Cells throughout the body carry a gene called NRG1. This gene plays a big role in the nervous system, heart health, and cell signaling. The NRG1 gene makes proteins that send signals through receptors to tell cells what to do. The NRG1 gene sends signals through the ERBB genes (HER2, HER3, HER4).
Sometimes, pieces of the NRG1 gene break off. The broken pieces can stick to other genes, this is called an NRG1 fusion and it creates a DNA error. A new kind of protein, an NRG1 fusion protein, is created when this happens. This protein connects to HER3 and activates the HER2-HER3 receptors.
When this happens, it’s like an accelerator forms for cells to grow out of control and lead to cancer.
Biomarker testing can be run on tumor or blood samples to determine if there’s an NRG1 fusion.
Pancreatic cancers (in advanced, specific situations)
There are several clinical trials happening for other GI cancer types with NRG1 fusions.
Your treatment plan will be unique and dependent on several factors. Ask your doctor how your biomarker test results are informing your treatment plan and if you qualify for any clinical trials.
