Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Gene Rearrangement Research Articles

Treating ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

Targeting genomic alterations, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, have radically changed the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the case of ALK-rearranged gene, subsequent rapid development of effective genotype-directed therapies with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) triggered major advances in the personalized molecularly based approach of NSCLC. Crizotinib was the first-in-class ALK TKI with proven superiority over standard platinum-based chemotherapy for the 1st-line therapy of ALK-rearranged NSCLC patients. However, the acquired resistance to crizotinib and its diminished efficacy to the central nervous system (CNS) relapse led to the development of several novel ALK inhibitors, more potent and with different selectivity compared to crizotinib. To date, four ALK TKIs, crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib and brigatinib have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and even more agents are currently under investigation for the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC. However, the optimal frontline approach and the exact sequence of ALK inhibitors are still under consideration. Recently announced results of phase III trials recognized higher efficacy of alectinib compared to crizotinib in first-line setting, even in patients with CNS involvement. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge regarding the biology of the ALK-positive NSCLC, the available therapeutic inhibitors and we will focus on the raised issues from their use in clinical practise.

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor crizotinib does not have clinically meaningful activity in heavily pre-treated patients with advanced alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with FOXO rearrangement: European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer phase 2 trial 90101 ‘CREATE’

BackgroundAlveolar rhabdomyosarcomas (ARMSs) can harbour MET and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) alterations. We prospectively assessed crizotinib in patients with advanced/metastatic ARMS. MethodsEligible patients with a central diagnosis of ARMS received oral crizotinib 250 mg twice daily. Patients were attributed to MET/ALK+ or MET/ALK− subcohorts by assessing the presence or absence of the forkhead box O1 (FOXO1; a marker of MET upregulation) and/or ALK gene rearrangement. The primary end-point was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end-points included duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), progression-free rate (PFR), overall survival (OS) and safety. FindingsNineteen of 20 consenting patients had centrally confirmed ARMS. Molecular assessment revealed rearrangement of FOXO1 in 17 tumours and ALK in none. Thirteen eligible patients were treated, but only eight were evaluable for the primary end-point because of the observed aggressiveness of the disease. Among seven evaluable MET+/ALK− patients, only one achieved a confirmed partial response (ORR: 14.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3–57.8) with a DOR of 52 d. Further MET+/ALK− efficacy end-points were DCR: 14.3% (95% CI: 0.3–57.8), median PFS: 1.3 months (95% CI: 0.5–1.5) and median OS: 5.6 months (95% CI: 0.7–7.0). The remaining MET+/ALK− and MET−/ALK− patients had early progression as best response. Common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (5/13 [38.5%]), nausea (4/13 [30.8%]), anorexia (4/13 [30.8%]), vomiting (2/13 [15.4%]) and constipation (2/13 [15.4%]). All 13 treated patients died early because of progressive disease. InterpretationCrizotinib is well tolerated but lacks clinically meaningful activity as a single agent in patients with advanced metastatic ARMS. Assessing single agents in aggressive, chemotherapy-refractory ARMS is challenging, and future trials should explore established chemotherapy ± investigational compounds in earlier lines of treatment. Clinical Trial NumberEORTC 90101, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01524926.

Molecular Pathology of Lung Cancer Cytology Specimens: A Concise Review.

- There has been a paradigm shift in the understanding of molecular pathogenesis of lung cancer. A number of oncogenic drivers have been identified in non-small cell lung carcinoma, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) gene rearrangement. Because of the clinical presentation at an advanced stage of disease in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients, the use of minimally invasive techniques is preferred to obtain a tumor sample for diagnosis. These techniques include image-guided biopsies and fine-needle aspirations, and frequently the cytology specimen may be the only tissue sample available for the diagnosis and molecular testing for these patients. - To review the current literature and evaluate the role of cytology specimens in lung cancer mutation testing. We reviewed the types of specimens received in the laboratory, specimen processing, the effect of preanalytic factors on downstream molecular studies, and the commonly used molecular techniques for biomarker testing in lung cancer. - PubMed and Google search engines were used to review the published literature on the topic. - Mutation testing is feasible on a variety of cytologic specimen types and preparations. However, a thorough understanding of the cytology workflow for the processing of samples and appropriate background knowledge of the molecular tests are necessary for triaging, and optimum use of these specimens is necessary to guide patient management.

Drug resistance in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged lung cancer.

The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, and many kinds of ALK fusion genes have been found in a variety of carcinomas. There is almost no detectable expression of ALK in adults. However, through ALK gene rearrangement, the resultant ALK fusion protein is aberrantly overexpressed and dimerized through the oligomerization domains, such as the coiled‐coil domain, in the fusion partner that induces abnormal constitutive activation of ALK tyrosine kinase. This results in dysregulated cell proliferation. ALK gene rearrangement has been observed in 3%‐5% of non‐small‐cell lung cancers, and multiple ALK inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of ALK‐positive lung cancer. Among those inhibitors, in Japan, 3 (4 in the USA) ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved and are currently used in clinics. All of the currently approved ALK‐TKIs have been shown to induce marked tumor regression in ALK‐rearranged non‐small‐cell lung cancer; however, tumors inevitably relapse because of acquired resistance within a few years. This review focuses on ALK‐TKIs, their resistance mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance.

Use of circulating tumor cells in prospective clinical trials for NSCLC patients - standardization of the pre-analytical conditions.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) hold potential for noninvasive diagnosis, prognosis and prediction testing in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Minimizing degradation or loss of CTCs is pivotal for detection and profiling of the low abundance and fragile CTCs, particularly in clinical trials. We prospectively investigated (NCT02372448) whether a new blood collection device performed better compared to commonly used K3EDTA tubes, when subjected to long-term sample storage. Blood samples were drawn into K3EDTA and blood collection tubes (BCT) (Streck), and filtered by the Isolation by SizE of Tumor/Trophoblastic Cells (ISET® system), for CTC detection in two study populations of NSCLC patients; the training set of 14 patients with stage II/IV NSCLC, and the validation set of 36 patients with stage IV NSCLC). MET expression was evaluated by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement by break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on ISET-enriched CTCs. Blood processed after 24 h and 48 h in BCT tubes showed stable CTCs counts and integrity, whereas CTCs in K3EDTA tubes showed an altered morphology in all patients. CTCs recovered in BCT or K3EDTA tubes at 24 and 48 h were evaluable by ICC for MET expression and by FISH for ALK rearrangement. The BCT tubes gave a high yield and preserved the integrity of CTCs after 24 and 48 h of storage at room temperature, which facilitate their molecular characterization in NSCLC patients entering clinical trials.

Fishing for ALK with immunohistochemistry may predict response to crizotinib.

ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene rearrangement is a novel oncogenic driver in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) against which a selective inhibitor, namely crizotinib, is effective. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is considered the reference method in selecting patients with ALK-positive tumors for treatment with crizotinib. We report the case of a 42-year-old non-smoking woman with an advanced pulmonary ALK FISH-negative adenocarcinoma characterized by strong immunohistochemical expression of ALK fusion protein. The patient received targeted therapy with crizotinib in compassionate use and experienced a long-lasting clinical response. FISH testing should not be considered the only method to select patients for therapy with ALK inhibitors and the use of multiple ALK-detecting techniques could be helpful in screening ALK-positive patients more appropriately.

Molecular Testing of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Diagnosed by Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Fine-Needle Aspiration: The Cleveland Clinic Experience.

Given the increasing demand for molecular testing of non-small cell lung carcinoma specimens to guide therapeutic decision-making and the trend toward minimally invasive techniques for obtaining diagnostic tissue, cytopathology laboratories must devise strategies to maximize DNA yield for necessary molecular testing. To describe our experience at Cleveland Clinic with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing by next-generation sequencing and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement testing by fluorescence in situ hybridization of non-small cell lung carcinomas diagnosed by cytology, with an emphasis on specimens obtained by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial fine-needle aspiration. Data sources include a review of the current literature, including published articles from our institution. At our institution, liquid-based cytology specimens are the primary resource used for molecular testing of non-small cell lung carcinomas; in most instances, adequate DNA can be extracted from the residual cell pellet for next-generation sequencing, and ThinPrep slides can be used reliably for fluorescence in situ hybridization testing for ALK gene rearrangements. In occasional cases where the cell pellet material is not adequate for molecular testing, cell blocks and/or surgical pathology specimens are secondary options. The cytopathologist's role in specimen handling and triage is essential to ensure that molecular testing can be carried out successfully.

IRF4 Mediates the Oncogenic Effects of STAT3 in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas.

Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) are a category of T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas which can be divided into anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive and ALK negative subgroups, based on ALK gene rearrangements. Among several pathways aberrantly activated in ALCL, the constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is shared by all ALK positive ALCL and has been detected in a subgroup of ALK negative ALCL. To discover essential mediators of STAT3 oncogenic activity that may represent feasible targets for ALCL therapies, we combined gene expression profiling analysis and RNA interference functional approaches. A shRNA screening of STAT3-modulated genes identified interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) as a key driver of ALCL cell survival. Accordingly, ectopic IRF4 expression partially rescued STAT3 knock-down effects. Treatment with immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) induced IRF4 down regulation and resulted in cell death, a phenotype rescued by IRF4 overexpression. However, the majority of ALCL cell lines were poorly responsive to IMiDs treatment. Combination with JQ1, a bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family antagonist known to inhibit MYC and IRF4, increased sensitivity to IMiDs. Overall, these results show that IRF4 is involved in STAT3-oncogenic signaling and its inhibition provides alternative avenues for the design of novel/combination therapies of ALCL.

Abstract A19: Establishment of in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor

Abstract Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are sarcomas of soft tissue that most commonly arise in children, adolescents, and young adults. If not cured by surgery, IMT has a high propensity for local recurrence as multifocal nodules, and may rapidly progress to fatal disease. Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) driven tumorigenesis is implicated in approximately 50% of IMT cases. IMT patients with ALK rearrangement have been reported to respond to the ALK inhibitor, crizotinib, but with the possibility of relapse with resistant disease. The second-generation ALK inhibitor ceritinib showed improved specificity and potency toward crizotinib-resistant tumors; however, resistant disease may still emerge. Thus, there is an urgent need for identifying alternative treatment options for ALK-driven IMT. In this study, we utilized fresh malignant ascites collected from a 9-year-old boy (IMT-1) with epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (eIMS), at diagnosis (IMT-1A) and third relapse (IMT-1D) to establish the in vitro cell culture and in vivo orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Primary cell cultures were successfully established from both samples with confirmed ALK rearrangement. The PDX was established by intraperitoneal injection of cultured IMT-1D cells into nonobese diabetic severe combined immune-deficient mice with IL-2 receptor gamma chain deficiency (NSG) mice. Within 6-8 weeks of inoculation, 100% of the mice became moribund due to robust multifocal intraperitoneal tumors that grew in close association with abdominal organs, including the pancreas and small bowel. The xenograft recapitulated both morphologic and immunohistochemical features of the tumor within the patient. Positive immunohistochemical staining for ALK in a characteristic perinuclear membrane pattern and ALK gene rearrangement were also demonstrated in tumor cells cultured from peritoneal fluid of the xenografted mice. Our in vitro cultures and in vivo PDX models provide a valuable opportunity to undertake a detailed characterization of ALK-driven IMT at diagnosis and following ceritinib failure. They are ideal models for preclinical evaluation of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of ALK-driven IMT. Citation Format: Jinhan (Angela) Xie, Emily V. A. Mould, Ashleigh Fordham, Andrew J. Gifford, Toby Trahair, Karen L. Mackenzie. Establishment of in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Conference on Advances in Sarcomas: From Basic Science to Clinical Translation; May 16-19, 2017; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(2_Suppl):Abstract nr A19.

Detection of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene in Non-Small Cell lung Cancer (NSCLC) By CISH Technique

Background/Aim: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) rearrangement has evaluated activity of NSCLC compared with other molecular subtypes (EGFR, KRAS). Many studies demonstrated that patients with ALK rearrangement positive NSCLC have improved with a good response rates and progression (free survival) when treated with either monotherapy or by a combination therapy compared with EGFR-mutated, KRAS/EGFR/ALK wild type or KRAS-mutated. The aim of this study was to detect and study the signal pattern of normal ALK and compare it to that of mutated ALK with gene rearrangement in cases of non-small cell lung cancer and Inflammatory conditions by implementing the CISH technique. In addition to correlate ALK signal pattern with the histopathological type and grade as well as the age and sex of the patients.Materials & Methods: Forty patients with NSCLC and Inflammatory diseases were enrolled in a comparative cross sectional study. The tissue blocks were sectioned on non-charged slides for the preparation of routine H&E staining. Positively charged slides were used for tissue sections prepared for chromogenic in situ hybridization procedure to detect ALK gene.Results: ALK gene signal break apart was detected in (18/20, 90%) of malignant cases; (0/20, 0%) of non-neoplastic lung lesions. There was a significant statistical difference in their distribution, p < 0.05. While There was no significant association between any disease status and sex P value = 1.000NS. The CISH test was 100% sensitive using negative score as a cutoff point and 90.9% specific. The score was divided into three levels that categorized the cases, so there were six cases in score one (1-32%), nine cases in score two (33-67%) and three cases in score three (68-100%).Conclusion: Detection of ALK rearrangement in the early diagnosis of NSCLC is highly sensitive and can save a lot of efforts in planning chemotherapy regimens. Results were very promising in identifying this mutation by a sensitive and highly specific test. The ALK gene rearrangement could be an early mutation and it is needed as an initiating step for the carcinogenesis process. The presence of a double gene mutation, however, could be the cause of a higher-grade cancer.

Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridization study for detection of anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangement in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

Patients and methods Testing for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinas (ALK) rearrangement is now recommended for selection of lung cancer patients targeted for Tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (Crizotimib). We used Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) compared with Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining method to evaluate ALK gene rearrangement and ALK protein expression respectively in twenty cases of thoroughly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The frequency and clinicopathological features of lung cancer harboring ALK rearrangement were reported. Results Histologically, 6 cases were adenocarcinoma and 14 were squamous cell carcinoma type. ALK IHC staining results was positive in 6 out of 20 (30%) using ALK/p80 (Clone SP8, Thermo scientific) monoclonal antibody. ALK rearrangement was detected in only 4 (20%) cases by FISH testing. Negative results were seen in the same 14 (70%) NSCLC cases by using both IHC and FISH techniques. Conclusion IHC may provide an effective strategy for detecting ALK gene changes, but it has false positive results necessitate further confirmatory FISH analysis which can be considered a gold standard method for ALK gene rearrangement detection. ALK gene rearrangement is highly associated with young aged men, non/light smokers and in those having more aggressive clinicopathological features.

Survival difference according to mutation status in a prospective cohort study of Australian patients with metastatic non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous disease comprising not only different histological subtypes but also different molecular subtypes. To describe the frequency of oncogenic drivers in patients with metastatic NSCLC, the proportion of patients tested and survival difference according to mutation status in a single-institution study. Metastatic NSCLC patients enrolled in a prospective Thoracic Malignancies Cohort Study between July 2012 and August 2016 were selected. Patients underwent molecular testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) mutations and ROS1 gene rearrangements. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method for groups of interest, and comparisons were made using the log-rank test. A total of 392 patients were included, 43% of whom were female with median age of 64 years (28-92). Of 296 patients tested, 172 patients (58%) were positive for an oncogenic driver: 81 patients (27%) were EGFR positive, 25 patients (9%) were ALK positive, 57 patients (19%) had KRAS mutation and 9 patients (3%) were ROS1 or BRAF positive. Patients with an actionable mutation (EGFR/ALK) had a survival advantage when compared with patients who were mutation negative (hazard ratio (HR) 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.71; P < 0.01). Survival difference between mutation negative and mutation status unknown was not statistically significant when adjusted for confounding factors in a multivariate analysis (HR 1.29; 95% CI 0.97-1.78, P = 0.08). In this prospective cohort, the presence of an actionable mutation was the strongest predictor of overall survival. These results confirm the importance of molecular testing and suggest likely survival benefit of identification and treatment of actionable oncogenes.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer still represents the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. However, the recent advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), pioneering drugs against targetable mutations, have dramatically improved prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, identified in 3–7% of NSCLC cases, reflects in the constitutive activation of downstream signalling pathways, stimulating tumour cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. To accurately detect the wide spectrum of ALK rearrangements, the introduction of innovative techniques, like reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or next generation sequencing (NGS) now allows for a more precise detection of variants and a more objective reading assessment, compared to the traditional diagnostic approaches. In some occasions, these new tools may dynamically monitor tumor evolution and even guide the choice of the most appropriate ALK inhibitor. In fact, among ALK TKIs available, crizotinib was the first to receive FDA accelerate approval for ALK rearranged NSCLC patients. Notwithstanding its response rate, ranging from 57% to 74%, the majority of patients progress within the first year of drug administration, due to acquired resistance. Both ALK-dependent and independent mechanisms of acquired resistance to TKIs have been identified. If the activation of multiple bypass signaling pathways constitutes the most common ALK-independent mechanism of resistance and one of the most difficult to overcome, ALK-dependent escape strategy mainly consists of mutations in the kinase domain, where the type of mutation largely depends on the TKI administered. Second and third generation TKIs are now available and are demonstrating high systemic and central nervous system (CNS) efficacy in clinical trials. Even though appropriate timing and sequencing of these compounds are still unclear, the large number of ALK inhibitors is now a precious resource aiming to prolong progression-free survival (PFS) and finally overall survival (OS). Here Authors provide an overview of the current approaches in the clinical management of advanced NSCLC patients harboring ALK rearrangement and discuss future perspectives to address current issues, highlighting the perception that ALK-rearranged advanced NSCLC patients benefit from maintained ALK inhibition for as long as possible.

Frequency of ALK Rearrangement by FISH Testing and its Correlation with ALK-IHC in Adenocarcinoma of Primary Lung Origin

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene can be oncogenic either by forming fusion with other genes, amplification of the gene or by having mutations. ALK rearrangement can either be detected by standard “fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)” or “immunohistochemistry (IHC)”. Objective of this study was to record the prevalence of ALK rearrangement in adenocarcinoma of Primary Lung origin and compare it with ALK-IHC staining. Data of 64 patients of lung adenocarcinoma from 2015-2017 was analyzed. All of the FFPE biopsies were tested for EGFR (qPCR) followed by ALK rearrangement (by FISH and IHC) on EGFR negative samples. Out of 64 samples, 21.8% (14) showed EGFR mutations and 14% (7/50) were positive for ALK rearrangement when checked by FISH. In IHC testing for ALK (FISH positive) 8% (4/50) showed positivity. In conclusion ALK-FISH positive cases are higher than other studies likely due to the relatively small sample size. FISH testing was found to be more sensitive than IHC; one reason may be the low level of ALK. Our study warrants that currently FISH remains the gold standard for screening of ALK gene rearrangements.

Non-Canonical Thinking for Targeting ALK-Fusion Onco-Proteins in Lung Cancer.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements have been identified in lung cancer at 3–7% frequency, thus representing an important subset of genetic lesions that drive oncogenesis in this disease. Despite the availability of multiple FDA-approved small molecule inhibitors targeting ALK fusion proteins, drug resistance to ALK kinase inhibitors is a common problem in clinic. Thus, there is an unmet need to deepen the current understanding of genomic characteristics of ALK rearrangements and to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can overcome ALK inhibitor resistance. In this review, we present the genomic landscape of ALK fusions in the context of co-occurring mutations with other cancer-related genes, pointing to the central role of genetic epistasis (gene-gene interactions) in ALK-driven advanced-stage lung cancer. We discuss the possibility of targeting druggable domains within ALK fusion partners in addition to available strategies inhibiting the ALK kinase domain directly. Finally, we examine the potential of targeting ALK fusion-specific neoantigens in combination with other treatments, a strategy that could open a new avenue for the improved treatment of ALK positive lung cancer patients.

A study of therapy targeted EGFR/ALK mutations in Indian patients with lung adenocarcinoma: A clinical and epidemiological study

BackgroundEstablished predictive biomarkers for Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) include sensitizing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations and Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) fusion oncogene. The primary aim of the study is to ascertain the prevalence of EGFR mutation and ALK gene rearrangement in patients of lung adenocarcinoma in Indian population and the second objective is to impress upon the importance of adequate processing of limited tissue samples. MethodsHistopathologically confirmed cases of lung adenocarcinoma, whose tumour had been tested for both EGFR and ALK gene mutations, were included in this study. The EGFR mutations were analyzed using PCR and Gene Sequencing. ALK fusion oncogene was found by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) technique using kit of Vysis LSI ALK Dual colour Break Apart Rearrangement probe. ResultsA total of 152 cases of lung adenocarcinoma were included. Out of which, 92 (60.5%) were male and 60 (39.5%) were female. After exclusion of 17 cases due to unsatisfactory result, EGFR mutations were found positive in 35.5% cases (48/135). ALK gene rearrangement was found in 7.6% (10/131) after excluding 21 cases with unsatisfactory result. ConclusionEGFR mutations and ALK gene rearrangement was found to be mutually exclusive. Incidence of EGFR mutations (35.5%) is much higher in Indian population than in Caucasians (13%) and is close to the incidence in East Asian countries. The 7.6% incidence of ALK fusion oncogene in Indian patients establishes the importance of molecular studies to give maximum benefit of targeted therapy to the patients.

Novel method for rapid fluorescence in-situ hybridization of ALK rearrangement using non-contact alternating current electric field mixing

Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene and anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (EML4-ALK) rearrangement is a key driver mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although Break-Apart ALK fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a reliable diagnostic method for detecting ALK gene rearrangement, it is too costly and time-consuming for use as a routine screening test. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical utility of a novel rapid FISH (RaFISH) method developed to facilitate hybridization. RaFISH takes advantage of the non-contact mixing effect of an alternating current (AC) electric field. Eighty-five specimens were used from patients diagnosed with NSCLC identified immunohistochemically as ALK 0, (1/2+) or (3+). With RaFISH, the ALK test was completed within 4.5 h, as compared to 20 h needed for the standard FISH. Although RaFISH produced results more promptly, the staining and accuracy of the ALK evaluation with RaFISH was equal to the standard. We found 97.6% agreement between FISH and RaFISH based on the status of the ALK signals. These results suggest RaFISH could be used as a clinical tool to promptly determine ALK status.

MA 09.05 Evidence in Favor of or against the Use of TKIs with Concurrent Cranial Radiotherapy in Patients with NSCLC and CNS Involvement

Central nervous system (CNS) metastases, including brain metastases (BM) and leptomeningeal metastases (LM) represent a frequent complication of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with CNS metastases comprise a heterogeneous group, with a median survival that ranges from 3 to 14 months. Local therapies, such as whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or surgical resection, are available treatment strategies for BM. Introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in clinical practice has led to individualization of therapy based upon the presence of the exact abnormality, resulting in a major therapeutic improvement in patients with NSCLC who harbor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, respectively, but their role in combination with radiotherapy is controversial. We performed a systematic literature review of published data in PUBMED, SCOPUS and COCHRANE databases, as well as a manual search of reported data in major congresses, using the terms “EGFR-TKIs”, “ALK-TKIs”, “CNS”, “BM” or ““LM” and “concurrent radiotherapy” or “stereotactic radiotherapy” from January 2000 through May 2017. Only prospective or retrospective clinical trials and meta-analyses reported in English language were included. See Table. At this time, concurrent use of TKIs with radiotherapy, although appearing to be safe, is not recommended outside of a clinical trial. Interestingly, data in EGFR mutant patients treated with an EGFR-TKI alone prompt the question whether this could be a front line approach in patients with asymptomatic BM, reserving WBRT for symptomatic cases. In clinical practice, burden of extracranial disease might also guide treatment decisions; physicians might select not to discontinue a TKI during WBRT in case of extensive extracranial organ involvement Ongoing clinical trials are currently evaluating the effectiveness of concomitant use of radiotherapy and TKIs.

P1.03-010 Efficacy and Safety of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements occur in 3-5% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs), such as crizotinib and alectinib, are recommended for the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC. However, acquired resistance to the ALK-TKIs develops after treatment with these agents. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the alteration of the therapeutic approach against ALK-positive NSCLC. This investigation, reviewed patients with ALK-positive NSCLC treated at Hiratsuka Kyosai Hospital in 2016, to determine the efficacy and safety of ALK-TKIs in this setting. The medical data of 11 patients who had been diagnosed with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC and treated with ALK-TKIs at Hiratsuka Kyosai Hospital in 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 11 patients (3 males and 8 females; mean age: 62 years) with ALK-positive NSCLC were investigated. All the pathological types were adenocarcinomas. Eight patients were treated with crizotinib as first-line therapy, and 3 out of those patients were treated with alectinib as second-line therapy. The remaining 3 patients were treated with alectinib as first-line therapy. The overall response rate was 87.5%, and the median progression-free survival was not reached. Four patients had developed PD while receiving crizotinib. Two out of those patients have developed brain metastasis, and were administered local radiotherapy to the brain. Patients who progressed following treatment with ALK-TKIs, were treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy. Although adverse events (AEs) of crizotinib were more than those of alectinib, most of them were of Grade 1 to 2 severity. Most common AEs of crizotinib included vision disorder (62.5%), diarrhea (50%), elevated aminotransferases (50%), and nausea (37.5%). Grade 3 to 4 adverse events were reported in 4 cases. However, all of them were controlled by withdrawal of treatment or reduction of dosage. ALK-TKIs demonstrate good efficacy and safety in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.

Treatment of ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer: A review of the landscape and approach to emerging patterns of treatment resistance in the Australian context.

Since the identification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2005, the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC (ALK+ NSCLC) has evolved at a rapid pace. This molecularly distinct subset of NSCLC has uniquely important biology, clinicopathologic features and mechanisms of drug resistance which impact on the choice of treatment for a patient with this disease. There are multiple ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors now available in clinical practice with efficacy data continuing to emerge and guide the optimal treatment algorithm. A detailed search of medical databases and clinical trial registries was conducted to capture all relevant articles on this topic enabling an updated detailed overview of the landscape of management of ALK-rearranged NSCLC.