Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
07:59

Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

Targeted therapy for NSCLC: ALK inhibition

Rachel Pearson1, Jill M Kolesar

  • 1Division of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice : Official Publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
|August 17, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) inhibitors like crizotinib show promise for ALK-positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Early studies indicate a 57% response rate, with manageable side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements are key drivers in a subset of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
  • Identifying patients with ALK mutations is crucial for targeted therapy selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging data on ALK receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
  • To discuss their efficacy in ALK mutation-positive NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trial data and published literature on ALK inhibitors.
  • Analysis of response rates and toxicity profiles.

Main Results:

  • ALK mutations occur in 2.4-13% of NSCLC patients, particularly in adenocarcinomas and never/light smokers.
  • Crizotinib, an ALK and MET inhibitor, demonstrated a 57% overall response rate in a Phase II study.
  • Common toxicities included fatigue and visual disturbances; liver function test elevations were also noted.

Conclusions:

  • Crizotinib represents a potential effective therapy for ALK-mutated NSCLC.
  • Ongoing trials are comparing crizotinib to standard chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic disease.

More Related Videos

Profiling Sensitivity to Targeted Therapies in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patient-Derived Organoids08:52

Profiling Sensitivity to Targeted Therapies in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patient-Derived Organoids

Published on: November 22, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...