Two different patterns of lung adenocarcinoma with concomitant EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) rearrangements are considered mutually exclusive in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC). However, sporadic cases harboring concomitant EGFR and ALK alterations have been increasingly reported. There is no consensus opinion regarding the treatment of patients positive for both molecular alterations. NSCLC with EGFR/ ALK coalterations should be separated into two subtypes: unifocal and multifocal LUAC. Here, we present an overview of the available literature regarding this rare group of patients to provide useful suggestions for therapeutic strategies.