ALK

gene

Also known as: anaplastic lymphoma kinase

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The ALK gene, or anaplastic lymphoma kinase, is a gene that can become abnormally activated in certain cancers, including neuroblastoma. When mutated or translocated, ALK can contribute to tumor growth and progression. Targeted therapies, such as crizotinib and ceritinib, have been developed to specifically inhibit the abnormal products of the ALK gene. These targeted drugs are less toxic to normal cells than traditional chemotherapy because they focus on specific molecular defects within cancer cells, embodying the concept of personalized medicine. While ALK mutations are found in a small percentage of neuroblastoma patients, early studies show some respond to these targeted agents.12

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neuroblastoma
Treatment and development of targeted therapies
… in a gene known as ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) are present in tumours from approximately 8–10 percent of patients. Agents known as crizotinib and ceritinib, which target the abnormal gene products of ALK, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for non-small-cell lung cancer patients with…
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… in a gene known as ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) are present in tumours from approximately 8–10 percent of patients. Agents known as crizotinib and ceritinib, which target the abnormal gene products of ALK, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for non-small-cell lung cancer patients with…
Read More