New international research shows that age may be linked to the genetic characteristics of lung cancer. The findings are particularly interesting for people with ALK-positive lung cancer.
Researchers analysed data from 14,246 people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the younger group, almost 58% had a genetic change for which, according to the guidelines, a targeted treatment may be available. Among patients aged 55 and over, that figure was around 45%.
ALK occurs more often in younger patients
Notably, genetic changes such as ALK, ROS1 and EGFR were found more frequently in younger people with lung cancer. For these changes, targeted treatments can play an important role.
The researchers stress that there is no hard age cut-off. The differences appear to shift gradually with age. The research therefore does not mean that biomarker testing only matters for younger patients.
Biomarker testing remains important, whatever your age
For ALK-positive lung cancer this is once again an important message: comprehensive biomarker testing can be decisive for treatment. An ALK change can only be taken into account in treatment decisions if it is actually detected.
Not every younger patient has a treatable genetic change either. The key message therefore remains that comprehensive biomarker testing in suitable patients with NSCLC is essential, regardless of age.
The results will be presented on 14 September 2026 at the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer in Seoul. The research may contribute to a better understanding of why lung cancer can differ biologically from person to person.
Every patient with NSCLC should have access to comprehensive biomarker testing at diagnosis. This new analysis shows that treatable genetic alterations, including ALK, are especially common in younger patients. But age should never determine whether or not someone is comprehensively tested.
Source: Lung Cancer Europe – Younger people with lung cancer may be more likely to have targetable genetic changes