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Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
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MYB-fusions and other potential actionable targets in adenoid cystic carcinoma

Renata Ferrarotto1, John V Heymach, Bonnie S Glisson

  • 1Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Current Opinion in Oncology
|March 15, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer. Genomic alterations are being identified, offering potential targets for new therapies in specific patient groups, though broad clinical trials have not yet shown success.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy of secretory glands, predominantly affecting the head and neck.
  • Current treatment options for recurrent or metastatic ACC are limited, with unclear benefits from chemotherapy.
  • This review focuses on recent advancements in understanding ACC biology and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent clinical trials for ACC patients.
  • To describe newly identified genomic alterations in ACC.
  • To explore potential targeted therapies for this orphan disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of completed and ongoing clinical trials in ACC.
  • Analysis of genomic data from ACC patient samples.
  • Description of identified recurrent genetic alterations and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

  • Genomic profiling of ACC has revealed recurrent alterations in pathways including chromatin regulation, FGF, PI3K, NOTCH1, and DNA damage repair.
  • Frequent translocations involving MYB or MYBL are observed.
  • Many identified genomic alterations are potentially targetable, with ongoing drug screening in patient-derived xenografts.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies have not yet proven effective in unselected ACC patient populations.
  • The identification of specific driver oncogenes suggests potential efficacy in molecularly defined subgroups.
  • Future clinical studies should investigate targeted therapies in precisely selected ACC patient cohorts.

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