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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

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

Targeting Oncogenic Gene Fusions in Lung Cancer

Yunan Nie1, Frederick H Wilson1,2,3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology.

Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.)
|July 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with gene fusions have improved patient outcomes. This review covers FDA-approved treatments for ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK, and NRG1 fusions, resistance, and future directions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oncogenic gene fusions are key drivers in a significant subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, have revolutionized NSCLC treatment outcomes.
  • FDA-approved therapies demonstrate substantial improvements in response rates, progression-free survival, and CNS control for fusion-defined NSCLC populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence for FDA-approved therapies targeting specific gene fusions in lung cancer.
  • To highlight mechanisms of action, clinical trials, resistance patterns, and toxicity profiles of these targeted therapies.
  • To discuss advances in molecular diagnostics and emerging strategies in adjuvant and perioperative settings for fusion-driven NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Consolidation of current evidence from pivotal clinical trials.
  • Review of FDA-approved therapies targeting ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK, and NRG1 fusions.
  • Discussion of molecular diagnostic advances, including RNA-based sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes in NSCLC patients with specific gene fusions.
  • Understanding resistance patterns and toxicity profiles is crucial for optimizing treatment.
  • Advances in diagnostics and emerging strategies are expanding precision oncology for rare fusion-driven lung cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies targeting ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK, and NRG1 fusions represent a major advance in NSCLC treatment.
  • Ongoing research focuses on overcoming resistance mechanisms and expanding precision oncology.
  • RNA-based sequencing and novel therapeutic strategies are critical for future progress in rare fusion-driven lung cancers.
Keywords:
ALKNRG1NSCLC oncogenic fusionsNTRKRETROS1Targeted therapy

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