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

A Amatu, A Sartore-Bianchi, K Bencardino, E G Pizzutilo, F Tosi, S Siena

Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology 2019 Nov 01

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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. © The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology.

Citation

A Amatu, A Sartore-Bianchi, K Bencardino, E G Pizzutilo, F Tosi, S Siena. Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) biology and the role of NTRK gene fusions in cancer. Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology. 2019 Nov 01;30(Suppl_8):viii5-viii15