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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
Status of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) in malignant mesothelioma
Serena Varesano1, Claudio Leo, Simona Boccardo
1Division of Histopathology and Cytopathology, PO Sant'Andrea ASL5., Via Mario Asso n. 2. 19124 La Spezia, Italy. silvio.roncella@asl5.liguria.it.
Background:
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a particularly aggressive type of primary tumor, associated with exposure to asbestos, and characterized by high mortality. To date, there is no curative therapy for MM. The receptor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was found to be mutated in many cases of cancer and used as a target in biological therapies. We investigated whether this pharmacological treatment could also be applicable to MM.
Materials And Methods:
The state of ALK was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization in 63 MM tissue specimens.
Results:
None of the 63 MM samples showed overexpression or translocation of ALK.
Conclusion:
Our preliminary data exclude the utility of analysis of the ALK gene in MM and suggest that ALK inhibitor therapy is not applicable to MM.
Insights
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) targeted therapy is not applicable to malignant mesothelioma (MM). Our study found no ALK mutations in 63 MM tissue samples, excluding ALK gene analysis utility.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure with high mortality.
- Current treatments for MM lack curative options.
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations are targeted in various cancers, offering potential therapeutic avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential utility of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) targeted therapy in malignant mesothelioma (MM).
- To determine the presence and relevance of ALK alterations in MM.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization were employed.
- Sixty-three malignant mesothelioma tissue specimens were analyzed for ALK status.
Main Results:
- None of the 63 analyzed MM samples exhibited ALK overexpression.
- No ALK translocations were detected in the studied MM cohort.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary data suggest that ALK gene analysis is not beneficial for MM.
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor therapy is not indicated for malignant mesothelioma treatment.
