Translocation EML4-ALK : Techniques de détection, variantes, implications thérapeutiques

The fusion oncogene of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein like 4 (EML4) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) defines a new molecular subset of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EML4-ALK was recently identified as a transforming fusion gene. Crizotinib, a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of ALK, shows significant clinical activity in the treatment of NSCLC with EML4-ALK rearrangement, and it has rapidly entered into daily clinical care. This review focuses on the biology, clinical features and diagnostic testing of EML4-ALK rearrangement. Current data on the efficacy and toxicity of crizotinib are also examined, and future directions for the treatment of NSCLC positive for ALK rearrangement are addressed.