Identification of Targetable <i>ALK</i> Rearrangements in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers, with a 5-year survival of 8%. Current therapeutic regimens are largely ineffective and underscore the need for novel treatment strategies. Chromosomal rearrangements involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (<i>ALK</i>) gene have been identified in several neoplasms. In addition, ALK protein inhibitors have proven efficacy in patients with <i>ALK</i>-rearranged tumors. However, <i>ALK</i> translocations in PDAC have not been described. Through comprehensive genomic profiling of 3,170 PDACs, we identified 5 cases (0.16%) that harbored an <i>ALK</i> fusion gene: an exon 6 <i>EML4</i>-exon 20 <i>ALK</i> translocation (n=3), an exon 13 <i>EML4-</i>exon 20 <i>ALK</i> translocation (n=1), and an exon 3 <i>STRN</i>-exon 20 <i>ALK</i> translocation (n=1). Among the most prevalent PDAC-related genes, activating <i>KRAS</i> mutations were absent in all 5 cases, who were <50 years of age. Among patients aged <50 years in our study cohort, <i>ALK</i> translocations constituted 1.3% of PDACs. Four of 5 patients were treated with an ALK inhibitor, and 3 of these patients demonstrated stable disease, radiographic response, and/or normalization of serum CA 19-9. Although rare, <i>ALK</i> fusions occur in PDAC, and screening for <i>ALK</i> rearrangements should be considered in young patients with PDAC.