ALK Signaling Pathway Assay (CAT#: STEM-MB-0307-WXH)

Introduction

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), aka CD246, is a tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the ALK gene located on chromosome 2p23.2-p23.1. Commonly used monoclonal antibodies to ALK include the clones 5A4 and D5F3. IHC for ALK may be used for the analysis of Spitz tumors, since they may be associated with ALK-rearrangement and overexpression. Spitz tumors expressing ALK tend to be amelanotic and display a growth pattern of intersecting fascicles. ALK expression may also be seen in a small subset of primary and metastatic melanomas, where it is usually associated with the presence of a truncated ALK isoform. IHC for ALK may be used as a screening method to identify rare ALK-positive melanomas to select patients for treatment by ALK inhibitors.