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Updated: Nov 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

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NTRK Fusion-positive Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: The Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy

Naoki Haratake1, Takashi Seto2

  • 1Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Hospital Organization, Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Clinical Lung Cancer
|December 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Neurotrophic tropomyosin-related kinases (NTRK) gene fusions are rare in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but are targeted by new therapies. This review covers diagnostic methods and treatment effects of TRK inhibitors for NTRK fusion-positive NSCLC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Molecular-targeted therapies offer improved survival and safety in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) over traditional chemotherapy.
  • Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors, such as entrectinib and larotrectinib, are approved for NTRK gene fusion-positive solid tumors, including NSCLC.
  • Emerging next-generation TRK inhibitors are under investigation for resistance mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review diagnostic techniques for neurotrophic tropomyosin-related kinases (NTRK) gene fusions in NSCLC.
  • To summarize the clinical effects of TRK inhibitors in NTRK fusion-positive NSCLC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic methods for NTRK gene fusions.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data on TRK inhibitor efficacy in NSCLC.

Main Results:

  • NTRK gene fusions occur in approximately 1% of NSCLC cases.
  • TRK inhibitors demonstrate significant efficacy in patients with NTRK fusion-positive NSCLC.
  • Diagnostic methods for NTRK gene fusions are crucial for identifying eligible patients.

Conclusions:

  • The development of TRK inhibitors has increased the importance of detecting NTRK gene fusions in NSCLC.
  • Accurate diagnostics and targeted TRK inhibition represent a significant advancement in NSCLC treatment for a specific patient subset.
Keywords:
Companion diagnosisEntrectinibLarotrectinibNSCLCNTRK

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