Amplification but not translocation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase is a frequent event in oesophageal cancer

While ALK translocations are not present in oesophageal cancer, ALK amplifications are common events with comparable rates in SCC and AC. Since ALK amplified breast cancer cells were shown to respond to ALK inhibitors, ALK amplified oesophageal cancers might be considered as possible candidates for therapies targeting ALK.