What is the clinical significance of ALK rearrangements?
The presence of ALK rearrangements has significant implications for cancer treatment and prognosis. Patients with ALK-positive cancers often respond well to targeted therapies known as ALK inhibitors. These drugs specifically inhibit the activity of the ALK fusion protein, leading to reduced tumor growth and improved patient outcomes. Examples of ALK inhibitors include crizotinib, alectinib, and lorlatinib.