ALK, (FISH)

Detection of 2p23 translocations 

Main indication:

NSCLC.

Test usage:

This test detects rearrangements involving the ALK gene (2p23) via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue specimens. Lung cancers harboring ALK rearrangements are resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but may be highly sensitive to ALK inhibitors, like Xalkori (crizotinib).The drug Xalkori works by blocking certain kinases, including those produced by the abnormal ALK gene. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Xalkori treatment of patients with tumors exhibiting ALK rearrangements can halt tumor progression or result in tumor regression.