# Ceritinib efficacy in SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC harboring novel CTNND2 ALK/EML4-ALK fusion: case report

## TL;DR

A patient with a rare type of lung cancer showed a strong response to ceritinib after genomic testing revealed a novel fusion involving ALK.

## Contribution

Demonstrates ceritinib's efficacy in SMARCA4-deficient NSCLC with a novel CTNND2-ALK/EML4-ALK fusion.

## Key findings

- The patient showed significant tumor regression after 3 months of ceritinib treatment.
- Progression-free survival exceeded 24 months with ongoing response to ceritinib.
- Genomic testing identified a novel dual fusion confirmed by ALK protein expression.

## Abstract

SMARCA4-deficient non-small cell lung cancer (SMARCA4-dNSCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis, rarely harboring EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 alterations. We report an advanced SMARCA4-dNSCLC case with brain metastasis exhibiting a novel CTNND2-ALK/EML4-ALK double-fusion. Following platinum-based chemotherapy and brain radiotherapy, next-generation sequencing identified the dual fusions (abundances: 2.6% and 5.2%), confirmed by ALK protein expression. The patient subsequently received ceritinib (750 mg/day). After 3 months, targeted lesions regressed significantly, and progression-free survival exceeded 24 months with ongoing response. This demonstrates efficacy of the ALK inhibitor ceritinib in ALK-rearranged SMARCA4-dNSCLC and underscores the clinical value of genomic-guided therapy.