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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
09:49

Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing

Published on: July 5, 2019

Evidence of recurrent gene fusions in common epithelial tumors

Chandan Kumar-Sinha1, Scott A Tomlins, Arul M Chinnaiyan

  • 1Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410208, India.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|October 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Gene fusions, common in blood cancers, are now found in epithelial cancers due to improved detection. This discovery opens new therapeutic targets for common carcinomas.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Gene fusions are prevalent chromosomal aberrations in carcinogenesis, particularly in hematological malignancies.
  • These gene fusions can lead to aberrant proteins or altered expression, driving cancer development and representing potential therapeutic targets.
  • Historically, gene fusions were under-reported in epithelial carcinomas compared to hematological cancers, possibly due to technical limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To appraise the current knowledge regarding gene fusions in epithelial cancers.
  • To discuss the implications of gene fusions in common epithelial cancers.
  • To highlight recent findings supporting the widespread occurrence of gene fusions in epithelial cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gene-expression profiles using novel computational methods.
  • Review and appraisal of existing literature on gene fusions in epithelial cancers.
  • Case studies and evidence from recent research, including the authors' work on prostate cancer.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests that gene fusions are widespread and recurrent in epithelial cancers, contrary to previous assumptions.
  • Technical challenges in detection have likely contributed to the historical under-representation of gene fusions in solid tumors.
  • Recurrent gene fusions have been identified in prostate cancer, supporting the revised understanding.

Conclusions:

  • Gene fusions are a significant factor in epithelial carcinogenesis and are likely under-recognized due to detection challenges.
  • The identification of recurrent gene fusions in epithelial cancers offers promising new avenues for targeted therapies.
  • Future research should focus on comprehensive screening for gene fusions across various epithelial carcinomas to unlock their therapeutic potential.

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