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TRK Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Guilherme Harada1, Aline Bobato Lara Gongora2, Cesar Martins da Costa2
1Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanes, Rua Dona Adma Jafet 91, São Paulo, SP, 01308-060, Brazil. guilherme.harada@hsl.org.br.
Opinion Statement:
Care should be taken to ensure that the diagnostic strategy for a recently diagnosed advanced non-small cell lung cancer includes NTRK fusion testing. RNA sequencing is the gold standard method of detection of NTRK fusion; however, pan-TRK immunohistochemistry could be used as a screening method with good sensitivity. Larotrectinib and entrectinib are approved therapies for TRK fusion-positive lung cancers as first or subsequent lines of therapy. TRK inhibition has demonstrated clinically meaningful, deep, and durable systemic and central nervous system responses. Larotrectinib and entrectinib have a manageable safety profile, including some TRK-related adverse events, such as dizziness and weight gain. At disease progression on first-generation TRK inhibitors, enrollment on a clinical trial should be encouraged, as new-generation TRK inhibitors are being tested.
Insights
Diagnostic strategies for advanced non-small cell lung cancer should include NTRK fusion testing. Approved therapies like larotrectinib and entrectinib show efficacy, with ongoing research into new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Genomics
Background:
- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis requires comprehensive molecular profiling.
- NTRK gene fusions are rare but actionable oncogenic drivers in NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of NTRK fusion testing in advanced NSCLC.
- To review current diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for NTRK fusion-positive NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing as the gold standard for NTRK fusion detection.
- Pan-TRK immunohistochemistry as a sensitive screening tool.
Main Results:
- TRK inhibitors (larotrectinib, entrectinib) demonstrate significant clinical responses in NSCLC patients with NTRK fusions.
- These therapies show durable efficacy in both systemic and central nervous system disease.
- Adverse events are manageable, with common TRK-related effects including dizziness and weight gain.
Conclusions:
- NTRK fusion testing should be integrated into the diagnostic workup for advanced NSCLC.
- TRK inhibitors offer effective treatment options for patients with NTRK fusion-positive tumors.
- Clinical trial enrollment is recommended for patients progressing on current TRK inhibitors to access novel therapies.
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