ALK

ALK, or anaplastic lymphoma kinase, is a gene that plays a crucial role in cell growth and development. Abnormal changes in this gene can lead to certain types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer. When ALK is altered, it can cause the body’s cells to grow uncontrollably. This has led to the development of targeted therapies, which specifically aim to inhibit the effects of the abnormal ALK protein, offering more effective treatment options for patients with cancers associated with this gene. Understanding ALK is important in cancer research and personalized medicine.