title: Concordance of IHC, FISH and RT-PCR for EML4-ALK rearrangements.
abstract: The echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) has emerged as the second most important driver oncogene in lung cancer and the first targetable fusion oncokinase to be identified in 4-6% of lung adenocarcinomas. Crizotinib, along with a diagnostic test-the Vysis ALK Break Apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) Probe Kit-is approved for the treatment of ALK positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the success of a targeted drug is critically dependent on a sensitive and specific screening assay to detect the molecular drug target. In our experience, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based detection of EML4-ALK is a more sensitive and reliable approach compared to FISH and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Although ALK FISH is clinically validated, the assay can be technically challenging and other diagnostic modalities, including IHC and RT-PCR should be further explored.
authors: 1 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, 2 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Teixidó
authors: 1 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, 2 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
authors: Niki
authors: N
authors: Karachaliou
authors: 1 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, 2 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
authors: Vicente
authors: V
authors: Peg
authors: 1 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, 2 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Gimenez-Capitan
authors: 1 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain, 2 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Rosell
keywords: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK); fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); immunohistochemistry (IHC); non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)