ALKpositivem

ALKpositivem refers to a specific genetic alteration found in certain types of cancer, most notably non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ALK is an acronym for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase, a gene that plays a role in cell growth and development. When the ALK gene undergoes a rearrangement, it can fuse with another gene, creating a fusion protein. This abnormal fusion protein is constitutively active, meaning it is always switched on, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.

The ALK rearrangement is considered a driver mutation, meaning it is a key factor in the development and progression of the cancer. It is more common in younger patients, never-smokers, and those with a more adenocarcinoma subtype of lung cancer. Identifying the ALK rearrangement is crucial for treatment decisions, as there are targeted therapies specifically designed to inhibit the activity of the ALK fusion protein. These targeted drugs, known as ALK inhibitors, have significantly improved outcomes for patients with ALK-positive lung cancer, transforming it from a poorly understood subset into a highly treatable disease for many. Diagnostic tests, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), or next-generation sequencing (NGS), are used to detect the ALK alteration.