The echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4- ALK) has emerged as the second most important driver oncogene in lung cancer and the first targetable fusion onco-kinase to be identified in 4-6% of lung adenocarcinomas. Investigations have shown that these rearranged genes promote tumor cell growth and predict lack of benefit from therapies that inhibit EGF receptor (EGFR) activity. At least nine different EML4-ALK fusion variants have been identified in NSCLC, where most prevalent are variant 1-3. ALK rearrangements occur almost exclusively in adenocarcinomas. More recently, crizotinib (ALK inhibitor) has been recommended as first-line systemic therapy for lung cancer patients with ALK rearrangements.
The Mylab Oncoscreen ALK Mutation Detection kit is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification test intended for qualitative detection of EML4- ALK fusion transcripts variant 1-3 in human NSCLC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The EML4-ALK Mutation Detection Kit is a one-step reverse transcription real time PCR (RT- qPCR) system for the simultaneous detection of 3 fusion variants.
The screening of ALK rearrangements is advantageous for personalized drug therapy.
