ALK rearrangements, t(2p23)
Identification of ALK (2p23) rearrangements is indicated as predictive marker for treatment response with ALK molecule inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ALK rearrangements often appear in one subset of patients with NSCLC. These patients share many of the clinical features with EGFR mutated NSCL patients. However, with few exceptions, ALK translocations and EGFR mutations are mutually exclusive. ALK translocations are more common in advanced stages in younger patients. They are also more frequent in non-smokers or occasional smokers than in smokers.
Studies with crizotinib show a remarkable response rate in patients with ALK rearrangement and this drug has already been approved by the FDA. FISH technique is the only test that has been associated with the response to crizotinib.
References
- O’Bryant CL, et al. (2013) Ann Pharmacother. 47(2):189-97.
- Bettio D, et al. (2012) Exp Ther Med 4(6):1032-1034.
- Pillai RN, et al. (2012) Curr Oncol Rep 14(2):105-10.
- Kwak EL, et al. (2010) N Engl J Med 316: 1693 -1710.
