IASLC Sept 2013 | Page 82

The IASLC Atlas of ALK Testing in Lung Cancer is designed to help pathologists, laboratory scientists, and practicing physicians better understand various methods of ALK testing and the interpretation of test results. In the United States, FISH is the approved method for detecting ALK rearrangement to select patients with advanced NSCLC for treatment with an ALK inhibitor, but other assay platforms are also available. Molecular testing for ALK gene rearrangement is crucial for the optimal choice of therapy for patients with advanced NSCLC. This Atlas defines the appropriate candidates for ALK testing, describes and compares several assay platforms for ALK testing, and discusses proposed screening-diagnosis paradigms for treatment with ALK inhibitors. IASLC acknowledges the generous funding and support provided by Pfizer Oncology for this ALK Atlas project. www.iaslc.org