Is crizotinib an ALK inhibitor?

The treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring chromosomal rearrangements of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) has been revolutionized by the development of crizotinib, a small molecule inhibitor of the tyrosine kinases ALK, ROS1, and MET.

How common is ALK mutation?

Chromosomal rearrangement of ALK occurs in about 5% of NSCLC cases. In most of these patients, treatment is initiated with crizotinib.

What is ALK report?

ALK is a short name for the anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase gene. This test detects specific rearrangements in the ALK gene in cancer cells and tissue. The presence of these changes makes it more likely that a person with non-small cell lung cancer will respond to a targeted drug therapy.

What are the symptoms of ALK?

The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation is one of those gene changes….Symptoms

• a cough that doesn’t go away.
• chest pain that gets worse when you cough or laugh.
• shortness of breath.
• a hoarse voice.
• wheezing.
• losing weight without trying.
• feeling weak or tired.

How are ALK mutations used in cancer treatment?

ALK mutation analysis is used primarily to determine if a person with adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer is likely to respond to an ALK kinase inhibitor drug therapy, such as crizotinib. This testing detects the presence of ALK gene rearrangements in tumor tissue.

What kind of mutations are found in crizotinib?

Mutation analysis can help predict sensitivity or resistance to first and second generation inhibitors such as crizotinib, alectinib, and ceritinib. Reported mutations include L1152R, F1174V, F1245C, L1196M, and G1202R. Note: This test is not designed to detect ALK fusions.

Can a mutation in the ALK gene cause NSCLC?

ALK Mutation Analysis. ALK gene translocations are a well-known cause of gene deregulation and target of ALK inhibitors in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, point mutations in the ALK tyrosine kinase domain, such as those detected by this test, are reported in patients who develop resistance to this therapy.

Which is better crizotinib or chemotherapy for ALK?

Purpose The phase III PROFILE 1014 trial compared crizotinib with chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) -positive advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer. Here, we report the final overall survival (OS) results.