Role of NTRK gene fusions and TRK inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

ABSTRACT

Lung cancer is one of the major causes of cancer related deaths, and 80%–85% of lung cacer cases are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Most patients with NSCLC are already in the advanced stages when they are initially diagnosed. Despite remarkable advances in traditional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other therapies, the overall survival of patients with NSCLC remains poor. New therapeutic targets have been discovered in recent years with the continuous development of precision medicine, and the corresponding targeted drugs have highlighted the promise of targeted therapy. NTRK gene fusions have been closely related to the formation and progression of a variety of solid tumors. In patients with NSCLC, the incidence of NTRK gene fusions, which usually does not overlap with other common oncogene drivers, is approximately 0.2%. Clinical trials have demonstrated the good efficacy and safety of TRK inhibitors in solid tumors with NTRK gene fusions. In addition, patients with refractory NSCLC can benefit significantly from TRK inhibitors. This article reviews the role of NTRK gene fusions and TRK inhibitors in NSCLC.