The following table summarises how oncogenic activation of TRK proteins can arise.
Table 1: Mechanisms of TRK Protein Activation
Mutations |
The effect of the majority of NTRK gene mutations on tumourigenesis and progression has not been determined [1]. However, some point mutations (NTRK1 p. G667C, NTRK3 p. G696A) may arise from acquired resistance to TRK inhibitors [2]. |
Splice variants |
NTRK gene splice variants have been detected in neuroblastoma and acute myeloid leukaemia [1]. |
Gene fusions |
These are the most common mechanisms of oncogenic activation of NTRK genes [1,3] and currently the most promising aberration for use as a therapeutic target. |
References
- Cocco E, Scaltriti M, Drilon A. NTRK fusion-positive cancers and TRK inhibitor therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2018; 15: 731-747.
- Okamura R, Boichard A, Kato S et al. Analysis of NTRK Alterations in Pan-Cancer Adult and Pediatric Malignancies: Implications for NTRK-Targeted Therapeutics. JCO Precis Oncol 2018; 2018.
- 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; Nov 30 Suppl 8:viii5-viii15.