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NTRK genes

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NTRK genes

What are NTRK?

NTRK genes (NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3) code for proteins that are important for normal nervous system development and function. These proteins are known as tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRK) [1].

Why is it important?

The NTRK genes are altered in several rare cancers, including secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland [2]. These changes often fuse one part of the NTRK gene with another gene, to create a new, faulty version of it. This new fusion gene the produces a TRK fusion protein that is constantly switched on, which drives cancer growth [3].

What is the evidence?

In a large study which reviewed existing research, they found that NTRK fusions were very common in secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland and occurred in 80% of cases [2].

Are treatments that target the NTRK fusion available?

Yes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved two drugs, larotrectinib and entrectinib, for treating NTRK fusions [4, 5]. These drugs are available to patients who meet specific criteria through the Cancer Drugs Fund, a fund set up to pay for drugs that have not yet been recommended for routine use by the National Health Service [6].

Useful resources

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References

  1. Amatu A, Sartore-Bianchi A, Bencardino K, Pizzutilo EG, Tosi F, Siena S. Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) biology and the role of NTRK gene fusions in cancer. Ann Oncol. 2019; 30(Suppl_8):viii5-viii15.
  2. O'Haire S, Franchini F, Kang YJ, Steinberg J, Canfell K, Desai J, et al. Systematic review of NTRK 1/2/3 fusion prevalence pan-cancer and across solid tumours. Sci Rep. 2023; 13(1):4116.
  3. Vaishnavi A, Le AT, Doebele RC. TRKing down an old oncogene in a new era of targeted therapy. Cancer Discov. 2015; 5(1):25-34.
  4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Larotrectinib for treating NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours TA630. Available online: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta630 (Accessed: 30/09/2025).
  5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Entrectinib for treating NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours TA644. Available online: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta644 (Accessed: 30/09/2025).
  6. National Health Service (NHS) England. Cancer Drugs Fund. Available online: https://www.england.nhs.uk/cancer/cdf/ (Accessed: 30/09/2025).

Last Updated December 2025