Testing methods to diagnose TRK fusion cancer - a plain language summary and patient perspective

This is a plain language summary of a 2022 study published in Cancer Genetics. This study describes the different tests used to detect a rare type of cancer called TRK (tropomyosin receptor kinase) fusion cancer in people taking part in three clinical trials testing the medication larotrectinib. Larotrectinib targets TRK fusion proteins, abnormal proteins that result from abnormal NTRK (neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase) gene fusions. People who were shown to have solid tumors containing TRK fusion proteins were able to participate in clinical trials that evaluated larotrectinib.

Different testing methods were used to identify participants with TRK fusion cancer. Which test was used depended on different factors such as how commonly NTRK gene fusions are found in a specific cancer type, and the cost and accessibility of the test. Participants with different types of cancer were included in the study, which allowed researchers to identify which TRK fusion proteins were found across various types of tumor.

The results of this study provide a guidance for healthcare professionals on the methods used for testing to identify patients that have TRK fusion cancer. By characterizing the types of testing done across cancer types, patients and their caregivers can gain an understanding of the importance of testing. This plain language summary also includes insights and perspectives from a person affected by TRK fusion cancer, and from patient advocates. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02122913 (ClinicalTrials.gov) Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02637687 (ClinicalTrials.gov) Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02576431 (ClinicalTrials.gov).