Purpose To investigate the genetic changes of ALK gene in sporadic neuroblastoma in China, and to explore its role in neuroblastoma. Methods Total 56 cases of NB with overexpressed ALK protein were studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization ( FISH) , using interphase Vysis LSI ALK dual-color and break apart rearrangement probes. Literature under the subject was searched through PubMed. Results Of the 56 cases, ALK gain was found in 9 (16%) cases, ALK amplification was found in 1 (1. 8%) case only. No alterations of ALK were detected in the remaining 46 cases. Conclusion As a major predisposition gene as well as a poten-tial therapeutic target for neuroblastoma, the frequency of aberrant copy numbers of ALK gene in Chinese NB patients is closely similar with previously published results.