NCIt definition : An orally available inhibitor of both the receptor tyrosine kinase anaplastic lymphoma
kinase (ALK) and the tropomyosin-related kinases (TRK) TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC, with
potential antineoplastic activity. Upon oral administration, belizatinib binds to
and inhibits both ALK and TRK kinases. The inhibition leads to disruption of ALK-
and TRK-mediated signaling and impedes tumor cell growth in ALK/TRK-overexpressing
tumor cells. ALK belongs to the insulin receptor superfamily and plays an important
role in nervous system development; ALK dysregulation and gene rearrangements are
associated with a series of tumors. TRK, a family of receptor tyrosine kinases activated
by neurotrophins, is mutated in a variety of cancer cell types and plays an important
role in tumor cell growth and survival.;