title: Crizotinib for EML4-ALK positive lung adenocarcinoma: a hope for the advanced disease? Evaluation of Kwak EL, Bang YJ, Camidge DR, et al. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibition in non-small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med 2010;363(18):1693-703.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In lung adenocarcinoma, certain mutations such as echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are associated with lower sensitivity to chemotherapy, when used conventionally as the first-line therapy in the advanced stage of the disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper discusses the clinical and therapeutic importance of ALK mutations in NSCLC and the early clinical results of a Phase I study assessing crizotinib in patients with ALK mutations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Abnormal ALK is evolving as an important therapeutic target in patients with more aggressive lung adenocarcinoma. Further clinical studies are needed in order to assess if crizotinib, an ALK inhibitor, is able to increase the efficacy of the conventional chemotherapy in this disease subset.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr.T.Popa Iasi, Pulmonary Disease University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine II-Pulmonary Disease, 30 Dr I Cihac Str, 700115 Iasi, Romania. sabina.antonela.antoniu@pneum.umfiasi.ro
authors.forename: Sabina Antonela
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Antoniu