This is one of four papers in this issue that identifies mutations in the tyrosine kinase receptor ALK in neuroblastoma, the most frequent childhood cancer. ALK is found to be a neuroblastoma predisposition gene and somatic points mutations were found in sporadic cases of neuroblastoma. These mutations lead the ALK kinase activation and are able to transform cells and display tumourigenic activity in vivo. ALK inhibitors decrease neuroblastoma cell proliferating and are potential anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
- Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey
- Delphine Lequin
- Olivier Delattre
