~27 spots leftby Jan 2026

Alectinib vs Crizotinib for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (ALEX Trial)

Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May be covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 3
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)
Prior Safety Data
Breakthrough Therapy

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial compares two medications, alectinib and crizotinib, for treating a specific type of advanced lung cancer. The patients have not received any prior treatment for their cancer. Both drugs work by blocking a protein that helps the cancer cells grow. Alectinib has shown superior effectiveness and fewer side effects compared to crizotinib in treating this type of lung cancer.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for ALK, who haven't had treatment before. They should be generally healthy, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and willing to use effective contraception. People can't join if they've taken certain drugs recently, have serious health issues affecting the study or drug absorption, a history of severe allergies to trial drugs' ingredients, or other cancers within 3 years.

Inclusion Criteria

My lung cancer is advanced or has returned, and tests show it's ALK-positive.
I am able to get out of my bed or chair and move around.
I have advanced lung cancer and haven't received any systemic treatment for it.
I am not pregnant.
My cancer can be measured using specific criteria before starting the study treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a stomach or liver condition.
My heart's electrical activity (QTc) is over 470 milliseconds, or I have slow heartbeat symptoms.
I am allergic to ingredients in alectinib or crizotinib.
I have experienced severe side effects from previous cancer treatments, except for hair loss.
I haven't taken strong drugs that affect liver enzymes in the last 14 days.
I have had cancer within the last 3 years.
I have had an organ transplant.

Treatment Details

The study compares two oral medications: Alectinib (600 mg twice daily) versus Crizotinib (250 mg twice daily), in people with untreated ALK-positive advanced NSCLC. Participants are randomly assigned to one of these treatments until their disease worsens or they experience unacceptable side effects.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: AlectinibExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will receive alectinib from Visit 0 (baseline) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent or death.
Group II: CrizotinibActive Control1 Intervention
Participants will receive crizotinib from Visit 0 (baseline) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent or death.
Alectinib is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Alecensa for:
  • Metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Adjuvant treatment following tumor resection in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC
🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as Alecensa for:
  • Metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Adjuvant treatment following tumor resection in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC

Find a clinic near you

Research locations nearbySelect from list below to view details:
Banner MD Anderson Cancer CenterGreeley, CO
Columbia University Medical CenterBronx, NY
Banner MD Anderson Cancer CenterGilbert, AZ
Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; UC Irvine Medical CenterOrange, CA
More Trial Locations
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Who is running the clinical trial?

Hoffmann-La RocheLead Sponsor

References