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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
[Advances of Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy in ALK-positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]
Weizhen Sun1, Yuheng Zhou1, Yaobin Lin1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou 510000, China.
Abstract:
Lung cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion mutations accounting for approximately 4%-9% of cases. In recent years, there are increasing clinical evidences suggesting that the combination of ALK inhibitors with surgical treatment holds significant potential for clinical application in resectable early and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This review aims to summarize the advances in neoadjuvant targeted therapy for ALK fusion positive NSCLC and discuss its advantages and challenges in clinical practice. .
Insights
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors show promise when combined with surgery for early non-small cell lung cancer. This review explores neoadjuvant targeted therapy for ALK-positive lung cancer, highlighting benefits and challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusions occur in 4-9% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases.
- Neoadjuvant therapy is increasingly explored for resectable NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in neoadjuvant targeted therapy for ALK-fusion positive NSCLC.
- To discuss the clinical advantages of combining ALK inhibitors with surgery.
- To identify challenges in the clinical application of this approach.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical studies and trials.
- Analysis of data on neoadjuvant ALK inhibitor treatment in NSCLC.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Growing clinical evidence supports the combination of ALK inhibitors and surgery for resectable NSCLC.
- Neoadjuvant targeted therapy can potentially improve outcomes in ALK-fusion positive patients.
- Specific benefits include tumor downstaging and improved resection rates.
Conclusions:
- Neoadjuvant ALK inhibition is a promising strategy for select early and locally advanced NSCLC patients.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and overcome clinical challenges.
- This approach may represent a paradigm shift in the management of ALK-positive NSCLC.
