Comparison of EML4-ALK fusion gene positive rate in different detection methods and samples of non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: To evaluate differences of EML4-ALK positive rates in tissues samples between immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and the next-generation sequencing method. Besides, to compare the differences of EML4-ALK positive rates in blood samples and tissue samples by next-generation sequencing. The results provide a basis for the selection of a suitable EML4-ALK fusion gene detection method. Conclusion: Among the three methods for detecting EML4-ALK, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction has the highest positive rate, followed by immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing has the lowest positive rate. The positive detection rate of EML4-ALK in tissue samples by next-generation sequencing was higher than that in blood samples. READ ARTICLE

Journal of Cancer DOI:10.7150/jca.36580

Authors: Shan Lu, Can Lu, YuXuan Xiao, Wei Zhu, QiuYan He, Bin Xie, JianHua Zhou, YongGuang Tao, Shuang Liu, DeSheng Xiao

Real-World OutcomesKirk SmithJanuary 14, 2020EML4-ALK fusion gene, immunohistochemistry (IHC), next-generation sequencing (ngs), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR)

ALK immunohistochemistry positive, FISH negative NSCLC is infrequent, but associated with impaired survival following treatment with crizotinib

Objective: Metastasized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement is usually sensitive to a range of ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. ALK-positive NSCLC have been identified in pivotal phase III trials with fluorescence in situ hybridization (ALK FISH+). These tumors are also expressing the fusion product (ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC)+). However, discrepant cases occur, including ALK IHC + FISH-. The aim of this study was to collect ALK IHC + cases and compare within this group response to crizotinib treatment of ALK FISH + cases with ALK FISH- cases. Conclusion: ALK IHC + FISH- NSCLC is infrequent and associated with a worse outcome on personalized treatment. A suitable predictive testing strategy may be to screen first with IHC and then confirm with FISH instead of considering ALK IHC equivalent to ALK FISH according to the current guidelines. READ ARTICLE

Lung Cancer DOI:10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.09.023

Authors: E. Thunnissen, B.I. Lissenberg-Witte, M.M. van den Heuvel, K. Monkhorst, B.G. Skov, J.B. Sørensen, A. Mellemgaard, A.M.C. Dingemans, E.J.M. Speel, A.J. de Langen, S.M.S. Hashemi, I. Bahce, M.A. van der Drift, M.G. Looijen-Salamon, J. Gosney, P.E. Postmus, S.M.S. Samii, F Duplaquet, B. Weynand, X. Durando, F. Penault-Llorca, S. Finn, A.O Grady, B. Oz, N. Akyurek, R. Buettner, J. Wolf, L. Bubendorf, S. Duin, I. Marondel, L.C. Heukamp, W. Timens, E.M.D. Schuuring, P. Pauwels, E.F. Smit

Real-World OutcomesKirk SmithOctober 3, 2019Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ALK, immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), treatment, prognosis