XL ALK BA consists of an orange-labeled probe hybridizing to a region within the ALK gene at 2p23 and a green-labeled probe hybridizing distal to the ALK gene region at 2p23.

Probe maps are created in accordance with the intended purpose of the product. Solid colored bars do not necessarily indicate that the probe fully covers the indicated genomic region. Therefore, caution is advised when interpreting results generated through off-label use. Probe map details based on UCSC Genome Browser GRCh37/hg19. Map components not to scale. Further information is available on request.

The EML4/ALK fusion gene is responsible for approximately 3-5% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The vast majority of cases are adenocarcinomas. Two other fusion partners of ALK have been reported in lung cancer - TFG and KIF5B. Up to 12 other translocation partners have been described in anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCL), renal cancer, esophageal squamous cell, colon, and breast carcinoma. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase which was discovered in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL).
The formation of a fusion protein with a partner through chromosomal translocations is the most common mechanism of ALK overexpression and ALK kinase domain activation. The ALK inhibitor crizotinib has increased the significance of detecting ALK rearrangements in lung cancer and ALCL.

Clinical Applications

• Solid Tumors

XL ALK BA hybridized on lung cancer tissue. Separated green and orange signals indicate an ALK rearrangement.

• Kutok et al (2002) J Clin Oncol 20:3691-3702
• Perner et al (2008) Neoplasia 10:298-302
• Shaw et al (2009) J Clin Oncol 27:4247-4253