Gene fusions in non-small-cell lung cancer. (December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Lu-Lu; Wu, Yi-Long
• Is Part Of: Lung cancer management. Volume 1:Number 4(2012)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 292
• Publication Date: 2012-12
• Subjects: Lungs -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99424
• DOI: 10.2217/lmt.12.41
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-1966

Abstract

SUMMARY Over the past decade, treatments for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have rapidly evolved from histological to molecular treatments. EGFR mutation was the first identified molecular subset of NSCLC and defines a specific group of patients sensitive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. ALK rearrangements define another genetic subgroup of NSCLC that is highly responsive to targeted therapy. Advances in bioinformatics and sequencing technology have promoted the identification of genomic abnormalities in NSCLC. ROS1 and RET rearrangements are good examples. However, these genetic rearrangements are only prevalent at a relatively low level. It is important to establish a highly sensitive, specific and reproducible screening procedure. This review will focus on relatively common gene fusions in NSCLC and effective screening procedures.