Gene fusions in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC): Expert perspectives and practical considerations for routine...

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) encompasses a diverse range of molecular subtypes that require precise identification to guide therapy selection. Among these molecular alterations, gene fusions involving ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK present significant challenges for reliable detection in routine clinical practice, particularly due to formalin fixation and the limited availability of nucleic acids, which often hinder molecular analyses. This article highlights key considerations spanning the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages, emphasizing the critical need to standardize the entire workflow to ensure high-quality results in gene fusion detection through molecular biology techniques. Particular attention is given to next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, with RNA-based NGS strategies being highlighted for their superior sensitivity and accuracy in identifying gene fusions. In conclusion, this work consolidates practical recommendations for integrating optimized gene fusion detection into routine clinical workflows. These include guidance on assay design, quality control measures, and method validation, to ensure the delivery of reliable results to support personalized treatment strategies in NSCLC.