ALK-immunoreactive neoplasms.
BACKGROUND
Since the first discovery of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) by Morris et al in 1994, the number of ALK-positive neoplasms, either in the form of translocation or gain-of-function mutations, have been dramatically expanded from ALCL of T- and NK-cell origin, to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), neuroblastoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), undifferentiated anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, and rare type of sarcomas.


OBJECTIVE
This review covers the major aspects of ALK-immunoreactive neoplasms with emphasis on the pathogenesis of ALK-positive neoplasms. The new advances and rapid-evolving practices using ALK inhibitors for therapy are also discussed at the end of this review.


METHODS
ALK(+) articles published in English literature are retrieved and critically reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
ALK(+) neoplasia is a rapidly growing field and the list of ALK(+) neoplasms is being expanded continuously. Accurate and correct diagnosis of ALK(+) neoplasms is of paramount importance in guiding the appropriate treatment in the era of personalized medicine using specific ALK inhibitor.
Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego Health Sciences System, La Jolla, CA 92093-0987, USA.
Parham
P
Minoo
Huan-You
HY
Wang
D000077548:Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017728:Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D057285:Precision Medicine / Q000379:methods; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; C000626173:ALK protein, human; D000077548:Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases