Biomarker Testing for NTRK Gene Fusions

As biomarker testing can play a critical role in the diagnosis of rare cancers, such as NTRK gene fusion-positive cancers, hear what care teams need to know about identifying patients who may be eligible for this testing. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Eric Konnick, MD, MS, associate professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and associate director of Genetics and Solid Tumor Laboratory at the University of Washington Medical Center Fred Hutch Cancer Center about the importance of testing for NTRK gene fusions.

“It’s really important to test our patients for these [NTRK gene fusions] because there are very effective treatments now that can have dramatic effects on the outcome of these patients’ disease course, so identifying patients that can be eligible for therapy is critical…” - Eric Konnick, MD, MS

This is the first episode in a four-part podcast series developed in connection with the ACCC education program Emerging Biomarkers: Innovative Therapies for NTRK Gene Fusion Testing and was made possible with support by Bayer.

Dr. Eric Konnick, MD, MS

Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Associate Director of Genetics and Solid Tumor Laboratory

Director of Genetics Preanalytical Services

Fred Hutch Cancer Center, University of Washington Medical Center

Seattle, WA      

Additional Reading/Sources:

·       Emerging Biomarkers: A Spotlight on NTRK Gene Fusion Testing (accc-cancer.org)

·       NTRKers Patient Community & Support (ntrkers.org)

·       NTRK Gene Fusion Infographic (ntrkers.org)

·       NTRK fusion-positive cancers and TRK inhibitor therapy