What Does ALK-Positive Mean? Comparing Initial Treatments for ALK-Mutant Lung Cancer

ALK (anaplastic leukemic kinase) fusion is a genetic changewith the potential to trigger cancer. This mutation causes a fusion, or joining, between two genes. The fusion gene leads to abnormal cell growth and cancer development. ALK fusion is most commonly found in certain tumor types such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) . Drugs such as ALK inhibitors are available for patients with ALK fusion. They slow or stop tumor growth by destroying cells that produce the ALK fusion protein.

Many newly developed cancer drugs can recognize and target genetic changes. They are called smart or targeted drugs .

Below are the drugs developed against the ALK-EML4 fusion mutation, an important target in lung cancer; in other words, treatments for ALK-positive lung cancer are shown.

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ALK inhibitors can differ somewhat in the frequency of adverse effects. In general, commonly reported adverse effects include headache, fatigue, hypertension, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, anemia, and neutropenia (a condition causing low white blood cell levels). Some ALK inhibitors may also rarely cause adverse effects affecting the heart, kidneys, or other organs. The appropriate drug is generally selected by considering the patient’s overall health, other treatments, and adverse effects.