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Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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New strategies for treatment of ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancers

Takaaki Sasaki1, Pasi A Jänne

  • 1Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.

Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|October 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are treatable with crizotinib. This review covers diagnosis, treatment, and overcoming acquired resistance to ALK inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oncogenic alterations are revolutionizing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) care.
  • Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements occur in 3-7% of NSCLC patients.
  • Crizotinib, an ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved for ALK-rearranged NSCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic and treatment strategies for ALK-rearranged NSCLC.
  • To discuss mechanisms of acquired resistance to crizotinib.
  • To explore strategies for overcoming acquired resistance to ALK inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic and treatment approaches for ALK-rearranged NSCLC.
  • Analysis of current knowledge on acquired resistance mechanisms to crizotinib.
  • Discussion of emerging clinical strategies to overcome drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • Crizotinib shows clinical efficacy in ALK-rearranged NSCLC.
  • Challenges include optimal diagnosis and managing acquired resistance.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Effective diagnosis and treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC are critical.
  • Acquired resistance to crizotinib presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • Ongoing research aims to develop strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.

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