Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) consists of around 85% of all lung cancers, with only a 16% of 5-year survival rate for most patients.[1] anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements are the fundamental mutation of NSCLC, which are found in 5% to 6% of NSCLC cases.[2] ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), both the first and second generations, have been introduced as the standard therapy for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.[3–6] The first-line standard crizotinib has been recommended by NCCN guidelines for untreated advanced NSCLC patients with ALK rearrangement. This evidence concerns the gene ALK and lung cancer.