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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
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ALK gene alterations in cancer: biological aspects and therapeutic implications

Raffaele Palmirotta1, Davide Quaresmini1, Domenica Lovero1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy.

Pharmacogenomics
|January 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) plays a key role in cancer development. ALK-targeting inhibitors offer effective treatment, but resistance necessitates next-generation therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) was initially identified in anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
  • ALK abnormalities are implicated in the development and progression of various cancers.
  • Recent research has elucidated ALK's role in oncogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of ALK-driven cancers.
  • To summarize diagnostic approaches and ALK-targeting inhibitors.
  • To discuss resistance mechanisms and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of ALK-driven cancers.
  • Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database for mutation frequency.
  • Evaluation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors' efficacy and resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • Precision medicine has led to effective ALK-targeting inhibitors.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for treatment.
  • Next-generation treatments are being developed to overcome resistance.

Conclusions:

  • ALK-driven cancers represent a significant area for targeted therapy.
  • Continuous research is needed to address therapeutic failures and resistance.
  • Future strategies will focus on overcoming resistance to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
ALKALK inhibitorsALK rearrangementsacquired resistance to ALK inhibitorstargeted therapy

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