EML4–ALK Fusion Transcript Not Found in GI and Breast Cancers
Author Information
Author(s): Fukuyoshi Y, Inoue H, Kita Y, Utsunomiya T, Ishida T, Mori M
Primary Institution: Kyushu University
Hypothesis
Is the EML4–ALK fusion transcript present in gastrointestinal and breast cancers?
Conclusion
The EML4–ALK fusion transcript is not present in gastrointestinal or breast cancers and is specific to non-small-cell lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Only one of the lung cancer samples tested positive for the EML4–ALK fusion transcript.
- None of the gastrointestinal cancer samples showed the EML4–ALK fusion transcript.
- EML4–ALK fusion gene appears to be specific to non-small-cell lung cancer.
Takeaway
This study looked for a specific gene change in different cancers and found it only in lung cancer, not in stomach or breast cancers.
Methodology
The study evaluated the expression of the EML4–ALK transcript in 749 cancer samples using RT–PCR.
Limitations
The study only examined specific types of cancers and may not represent all cancer types.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 749 individuals who underwent surgery at three hospitals in Japan.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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