The US FDA has approved Xalkori (crizotinib) for the treatment of late-stage NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) in patients who have the abnormal ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene. Patients undergo a genetic test, known as the Vysis ALK Break Apart FISH Probe Kit which detects the abnormal gene. The FDA has also approved this test. The abnormal ALK gene causes cancer to develop and grow. Approximately 1% to 7% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer have this genetic abnormality. They are usually non-smokers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Read from Source
