What is ALK Positive Lung Cancer?
ALK-positive (ALK+) lung cancer most often starts in the lungs, but it can also start in other parts of the body. It happens when one of your ALK genes latches on (fuses) to another gene by mistake. That creates an abnormality – called an ALK gene fusion – that sends out faulty signals, making cancer cells grow. Cancer happens when these abnormal cells multiply out of control. Scientists aren’t sure why some people develop ALK+ cancer.
Learn about the risks, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, outlook and treatments for ALK-positive cancer.
About ALK Genes and Cancer
Within every cell in every person’s body are a pair of ALK genes. (ALK stands for “anaplastic lymphoma kinase.”) Scientists don’t fully understand everything that the ALK gene does in the human body. But studies suggest that during fetal development, ALK helps the nervous system and perhaps other cells and tissues to develop.
ALK Gene Fusion
After birth, ALK gene activity normally turns off. For unknown reasons, the ALK genes sometimes turn back on in some people. This happens when an ALK gene fuses to another gene by mistake and starts churning out an abnormal (mutant) protein. The protein sends signals that turn healthy cells into cancerous ones and tells them to multiply and spread out of control. As cancer cells multiply, their genes become more unstable causing more growth-promoting gene changes.
Who gets ALK+ Cancer
About 5% of people with NSCLC in Western populations have tumors with an ALK fusion. Scientists don’t know who is at risk for developing ALK+ cancer. ALK gene fusions don’t appear to run in families. And ALK+ cancer mainly affects younger adults with no known risk factors for cancer. The good news is that doctors today can test tumors for this ALK gene fusion and prescribe medicines that address ALK+ cancer at its source. With modern testing and treatment, people with ALK+ cancers are thriving and surviving longer than ever.
ALK+ STATISTICS
More people are living with ALK+
There is currently no cure for ALK+ lung cancer. However, new research, treatments, and findings are emerging regularly, making it possible for people to live longer with their cancer.
70,000
new cases of ALK+ NSCLC each year worldwide, many of whom go undiagnosed.
50-90%
patients respond well to approved ALK inhibitors once diagnosed.
~6x Longer
On average, patients are living longer thanks to ALK inhibitors.
JUST DIAGNOSED?
Three Important Steps for Everyone with Lung Cancer
Ask About Biomarker Testing
Medical guidelines in the United States and around the world now recommend that all patients with lung cancer be tested for ALK and other treatable biomarkers.
Explore ALK+ Treatment Options
Targeted therapies are in a category of cancer therapies that are designed to attack a specific part (target) of the cancer cell. One type of targeted therapy is called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
Support and Education
Connect with our global community of ~8,000 patients and caregivers and gain access to insights from top ALK+ cancer specialists.
HEAR FROM PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALK+
“Don’t keep the information hidden—share your story. The more people who hear your story, the more people you have in your corner. Sharing your story will spread the word that we need more research.”
READ DAN’S STORY
PATIENT STUDIES
ALK Research is Bringing Hope to Families
Since ALK+ lung cancer was discovered in 2007, researchers have launched many studies to learn more about patients affected by this disease. The largest one was created by our own organization. Together, we can learn more about ALK+ disease and continue to improve outcomes!
