ALK

Plain explanation

ALK fusion occurs when two genes fuse and produce abnormal growth signals. These markers are not inherited and cannot be seen from family history; This marker is found through examination of tumor tissue.

Clinical meaning

The presence of ALK fusion opens up a category of specific oral targeted therapies. ALK examination is generally carried out in conjunction with examination of other markers at the time of diagnosis of advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Testing methods

• ALK immunohistochemistry

  A staining test to detect ALK protein in tumour tissue.

• FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation)

  A test that detects changes in the number or arrangement of genetic material in tumour cells.

• Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

  A test that reads many genes from one tumour sample to find actionable changes.

• Tumour tissue biopsy

  Collection of tumour tissue to confirm the diagnosis and provide material for further testing.

What needs verification

Related drugs

• Alectinib

  Second generation ALK inhibitors

• Brigatinib

  Second generation ALK inhibitors

• Lorlatinib

  Third generation ALK/ROS1 inhibitor

• Crizotinib

  ALK/ROS1/MET inhibitor

• Ceritinib

  Second generation ALK inhibitors

A link here means the marker is often part of considering a drug category, not a recommendation to use it.

Guides discussing this marker

• Understanding clinical trials: terms, phases, and how to check early fit7 min read
• Understanding biomarkers without heavy jargon7 min read

Written to help prepare questions and documents, not to replace a doctor's assessment.

Discussed in cancers

• Lung Cancer

Treatment categories

• Targeted therapy

Sources