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Gregory J. Riely, MD, PhD
Gregory J. Riely, MD, PhD
Posted: Thursday, February 1, 2024
Results of research conducted by investigators in Brazil indicate that their custom RNA-based nCounter methodology for detecting NTRK fusions in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suggest it is sensitive and easy to execute as well as efficient in avoiding false-positive identifications of these fusions. It has complete concordance with the RNA-based next-generation sequencing approach, wrote the team in Scientific Reports, yet it appears to be more cost-effective. In fact, it may also prove to be of use in samples with poor quality, such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, reported Rui Manuel Reis, MD, PhD, of Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, and colleagues.
Although the detection of NTRK1, 2, and 3 fusions in small biopsies is challenging, the fusions are important therapeutic targets for all patients with NSCLC. “The [fusions’] prevalence in South American admixed populations [requires] better [exploration],” explained the authors.
They used their nCounter assay to evaluate the frequency and concordance of NTRK fusions in a real-world scenario: 147 consecutive patients with NSCLC at Dr. Reis’ hospital between 2020 and 2022. The concordance rate between immunohistochemistry and nCounter was 40%, and it was 33.4% between immunohistochemistry and RNA-based next-generation sequencing.
Immunohistochemistry revealed that 12 of the 147 patients had pan-NTRK positivity. “Due to the absence of biological material, RNA-based next-generation sequencing and/or nCounter could be performed” in just 6 of those 12, said the team.
“We found one case exhibiting an NTRK1 fusion and another an NTRK3 gene fusion by both RNA-based next-generation sequencing and nCounter techniques. Both NTRK fusions were detected in patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, with no history of tobacco consumption,” reported Dr. Reis and co-investigators. “Moreover, no concomitant EGFR, KRAS, and ALK gene alterations were detected in NTRK-positive patients.” Additionally, their findings indicated that NTRK fusions in Brazilian patients with NSCLC are relatively rare (1.3%).
Disclosure: The study authors reported no conflicts of interest.
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