[Crizotinib for ROS1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer patients]

Charlotte Domblides1, Martine Antoine2, Armelle Lavole1

  • 1GH HUEP, AP-HP, hôpital Tenon, service de pneumologie, 4, rue de la Chine, 75970 Paris, France.

Bulletin Du Cancer
|February 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

ROS1 fusions, rare in non-smokers, drive cancer by activating tyrosine kinase. Targeted therapies like crizotinib offer new treatment options for ROS1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • ROS1 rearrangements are rare genetic alterations found in specific cancer types.
  • These fusions lead to constitutive activation of ROS1 tyrosine kinase, promoting uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis.
  • The oncogenic role of ROS1 rearrangements has been established in preclinical and clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the oncogenic role of ROS1 rearrangements.
  • To discuss diagnostic methods for identifying ROS1 alterations.
  • To outline current and emerging treatment strategies for patients with ROS1-rearranged cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ROS1 rearrangements.
  • Analysis of preclinical data on ROS1-driven tumorigenesis.
  • Review of clinical trial data for targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • ROS1 rearrangements activate downstream signaling pathways implicated in cancer development.
  • Various fusion partners for ROS1 have been identified, influencing oncogenic activity.
  • Targeted therapies, such as crizotinib, have demonstrated efficacy in patients with ROS1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Conclusions:

  • ROS1 rearrangements represent a distinct molecular subtype of NSCLC with a clear oncogenic driver.
  • Accurate diagnosis of ROS1 alterations is crucial for patient selection for targeted therapy.
  • Crizotinib is an effective treatment option for advanced ROS1-rearranged NSCLC, highlighting the success of precision medicine.