Elsevier

Annals of Oncology

Volume 30, Supplement 8, November 2019, Pages viii5-viii15
Annals of Oncology

Reviews
Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) biology and the role of NTRK gene fusions in cancer

https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdz383Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Abstract

The tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family of receptor tyrosine kinases are encoded by NTRK genes and have a role in the development and normal functioning of the nervous system. Since the discovery of an oncogenic NTRK gene fusion in colorectal cancer in 1986, over 80 different fusion partner genes have been identified in a wide array of adult and paediatric tumours, providing actionable targets for targeted therapy. This review describes the normal function and physiology of TRK receptors and the biology behind NTRK gene fusions and how they act as oncogenic drivers in cancer. Finally, an overview of the incidence and prevalence of NTRK gene fusions in various types of cancers is discussed.

TRK
tropomyosin receptor kinase
NTRK gene fusions
TRK fusion cancer

Cited by (0)

A. Amatu and A. Sartore-Bianchi contributed equally to this work.

*

Dr Hyman discloses consulting or advisory roles with AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai Pharma, CytomX Therapeutics, Genentech and Pfizer, research funding from AstraZeneca, Bayer, Loxo Oncology and Puma Biotechnology, and travel, accommodation or expenses from Chugai Pharma and Genentech. Dr Ladanyi discloses research funding and advisory board compensation from Loxo Oncology, and advisory board compensation from Bayer. The guest editors received no honorarium for the preparation of this supplement.