The clinical responses of TNIP2-ALK fusion variants to crizotinib in ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) has been proven to be another driver oncogene that accounts for 3%-7% of non-small-cell lung cancer, and it is more common in young patients and nonsmokers. ALK rearrangements have been previously identified in about 5.1% of lung adenocarcinoma, including EML4-ALK fusion variants, KIF5B-ALK and TFG-ALK. However, a TNIP2-ALK fusion has not been reported in lung adenocarcinoma. Herein, we described a rare case of ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma responding to crizotinib.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed on the aspirated biopsied tumor tissue.

RESULTS

The IHC analysis revealed an ALK-positive tumor, while NGS detected a TNIP2-ALK fusion. The patient achieved continuous remission after treatment with crizotinib (250 mg, twice a day).

CONCLUSION

This case provides valuable information on the response to crizotinib of patients with TNIP2-ALK fusion and better understanding of ALK-TKI applications in the future. NGS is a new method that can offer effective detection of gene fusion and gene mutations.