Alecensa^®

(alectinib)

Pronounced Al-ess-en-za

Alecensa, also known as alectinib, is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of lung cancer called anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

About 5% of NSCLC cases are ALK+, which means there is a rearrangement in a gene called the ALK gene. This produces an abnormal type of protein that causes cells to grow and spread.

Alecensa belongs to a group of cancer medicines, called ALK inhibitors, that block ALK activity. It comes in the form of 150mg capsules and the recommended dosage is four capsules twice a day.

Have you been tested for ALK+ NSCLC?

To establish if an ALK mutation (gene rearrangement) is causing your lung cancer, your doctor needs to request a special type of genetic test designed to detect if the ALK gene rearrangement is present in your tumour. If the ALK gene rearrangement is detected, Alecensa is likely to be a suitable treatment for your cancer.
If you’re not sure if you’ve had one of these tests, talk to your doctor who will be able to advise you.

Clinical trial data

In a large clinical trial called the ALEX study, Alecensa was compared to crizotinib (another medication used to treat ALK+ lung cancer), in people newly diagnosed with advanced or metastatic ALK+ NSCLC.

The study found that Alecensa delayed cancer growth for longer and was more effective at preventing the cancer from spreading to the brain

In a large clinical trial called the ALINA study, Alecensa was compared to chemotherapy in people who had early ALK+ NSCLC removed by surgery. The treatment was given after surgery (adjuvant).

The study showed that taking Alecensa after surgery was more effective at preventing the cancer from returning than standard chemotherapy.

Possible side effects of Alecensa

All medicines can have side effects. You’ll find a list of possible side effects in the Consumer Medicines Information here.

Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information about how Alecensa works and what you can expect from treatment with Alecensa visit the Younity website here.

How to access Alecensa

Alecensa is fully funded by PHARMAC for patients with ALK-positive locally advanced or metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) NSCLC who meet pre-defined criteria.

Alecensa is not PHARMAC funded for early ALK-positive NSCLC patients following surgery (adjuvant treatment). This means patients in this group will have to pay for this medicine. Paying for treatment requires careful thought, but there are financial options that may help you fund private treatment.

Ready to take the next step?

Because every situation is different, it’s important to speak to your doctor to find out if Alecensa is right for you.

If you’re now considering treatment with Alecensa:

We’ve put together a discussion guide to help you begin a conversation with your doctor. Print it off, take it along to your next appointment, and take notes in the spaces provided.