Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
Published on: July 5, 2019
[Cancer Therapy Targeting Fusion Genes in Lung Cancer]
1Dept. of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital.
Abstract:
Therapeutic landscape of lung cancer has undergone a dramatic shift due to the better understandings of disease biology and the identification of oncogenic driver alterations. Consequently, the new classification paradigm of non-small-cell lung cancer is further characterized by molecularly defined subsets, and making the therapeutic landscape increasingly complex. Driver gene mutations have been found in approximately 75% of Japanese non-squamous, non-small-cell lung cancers. Among these, the gene mutations for which molecularly-targeted therapies are being developed include EGFR mutations, ALK fusion gene, ROS1 fusion gene, BRAF V600E mutation, MET exon 14 skipping mutation, KRAS G12C mutation, RET fusion gene, and NTRK fusion gene. When limited to fusion genes, as of June 2022, crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib are approved for the ALK fusion gene; crizotinib and entrectinib for the ROS1 fusion gene; selpercatinib for the RET fusion gene; entrectinib and larotrectinib for the NTRK fusion gene have been approved in Japan. This article summarizes the therapeutic development of each fusion gene mutation, as well as the therapeutic outcomes and adverse events of the approved drugs.
Insights
The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer is becoming more complex with the rise of targeted therapies for specific gene fusions like ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK. This review details approved drugs and their outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- The classification of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has evolved, driven by a deeper understanding of its molecular biology.
- Approximately 75% of Japanese non-squamous NSCLC cases harbor driver gene mutations, necessitating personalized treatment strategies.
- The increasing complexity of NSCLC treatment is linked to the identification of numerous oncogenic driver alterations.
Purpose:
- To summarize the therapeutic development of specific fusion gene mutations in NSCLC.
- To review the therapeutic outcomes and adverse events associated with approved drugs targeting fusion genes.
- To provide an overview of the current treatment landscape for molecularly defined NSCLC subsets.
Summary:
- This article focuses on gene fusions including ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK, for which targeted therapies are available.
- It details approved drugs such as crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib, lorlatinib, entrectinib, selpercatinib, and larotrectinib in Japan as of June 2022.
- The review covers the therapeutic development, outcomes, and adverse events of these targeted agents.
Impact:
- Provides clinicians with a comprehensive overview of targeted therapies for specific NSCLC fusion genes.
- Facilitates informed treatment decisions by presenting data on therapeutic outcomes and adverse events.
- Contributes to the evolving management strategies for NSCLC, emphasizing molecularly targeted approaches.
More Related Videos
13:34A Combined 3D Tissue Engineered In Vitro/In Silico Lung Tumor Model for Predicting Drug Effectiveness in Specific Mutational Backgrounds
Published on: April 6, 2016
11:15Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
Published on: September 20, 2016
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...