ALK fusion (EML4-ALK)
A gene fusion that opens the ALK inhibitor category and is discussed across treatment lines in non-small-cell lung cancer.
Parent marker: ALK
Not a diagnosis and not final medical advice. Must be reviewed by a doctor.
Clinical meaning
The ALK fusion produces a continuously active growth signal. This group is discussed with ALK inhibitors, with special consideration to brain involvement because some drugs penetrate the blood-brain barrier better.
How this finding appears in a report
Examined by ALK immunohistochemistry, FISH, or sequencing panel. Results need to state the method used.
When therapy stops working
Changes such as G1202R and L1196M are often sought when ALK therapy stops working.
What needs verification
- Complete variant name as written in the laboratory report.
- Examination methods and types of samples used.
- Examination dates were compared with ongoing therapy.
Marker context: ALK
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.
A negative result does not always mean absent
Summary
- Gen
- ALK
- Variant
- EML4-ALK rearrangement
- Alteration type
- Fusion
- Discussed in
- Lung Cancer
- Updated
- 2026-09-10
Other names in reports
ALK fusion, EML4-ALK
Drugs discussed
Treatment categories
Related guides
Sources
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms(lembaga)
- ClinicalTrials.gov(registry)
Next steps
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Next to learn
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