The efficacy of ceritinib in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer

Research over the last decade has determined that the gene rearrangement involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene is an oncogenic driver in approximately 5% of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). This review describes the discovery of the ALK translocation, development of ALK directed therapy, and acquired resistance to ALK directed therapy with a focus on the clinical data and efficacy of the most recently approved ALK inhibitor, ceritinib.