Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 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

Rare Fusions, Real Targets: Ultraprecision Oncology in Lung Cancer

Xiuning Le1, Jürgen Wolf2

  • 1Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Cancer Discovery
|August 3, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Emerging ultrarare gene fusions, like EGFR-SHC1, reveal new cancer activation mechanisms. These rare genomic events are advancing precision oncology towards ultra-personalized cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Established rare gene fusions (e.g., ALK, ROS1) are key in cancer therapy.
  • Emerging ultrarare fusions represent a growing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate novel oncogenic activation mechanisms driven by ultrarare fusions.
  • To identify new therapeutic strategies based on these genomic events.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis of tumor samples.
  • Identification and characterization of gene fusions.
  • Functional studies to determine oncogenic potential.

Main Results:

  • Discovery of ultrarare fusions, such as EGFR-SHC1.
  • Elucidation of novel pathways for oncogenic activation.
  • Potential therapeutic targets identified.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrarare genomic events are crucial for understanding cancer.
  • These findings support the advancement of ultraprecision cancer therapy.
  • Personalized treatment strategies are becoming increasingly individualized.

More Related Videos

A Blood-based Test for the Detection of ROS1 and RET Fusion Transcripts from Circulating Ribonucleic Acid Using Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction10:35

A Blood-based Test for the Detection of ROS1 and RET Fusion Transcripts from Circulating Ribonucleic Acid Using Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction

Published on: April 5, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
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...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...