Brushstroke by brushstroke—painting the line between cancer and NTRK gene fusions
Understanding which tumor types are more likely to have an NTRK gene fusion can help you paint a more precise picture of your cancer. Genomic cancer testing is the only way to identify NTRK gene fusions and can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your treatment.
Solid tumor types that may have NTRK gene fusions
NTRK gene fusions can happen anywhere in the body, and as a result, TRK fusion cancer can also occur anywhere in the body in both adults and children. Studies have shown NTRK gene fusions are present in certain tumor types, including:
Head and Neck
Incidence can vary,
based on type of cancer
2.4% to 12%*
of all thyroid cancers
Up to 100% of salivary gland cancers**
Colorectal
0.2% to 2.7%
of all colorectal cancers
Sarcoma
1%
of all soft tissue sarcomas
Lung
0.2% to 3.3%
of lung adenocarcinomas
Pediatric
10% to 100%
of all pediatric solid tumors
*Papillary thyroid carcinoma (12% based on a Polish population)
**Previously known as mammary-analogue secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is caused by unchecked growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum, which make up the large intestine or large bowel. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant—or harmful—cancers in the GI tract and among the most common cancers overall.
Worldwide, it is the third-leading type of cancer in men and second-leading cause in women.
Potential Drivers of Colorectal Cancer
Several different types of genomic alterations can be found in colorectal cancer, including:
NTRK, APC, TP53, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF
Other alterations can include: PIK3CA, CIMP pathway
MSI-H Colorectal Cancers and NTRK Gene Fusions
In some colorectal cancer cases, the tumor can become very unstable. When this happens, it is called microsatellite instable or MSI for short. High MSI—or MSI-H—results from defects in the way cells repair themselves as they divide, creating changes that can eventually let them turn into cancer.
of all colorectal cancer cases are estimated to have NTRK gene fusions
of MSI-H colorectal cancer cases are known to have an NTRK gene fusion
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about genomic cancer testing for NTRK gene fusions.
Understanding Head and Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers describe cancers that start in the mouth, nose and sinuses, the throat and salivary glands. Worldwide, head and neck cancers make up 4% of all cancers and 5% of all cancer-related deaths.
Potential Drivers of Head and Neck Cancers
Several different types of genomic alterations can be found in head and neck cancers, including:
NTRK, EGFR, TP53, NOTCH1, CDKN2A, PTEN, PIK3CA
Head and Neck Cancers and NTRK Gene Fusions
NTRK gene fusions may be present in cancers found in the salivary glands and the thyroid
Salivary glands
Salivary glands make saliva—or spit. Saliva empties into the mouth to help with chewing, swallowing and the break-down of food.
Secretory carcinoma is a rare, slow-growing cancer that is found in the salivary glands. Most cases of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma, a type of salivary gland tumor, involve an NTRK gene fusion.
Thyroid
The thyroid is a gland located in the neck. It makes hormones that help control metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.
About 90% of thyroid cancers are considered differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), which occurs when cancer cells look and act very similar to normal thyroid cells. DTC is often treated with radioactive iodine. When the tumor does not respond to radioactive iodine, it is called radioactive iodine refractive DTC (RAI-R DTC).
Studies suggest NTRK gene fusions are found in a range of 2.4% to 12%* of all thyroid cancer cases and are more common in RAI-R DTC cases.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with head or neck cancer, talk to your doctor about genomic cancer testing for NTRK gene fusions.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the name for any cancer that starts within the lungs. Worldwide, lung cancer is the leading cause of new cancer cases, as well as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
There are two main types of lung cancer:
SCLC Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Cells look small and round when viewed under a microscope and can grow and spread very quickly
NSCLC Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Cells are larger than SCLC and account for the majority of lung cancer cases
Potential Drivers of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Several different types of genomic alterations can be been found in NSCLC, including:
NTRK, KRAS, EGFR, ALK, HER2, BRAF, PIK3CA, ROS1, RET, MET, AKT1, NRAS, MAPP2K1
Lung Cancers and NTRK Gene Fusions
The most common subtype of NSCLC is called an adenocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinomas are cancers that start in the lung cells that produce mucus to help protect the airway.
Studies suggest NTRK gene fusions are one type of genomic alteration that may be found in adenocarcinomas.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with lung cancer, talk to your doctor about genomic cancer testing for NTRK gene fusions.
Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Sarcomas are rare tumors that form in cells found in tissues like bone or muscle. Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop specifically in soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves or blood vessels. About 75% of sarcomas form in the soft tissue.
Overall, sarcomas are rare in adults, accounting for slightly less than 1% of all new cancer cases.
Potential Drivers of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Studies suggest genomic alterations can be found in 1 in 3 soft tumors, including:
NTRK, KIT, PDGFRA, EWSR1-ATF1, TLS-CHOP, SS18-SSX, PAX-FOX01, ALK
Soft Tissue Sarcomas and NTRK Gene Fusions
NTRK gene fusions can be found in certain types of soft tissue sarcomas, including:
Undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma (USTS)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) sarcoma
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Fibrosarcoma
(cancer that starts in the connective tissue that holds bones and muscles in place)
Spindle cell sarcoma
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, talk to your doctor about genomic cancer testing for NTRK gene fusions.
Understanding Pediatric Cancers
Pediatric—or childhood—cancer describes cancers in children under the age of 15, but may also include adolescents from ages 16 to 18. Pediatric cancers are often found in tissue that grows quickly during development, including cells that form the brain, nerves, blood and bone.
As the second-leading cause of death in children, pediatric cancer can be found at a later stage compared to adults, giving it more time to spread to other organs or tissues.
Potential Drivers of Pediatric Cancers
Overall, pediatric cancers are linked to fewer types of genomic alterations than adult cancers. This is likely because children are not exposed to as many cancer-causing toxins as adults that can cause genomic abnormalities.
Several different types of genomic alterations can be found in pediatric cancers, including:
NTRK, KIT, PDGFRA, EWSR1-ATF1, TLS-CHOP, SS18-SSX, PAX-FOX01, ALK
Pediatric Cancers and NTRK Gene Fusions
Up to 100% of certain pediatric tumors may have NTRK gene fusions, including:
91% - 100%
Infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS)
Infantile fibrosarcoma is an uncontrolled growth of fibrous connective tissue that holds bones and muscles in place
83% - 92%
Congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN)
CMN is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in the kidneys
26%
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)
PTC is a type of cancer that forms in the cells that produce hormones in the thyroid
10%
High-grade glioma
Glioma is a type of cancer of the brain or spinal cord
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pediatric cancer, talk to your doctor about genomic cancer testing for NTRK gene fusions.
Resources
Download this guide for a set of questions to help you feel empowered to start the discussion with your doctor
Download our genomic testing fact sheet to learn more and share with others
You can learn more about the importance of genomic cancer testing from these advocacy organizations:
