Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2025

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

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Diagnosis and management of TRK fusion cancer

Shivaani Kummar1, Antoine Italiano, Marcia S Brose

  • 1Oregon Health and Science University.

The American Journal of Managed Care
|February 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions drive various cancers. Targeting these fusions with specific therapies offers improved outcomes for adult and pediatric patients, guiding treatment decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family, encoded by neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) genes, is crucial for nervous system development and function.
  • NTRK gene fusions are oncogenic drivers identified in diverse adult and pediatric tumors.
  • A shift towards biomarker-driven targeted cancer therapies is evident, with increasing identification of actionable targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of NTRK gene fusions in oncogenesis.
  • To outline the epidemiology of NTRK gene fusions across tumor types.
  • To discuss the therapeutic benefits of targeting TRK fusions and provide recommendations for NTRK gene fusion testing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on NTRK gene fusions in cancer.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data for NTRK gene fusions.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting TRK fusions.

Main Results:

  • NTRK gene fusions are actionable oncogenic drivers in a broad spectrum of cancers.
  • Targeted therapies against TRK fusions demonstrate significant efficacy and improved safety profiles compared to traditional treatments.
  • Screening technologies are emerging to identify patients who will benefit from NTRK-targeted therapies.

Conclusions:

  • NTRK gene fusions represent a significant therapeutic target in oncology.
  • Targeted inhibition of TRK fusions offers a promising avenue for personalized cancer treatment.
  • Recommendations for NTRK gene fusion testing are essential for guiding clinical decision-making in both adult and pediatric oncology.

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