A case of lung adenocarcinoma with a concurrent EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement: A case report and literature review

Mol Med Rep. 2015 Sep;12(3):4370-4375. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4001. Epub 2015 Jun 26.

Abstract

The echinoderm microtubule associated protein like 4‑anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4‑ALK) fusion is almost mutually exclusive to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or K‑RAS mutation in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and it is extremely rare for patients to exhibit both mutations. The present study reported the case of a 71-year‑old female diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, exhibiting mutations in EGFR and EML4‑ALK. The present study treated this patient with EGFR‑TK inhibitors, as the first line therapy, and gefitinib therapy revealed a good response until now. In addition, previously reported cases and associated literature were reviewed. The present study provided a greater understanding of the molecular biology and optimal treatment for patients with NSCLC with >1 driver mutation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary
  • Aged
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Neoplasms / genetics
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Radiography
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics*
  • Translocation, Genetic

Substances

  • EML4-ALK fusion protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • ALK protein, human
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases