Ceritinib cure lung cancer?

No, it does not cure, but it significantly controls tumor growth and improves quality of life in eligible patients.

5. Can I take Ceritinib with food?

Yes, it should be taken with food to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Why Ceritinib 150 mg?

Ceritinib 150 mg tablets provide a flexible dosing option for patients requiring specific regimens. It allows oncologists to:

• Adjust doses incrementally

• Minimize side effects by titrating the total daily dose

• Combine with other medications safely

• Simplify administration for patients

Its oral format, efficacy in CNS metastases, and targeted mechanism make an important part of personalized lung cancer therapy.

Conclusion

One very successful targeted treatment for people with ALK-positive NSCLC is ceritinib 150 mg. By selectively inhibiting the abnormal ALK protein, Ceritinib halts cancer cell growth and offers substantial clinical benefits, especially in cases with resistance to other ALK inhibitors or brain metastases.

With careful monitoring, dose adjustments, and patient support, Ceritinib can be a life-extending treatment option for advanced lung cancer patients. Its inclusion in major treatment guidelines highlights its reliability, versatility, and clinical value in modern oncology.