EML4–ALK rearrangement in squamous cell carcinoma shows significant response to anti-ALK inhibitor drugs crizotinib and alectinib

Abstract

EML4–ALK alterations are more common in adenocarcinomas and are rarely found in squamous cell histology. In documented cases, the majority of EML4–ALK translocations are identified in squamous cell histology and occur in patients with no or light smoking history. We report an EML4–ALK4 translocation in a 50-year-old patient with squamous cell carcinoma and an 18 pack-year smoking history. The patient had a near complete response in the CNS to alectinib treatment. Our observation suggests that EML4–ALK genomic testing may be clinically useful in patients with heavy smoking history.

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