EML4-ALK, a potential therapeutic target that responds to alectinib in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is prone to recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Ovarian tumours of some patients have been positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusion gene expression (ALK+). Preclinical studies indicate that anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor can suppress the growth of ovarian cancer cells and transplantation tumours. Here, we present a patient with metastatic ALK+ high-grade serous ovarian cancer that testing positive for EML4-ALK (microtubule-associated protein-like 4 gene, fused to the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene), experienced dramatic benefit after administration of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor alectinib. This is the first clinical evidence that treatment with alectinib may provide a personalized maximum benefit for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who are positive for EML4-ALK.