Diagnostic assays for identification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive non–small cell lung cancer. Issue 8 (20th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weickhardt, Andrew J.; Aisner, Dara L.; Franklin, Wilbur A.; Varella‐Garcia, Marileila; Doebele, Robert C.; Camidge, D. Ross
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 119:Issue 8(2013)
• Page Start: 1467
• Page End: 1477
• Publication Date: 2012-12-20
• Subjects: crizotinib -- non–small cell lung cancer -- anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) -- gene rearrangements -- fluorescence in situ hybridization; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.27913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract: In series dominated by adenocarcinoma histology, approximately 5% of non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harbor an anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK ) gene rearrangement. Crizotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with significant activity against ALK, has demonstrated high response rates and prolonged progression‐free survival in ALK‐positive patients enrolled in phase 1/2 clinical trials. In 2011, crizotinib received accelerated approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of proven ALK‐positive NSCLC using an FDA‐approved diagnostic test. Currently, only break‐apart fluorescence in situ hybridization testing is FDA approved as a companion diagnostic for crizotinib; however, many other assays are available or in development. In the current review, the authors summarize the diagnostic tests available, or likely to become available, that could be used to identify patients with ALK‐positive NSCLC, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society. Abstract : There is a range of diagnostic tests for the detection of anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK ) gene rearrangements in non–small cell lung cancer, and each test has its own benefits and weaknesses. In this review, the authors summarize ALK testing methodologies for clinicians and pathologists.