The precise cause of IMTs remains unclear, but many are associated with genetic alterations, particularly involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. ALK gene rearrangements are found in a significant number of IMT cases. These rearrangements can lead to the continuous activation of the ALK protein, which in turn drives the growth of the tumor. Other genetic abnormalities, such as ROS1 and PDGFRB, have also been implicated but are less common.
