About ALK+ Lung Cancer
ALK+ lung cancer is a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumors that test positive for an ALK gene fusion (also called an “ALK gene rearrangement”).
For unknown reasons, this gene defect most commonly develops in young- to middle-aged, non-smoking adults. As a result, it makes cancer cells grow and multiply in the lungs—usually without any symptoms until the cancer has spread. Most ALK+ lung cancers start in the mucous lining of the lungs (adenocarcinoma).
Predicting ALK+ Lung Cancer
Most cases of ALK+ lung cancer are still diagnosed after it has spread to other areas, such as the liver or brain. For now, there is no way to predict who will get ALK+ lung cancer or proven ways to help prevent it.
Today, early lung cancer screening is only recommended for current or former smokers ages 50 and up. That doesn’t apply to most people who develop ALK+ lung cancer. While NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer overall, only 5% of all patients with NSCLC have the ALK+ kind.
The good news is that it is one of the most treatable forms of lung cancer today. But more widespread testing for the ALK gene fusion and modern treatments are helping patients today survive much longer with this cancer. In addition, our organization and researchers around the world are working to develop even better treatments to improve quality of life and survival.
ALK+ STATISTICS
Who Gets ALK+ Lung Cancer Most Often?
Younger Adults
50% of ALK+ cancer patients are diagnosed before age 50, and some in their teens or 20s.
Non-Smokers
2 out of 3 people diagnosed with ALK+ lung cancer have never smoked tobacco.
No Risk Factors
It’s not known to be inherited, and health, diet, and exposure to toxins don’t seem to play a role.
BEYOND THE BASICS
Learn more about how ALK and other gene mutations drive cancer.
Dr. Lecia Sequist discusses ALK rearrangements which are a type of gene mutation that can occur in non-small cell lung cancer. Knowing whether your lung cancer is ALK-positive can help your doctor determine which treatments will work best for you.
Other Types of ALK+ Cancer
Although much less common, ALK+ cancers can also start outside the lungs, including:
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
A rare and sometimes aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that more often affects children than adults. With this cancer, the body’s germ-fighting white blood cells grow out of control. More than 80% of ALCL tumors in children are ALK positive, and more than 50% in adults with this cancer.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs)
A rare cancer that involves cells of the smooth muscles and connective tissues. IMTs usually starts in the lungs, abdomen, or pelvis. They mostly affect children and young adults. While this cancer doesn’t often spread (metastasize), the tumors can come back after removal. About 50% of IMTs are ALK positive.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is the most common tumor of the sympathetic nervous system (97%) and the most common cancer during infancy. The median age of diagnosis is 17 months of age. It accounts for 15% of pediatric cancer-related deaths. ALK point mutations are found in about 10% of patients with neuroblastoma. At relapse, ALK mutations are found in about 18% of these patients.
Very rarely, the ALK gene can be expressed in other tumor types including melanoma, glioblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, astrocytoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, retinoblastoma, kidney cancer, breast cancer, colon carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Related Content
Testing for ALK+ Lung Cancer
With biomarker testing, your doctor can find out if your lung cancer is positive for ALK or other gene errors.
Treating ALK+ Lung Cancer
Patients today can significantly benefit from targeted therapies that treat ALK+ lung cancer at its source.
Just Diagnosed With ALK+?
Learn about managing and adjusting to life with ALK+ lung cancer.