What is ALK-Positive Lung Cancer?
About
ALK-positive cancer, caused by a mutation in the ALK gene, is a type of cancer with no known cause, and no known cure. It is not thought to be a disease that is inherited, or can be passed on to others in any way. It is thought to occur in about 100,000 people, worldwide, every year.
Characteristics
This type of lung cancer accounts for about 5% of all lung cancer cases. It is more prevalent in younger individuals, with about 30% of cases diagnosed in patients under age 40, and half of the patients diagnosed before age 50. Notably, ALK-positive lung cancer is strongly associated with non-smokers or light smokers and is not linked to environmental toxins like second-hand smoke, asbestos, or air pollution. It causes approximately 72,000 new cases of lung cancer each year worldwide, and results in around 64,000 deaths annually.
Symtoms
Symptoms of ALK-positive lung cancer often do not manifest until the cancer has progressed, making early detection challenging. Common symptoms include coughing up blood, shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. Due to its rare occurrence and unique demographic profile, many doctors may overlook it, particularly in younger patients or non-smokers. Molecular testing via biopsy is crucial for diagnosis.
Treatments
Recent advancements in treatments, especially with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have significantly improved the survival rates for patients with ALK-positive lung cancer. Although most cases are not diagnosed until stage IV, the median survival rate has seen remarkable improvements.
