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Updated: May 8, 2026

Oncogenic Gene Fusion Detection Using Anchored Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Followed by Next Generation Sequencing
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Published on: July 5, 2019

NTRK Gene Fusions: A Compendium of Fusion Partners and Tumor Types

Soo-Ryum Yang1, Matteo Repetto1,2, Erin R Rudzinski3

  • 1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.

JCO Precision Oncology
|May 6, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

NTRK gene fusions drive various cancers and are targets for precision medicine. This study identified 358 NTRK gene fusion-tumor pairings across 25 tumor types, emphasizing the need for broad diagnostic tests.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Precision Medicine

Background:

  • NTRK gene fusions are key oncogenic drivers in diverse adult and pediatric tumors.
  • Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors are FDA-approved for TRK fusion-driven cancers.
  • Identifying specific NTRK fusion partners is crucial for effective pan-cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated descriptive compendium of NTRK gene fusions.
  • To highlight the diversity of NTRK gene fusion partners across tumor types.
  • To underscore the importance of pan-tumor, fusion-partner agnostic testing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature searches of PubMed.
  • Searches of a clinical trials database (larotrectinib).
  • Searches of genomic databases (Memorial Sloan Kettering, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia).

Main Results:

  • 358 distinct NTRK gene fusion-tumor pairings identified across 25 tumor types.
  • Primary CNS tumors (86 fusions) and sarcomas (73 fusions) showed high NTRK fusion prevalence.
  • 229 unique fusion partners were identified, with ETV6::NTRK3 found in the most tumor types.

Conclusions:

  • NTRK gene fusions exhibit significant diversity in partners across various cancers.
  • Pan-tumor fusion-partner agnostic tests are essential for identifying patients eligible for TRK inhibitor therapy.
  • Comprehensive identification of known and novel fusion partners is critical for precision oncology.

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