title: ALK in lung cancer: past, present, and future.
abstract: In 2007, scientists discovered that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements are present in a small subset of non-small-cell lung cancers. ALK-positive cancers are highly sensitive to small-molecule ALK kinase inhibitors, such as crizotinib. Phase I and II studies of crizotinib in ALK-positive lung cancer demonstrated impressive activity and clinical benefit, leading to rapid US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2011. Although crizotinib induces remissions and extends the lives of patients, cures are not achieved as resistance to therapy develops. In this review, we will discuss the history of this field, current diagnostic and treatment practices, and future challenges and opportunities to advance outcomes for patients with ALK-positive lung cancers.
authors: Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02114, USA. ashaw1@partners.org
authors: Alice T
authors: AT
authors: Shaw
authors: Jeffrey A
authors: JA
authors: Engelman
mesh_terms: D000077548:Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000077547:Crizotinib; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D015321:Gene Rearrangement; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011720:Pyrazoles; D011725:Pyridines; D000077547:Crizotinib; C000626173:ALK protein, human; D000077548:Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
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