Biological characteristics and therapeutic application of EML4-ALK fusion gene in non-small cell lung cancer / 肿瘤

The fusion gene between echinoderm EML 4 (microtubule-associated protein-like 4) and ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) has been identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EML4-ALK is most commonly detected in never smokers with NSCLC and has unique pathologic features. EML4- ALK is oncogenic both in vitro and in vitro . ALK inhibitor (crizotinib) has demonstrated a remarkable clinical efficacy in EML4-ALK-positive NSCLC patients. This review emphasizes the biological and clinical characteristics and the therapeutic application of EML4-ALK in NSCLC. © 2012 by Tumor.