External Validation of ALK and ROS1 Fusions Detected Using an Oncomine Comprehensive Assay.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to assess the yield of an Oncomine comprehensive assay v3 (OCAv3)-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis for detecting anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) fusions in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

NGS data from 85 NSCLC cases were reviewed. ALK and ROS1 fusion status was compared to conventional tests.

RESULTS

ALK or ROS1 fusion reads were detected in 17 NSCLC cases. Results in 10 NSCLC cases showed concordance with conventional tests, high-count fusion reads, a lack of mutually exclusive mutations of ALK or ROS1, and frequent signet-ring cell component. Seven NSCLC cases showing discordant results exhibited low to intermediate fusion read counts and mutations mutually exclusive from ALK or ROS1.

CONCLUSION

Cases showing high-count fusion reads in OCAv3-based NGS have a strong possibility of carrying ALK or ROS1 fusion. Cases with low- to intermediate-count fusion reads should be interpreted with caution and may require additional confirmative tests.