Cells throughout the body carry a set of genes called NTRK. These genes are called a gene family and there’s three of them: NTRK1, NTRK2, AND NTRK3. These genes play a big role in the nervous system. These genes make proteins called receptors and they work like antennas, sending reports from the surface to the inside of the cell and telling it what to do and how to behave.
Sometimes, pieces of the NTRK gene break off. This is typically not caused by an inherited condition, it happens after birth. When the broken pieces stick to genes that are outside the NTRK family, this is called an NTRK fusion.
When an NTRK fusion happens, it acts like an accelerator for abnormal proteins to form (TRK fusion proteins). These abnormal proteins can make cells grow out of control and lead to cancer.
Biomarker testing can be run on tumor or blood samples to determine if there’s an NTRK fusion. If so, there may be a targeted therapy available for treatment - a drug called an “inhibitor” that can block the abnormal TRK proteins that are driving cancer cells to grow.
All GI cancers (in advanced, specific situations)
Each treatment plan depends on your stage, line of treatment, surgical or additional treatment options, and your overall health.
Ask your doctor how your biomarker test results are informing your treatment plan and if you qualify for any clinical trials.
