crizotinib

Definition of crizotinib

crizotinib (krih-ZOH-tih-nib): A drug used to treat certain types of ALK-positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors in adults and children aged 1 year and older, ALK-positive systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma in young adults and children aged 1 year and older, and ALK-positive or ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Crizotinib blocks certain proteins made by the ALK and ROS1 genes, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called Xalkori.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms