EML4-ALK translocation identification in RNA exosomal cargo (ExoALK) in NSCLC patients: A novel role for liquid biopsy

Abstract: The introduction of druggable targets has significantly improved the outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC). EML4-ALK translocation represents 4-6% of the druggable alterations in NSCLC. With the approval of Crizotinib, first discovered drug for the EML4-ALK translocation, on first line treatment for patients with detected mutation meant a complete change on the treatment landscape. The current standard method for EML4-ALK identification is immunohistochemistry or FISH in a tumor biopsy. However, a big number of NSCLC patients have not tissue available for analysis and others are not suitable fir biopsy due to their physical condition or the location of the tumor.…