Locally Advanced Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Treated With Targeted Therapy: A Case Report and Literature...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Pathology

Background:

• Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are characterized by genetic alterations, notably anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements.
• Other molecular targets in IMTs include ROS1, NTRK, and PDGFR, influencing therapeutic strategies.

Observation:

• This case report details a patient with locally advanced pulmonary IMT harboring an ALK rearrangement.
• The patient received neoadjuvant-intent crizotinib, an ALK-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).

Findings:

• The patient exhibited a highly favorable response to crizotinib, leading to the decision to forgo surgery.
• A comprehensive review of published IMT cases treated with systemic therapy, including duration and outcomes, is presented.

Implications:

• ALK-targeted TKIs represent an effective treatment for advanced or metastatic ALK-rearranged IMTs.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal duration and sequencing of TKI therapy due to limited data.