ALK Inhibitor Medication

illustrations include ALK switch, DNA with ALK gene, ALK protein, ligand molecule, baby in womb, ALK-fusion proteins, woman with lungs with 3 tumours shown transparently, ALK inhibitor. Find illustration text written below.

  • Treating ALK+ lung cancer

    ALK is a protein that is important while we are in the womb.

    Everyone has the ALK gene, which contains instructions for making the ALK protein. This gene is normally active before birth, allowing the ALK protein to be made.

    The protein is briefly switched on by a molecule called a ligand- like a quick high-five. This temporary activation helps the gut and nervous system develop.

    Usually the ALK gene is turned off after we are born.

    In people with ALK+ lung cancer, the ALK gene is turned back on by a random mutation.

    A random DNA mutation can cause the ALK gene to fuse with another gene, most often EML4. This fusion turns the ALK gene back on and produces abnormal ALK-fusion proteins.

    Unlike normal ALK proteins, these fusion proteins do not need a ligand. Instead, they permanently activate each other- more like holding hands than a high-five. This constant activation sends signals that turn cells cancerous.

    ALK inhibitor medications stop the signal from ALK-fusion proteins.

    ALK inhibitors are targeted medications that block these cancer causing signals from the ALK-fusion proteins. By interrupting the signal, they slow cancer growth and in some cases shrink tumors.

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