A total of 161 cell samples, from cases without available tissue samples, obtained by bronchoscopic examinations utilized for immediate cytology in patients with NSCLC were subsequently analyzed for EML4-ALK fusion genes using a nested multiplex RT-PCR.    ///    The efficacy of RT-PCR for detection of EML4-ALK fusion genes in transbronchial cytological specimens has not been studied.    ///    The RNA was extracted and the sensitivity of detection of the EML4-ALK fusion gene was determined using a nested RT-PCR.    ///    "Here, we evaluated the detection rate of EML4-ALK fusion genes in transbronchial cytological specimens positive for NSCLC by immediate cytology during bronchoscopic examination. "    ///    "In the patient cytological samples, EML4-ALK fusion genes were detected in five of 161 NSCLCs (3.1%) and four of 88 adenocarcinomas (4.5%). "    ///    "A total of 161 cell samples, from cases without available tissue samples, obtained by bronchoscopic examinations utilized for immediate cytology in patients with NSCLC were subsequently analyzed for EML4-ALK fusion genes using a nested multiplex RT-PCR. "    ///    EML4-ALK fusion genes as well as EGFR mutations were successfully detected in a small number of cancer cells from transbronchial cytological specimens using a nested multiplex RT-PCR.     ///    Detection of EML4-ALK fusion genes in a few cancer cells from transbronchial cytological specimens utilizing immediate cytology during bronchoscopy..     ///    There was no case in which both EML4-ALK fusion and EGFR mutation were simultaneously detected.    ///    Various numbers of H2228 cells carrying EML4-ALK variant 3 were combined with 1??10(6) wild-type WBCs.     ///    "EML4-ALK variant 3 was detected in a small number of H2228 cells (10 cells), even in the presence of 1??10(6) WBCs (sensitivity: 0.001%). "