EML4-ALK fusion gene and non-small cell lung cancer / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

The fusion gene of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK) has recently been identified as a new molecular target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EML4-ALK fusion gene is about 3%-11% in patients with NSCLC, and it has a higher morbidity in NSCLC patients who are young, without or with light smoking history and with adenocarcinomas. EML4-ALK positive NSCLC patients may be treated with ALK inhibitor (crizotinib). This review focuses on the biology, detection method, clinical characteristics and the therapeutic application of EML4-ALK in NSCLC.