[ALK inhibitor].

Abstract

While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, the molecular mechanism underlying its carcinogenesis is mainly unknown. We have discovered a small, fusion-type tyrosine kinase EML4-ALK that is generated through a tiny inversion within the short arm of human chromosome 2. Transgenic mice expressing EML4-ALK in lung developed hundreds of lung cancer nodules soon after birth, but such nodules were readily eradicated upon treatment with an ALK inhibitor. Clinical trials for EML4-ALK-positive lung cancer with an ALK inhibitor is ongoing, with its interim results being highly promising.

• Authors: Hiroyuki Mano
• Journal: Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy (Gan To Kagaku Ryoho) Vol. 38 Issue 1 Pg. 27-30 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 0385-0684 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 21368458 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• EML4-ALK fusion protein, human
• Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors
• ALK protein, human
• Alk protein, mouse
• Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
• Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
• Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases

Topics

• Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
• Animals
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, enzymology, genetics)
• Molecular Targeted Therapy
• Oncogene Proteins, Fusion (genetics, metabolism)
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Protein-Tyrosine Kinases (antagonists & inhibitors, genetics, metabolism)
• Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases