Crizotinib for EML4-ALK positive lung adenocarcinoma: a hope for the advanced disease?

Introduction: In lung adenocarcinoma, certain mutations such as echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are associated with lower sensitivity to chemotherapy, when used conventionally as the first-line therapy in the advanced stage of the disease. Areas covered: This paper discusses the clinical and therapeutic importance of ALK mutations in NSCLC and the early clinical results of a Phase I study assessing crizotinib in patients with ALK mutations. Expert opinion: Abnormal ALK is evolving as an important therapeutic target in patients with more aggressive lung adenocarcinoma. Further clinical studies are needed in order to assess if crizotinib, an ALK inhibitor, is able to increase the efficacy of the conventional chemotherapy in this disease subset.