Biomarkers
ALK Rearrangement
Also known as: ALK fusion, ALK-positive, EML4-ALK
Definition
A genetic abnormality where the ALK gene fuses with another gene, creating an oncogenic driver mutation found in about 3-5% of non-small cell lung cancers.
Detailed Explanation
ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) rearrangements cause cells to produce an abnormal ALK protein that drives cancer growth. ALK-positive lung cancer typically occurs in younger patients and non-smokers. Targeted ALK inhibitors can effectively treat these cancers with often dramatic responses.