What causes ALK+ lung cancer?

ALK+ lung cancer occurs when the ALK gene fuses with another gene, causing cancer cells to divide and replicate continuously. This happens randomly and is not inherited.

How is ALK+ lung cancer treated?

Targeted treatments called tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the cornerstone of treatment. These drugs effectively block the chemical signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide.

Who is typically diagnosed with ALK+ lung cancer?

Around 5% of lung cancer patients have ALK+ mutations. The median age at diagnosis is 50-52, and it is more prevalent in individuals who have never smoked.

Home / Health / Rare Lung Cancer Strikes Younger Adults

Rare Lung Cancer Strikes Younger Adults

1 Feb

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Summary

ALK+ lung cancer is caused by a gene fusion, not inherited.
Targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective treatments.
Median age for ALK+ diagnosis is 50-52, often non-smokers.

ALK+ lung cancer, a rare subtype, arises from a random fusion of the ALK gene, not from inheritance. This genetic alteration causes cancer cells to divide uncontrollably. The discovery of this mutation less than 20 years ago paved the way for targeted treatments.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the primary treatment, effectively halting cancer cell proliferation by blocking specific growth signals. Significant advancements have led to third-generation drugs now approved for NHS use. Approximately 5% of lung cancer diagnoses are ALK+.

This form of lung cancer presents differently from typical cases. The median age for diagnosis is 50-52, contrasting with the general lung cancer average of 74. It is more prevalent in never-smokers, and this low suspicion can result in late-stage diagnoses.