Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase which becomes oncogenic and drives tumor growth in multiple tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We discuss the pathophysiology of ALK in NSCLC, which is driven predominantly by ALK gene rearrangements. We review the various methods of molecular testing for ALK gene rearrangements in NSCLC, and their limitations.
Oral Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the ALK pathway have been rapidly developed in the past 10 years. These drugs are well tolerated and offer prolonged disease control. We highlight the most up-to-date clinical data for each of the agents currently available which target the ALK pathway, and discuss adverse events associated with each agent. We discuss mechanisms of resistance to the ALK-targeted TKIs, and options for treatment at disease progression. READ ARTICLE
Encyclopedia of Respiratory Medicine (Second Edition) DOI:10.1016/B978-0-12-801238-3.11701-5
Authors: Maria Coakley, Sanjay Popat
