RNA-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients: data from Campania, Italy.

Objective: ALK, ROS1, NTRK, and RET gene fusions and MET exon 14 skipping alterations represent fundamental predictive biomarkers for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients to ensure the best treatment choice. In this scenario, RNA-based NGS approach has emerged as an extremely useful tool for detecting these alterations. In this study, we report our NGS molecular records on ALK, ROS1, NTRK, and RET gene fusions and MET exon 14 skipping alterations detected by using a narrow RNA-based NGS panel, namely SiRe fusion.

Targeting ALK receptors in non-small cell lung cancer: what is the road ahead?

Introduction: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene-rearrangements are identified in about 3-5% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), and ALK-rearranged NSCLC is to be considered an oncogene-addicted cancer with peculiar clinical characteristics.

Areas Covered: Several ALK inhibitors have been studied and approved for use in the treatment of advanced ALK-rearranged NSCLC with reported superiority in terms of efficacy and safety profile compared with chemotherapy. Second- and third-generation ALK inhibitors (alectinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib) offer to NSCLC patients a clinically meaningful prolongment of survival with a very good quality of life profile.

Under-reporting of subjective symptoms and its prognostic value: a pooled analysis of 12 cancer clinical trials.

Background: Oncologists tend to under-report subjective symptoms during cancer treatment. This study describes the under-reporting rate of selected symptoms and explores its association with overall survival (OS). A secondary aim is to test the association of patient-reported symptoms with OS.