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What Is Alecensa?

Alecensa is a prescription kinase inhibitor containing alectinib. It is approved for adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Current labeling covers adjuvant treatment after removal of certain ALK-positive tumors that are at least 4 cm or node positive and treatment of ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC. An FDA-approved test is used to confirm ALK-positive disease.

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What Is Alecensa?

Alecensa is a prescription kinase inhibitor containing alectinib. It is approved for adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Current labeling covers adjuvant treatment after removal of certain ALK-positive tumors that are at least 4 cm or node positive and treatment of ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC. An FDA-approved test is used to confirm ALK-positive disease.

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How Does Alecensa Act on ALK-Positive Cancer Cells?

Alectinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets ALK and RET. Laboratory studies show that it inhibits ALK phosphorylation and downstream signaling proteins, including STAT3 and AKT. This activity reduces viability in cancer cells carrying susceptible ALK alterations. Its active metabolite, M4, has similar activity against ALK in laboratory testing.

Who Receives Alecensa After Lung Cancer Surgery?

Alecensa is approved as adjuvant treatment for adults after complete tumor resection when ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer meets labeled criteria. The resected tumor must be at least 4 cm or node positive, and ALK status is confirmed with an FDA-approved test. Alecensa is also approved for adults with ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

How Should Alecensa Capsules Be Taken?

The recommended dose is 600 mg by mouth twice daily with food. Capsules are swallowed whole and should not be opened or dissolved. For adjuvant treatment after tumor resection, therapy continues for two years or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity. For metastatic disease, treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Severe liver impairment requires a lower starting dose.

Which Serious Reactions Are Associated With Alecensa?

Serious risks include liver injury, interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, kidney impairment, slow heart rate, severe muscle injury, hemolytic anemia, and fetal harm. Current August 2026 labeling also warns about severe hypertriglyceridemia leading to pancreatitis. Liver tests, heart rate, blood pressure, creatine phosphokinase, and triglycerides are checked at specified points during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alecensa

Is Alecensa chemotherapy?

Alecensa is a targeted kinase inhibitor rather than traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. It targets ALK and RET signaling.

Does Alecensa treat metastatic lung cancer?

Yes. Alecensa is approved for adults with ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer confirmed by an FDA-approved test.

Should Alecensa be taken with food?

Yes. The current label directs patients to take Alecensa twice daily with food and swallow the capsules whole.

How long is Alecensa taken after surgery?

For labeled adjuvant treatment, Alecensa is taken for two years or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity.

References

ALECENSA (alectinib) Prescribing Information. https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/alecensa_prescribing.pdf. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

Alectinib. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616007.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

Alectinib. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/alectinib. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

DailyMed - ALECENSA (alectinib hydrochloride) Capsule. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=42c49deb-713b-427a-9670-08af08adcffb. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

FDA Label - ALECENSA (alectinib) Capsules. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/208434Orig1s016lbl.pdf. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.