Overview
Neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK+) gene fusions are rare but important oncogenic fusions found across many types of solid tumors. This study used the US-based deidentified Flatiron Health–Foundation Medicine solid tumor and pantumor Clinico-Genomic databases to examine 159 patients with advanced or metastatic NTRK+ solid tumors diagnosed from 2011 to 2024.
The study included 159 patients, most commonly with colorectal, non-small cell lung, or breast cancer. Chemotherapy was prevalent in the first two lines of treatment, while immunotherapies gained prominence in later lines. Notably, only 24% of patients received TRK inhibitors, with their use primarily in late-line settings.
Why this matters
As targeted therapies continue to evolve, understanding real-world treatment patterns is crucial for improving clinical decision-making. This research highlights the limited use of TRK inhibitors in earlier treatment lines, possibly due to the timing of testing and drug approvals. The findings underscore a significant unmet need, as over half of the patients treated with TRK inhibitors and first-line therapies required further treatment, often with poor outcomes. These insights can guide future research and treatment strategies, ultimately aiming to enhance care for patients with NTRK+ cancers.