Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) in Posterior Cranial Fossa Tumors: A Scoping Review of Diagnostic, Prognostic, and...

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Pathology
• Cancer Genetics

Background:

• Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) is implicated in various human cancers.
• ALK alterations are increasingly recognized in primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
• The role of ALK in non-glial tumors of the posterior cranial fossa requires comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map existing literature on ALK involvement in posterior fossa non-glial tumors.
• To identify diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of ALK in these tumors.
• To consolidate findings on ALK pathology in specific posterior fossa neoplasms.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Inclusion criteria focused on ALK's role in primary CNS, non-glial posterior fossa tumors.
• Analysis of 16 selected manuscripts encompassing 55 patient cases.

Main Results:

• ALK alterations were identified in medulloblastoma, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, histiocytosis, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, and myxoid mesenchymal tumors.
• Immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis were used to investigate ALK pathology.
• Evidence suggests diagnostic and prognostic value for ALK assessment, with potential therapeutic implications.

Conclusions:

• ALK assessment holds diagnostic and prognostic significance in WNT-activated medulloblastoma.
• A notable proportion of ALK-positive CNS histiocytoses are located in the posterior fossa.
• Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of ALK inhibition in CNS histiocytosis.