scholarly journals NTRK Fusions and TRK Inhibitors: Potential Targeted Therapies for Adult Glioblastoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuekun Wang ◽  
Piaopiao Long ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Wenbin Ma

IntroductionGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary central nervous (CNS) system malignancy with a poor prognosis. The standard treatment for GBM is neurosurgical resection, followed by radiochemotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy. Predictive biomarkers, such as methylation of the promoter region of the O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene, can successfully distinguish subgroups with different prognosis after temozolomide chemotherapy. Based on multiomics studies, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), BRAF V600E mutation, neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) fusions and other potential therapy targets have been found.MethodsWe have reviewed the preclinical and clinical evidence for NTRK fusions and TRK inhibitors therapy in cancers with NTRK fusions in pan-cancer and gliomas.ResultsSeveral NTRK1/2/3 fusions have been reported in GBM and preclinical studies have proven that NTRK fusions are potential driver mutations in some high-grade gliomas. Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors have shown efficacy as targeted therapies for extracranial tumors with NTRK fusions in recent clinical trials, with potential CNS tolerability and activity. However, whether NTRK gene fusions can affect survival status, the efficacy and resistance of TRK inhibitors in GBMs are lacking high-level evidences.ConclusionsFor GBM patients, NTRK fusions and TRK inhibitors are potential target therapy strategy but remain biological mechanism and clinical significance unclarified. More clinical data and future clinical trials are needed to provide more evidence that supports targeted therapy for GBM with NTRK fusions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 632
Author(s):  
Sun-Young Han

Recently, two tropomycin receptor kinase (Trk) inhibitors, larotrectinib and entrectinib, have been approved for Trk fusion-positive cancer patients. Clinical trials for larotrectinib and entrectinib were performed with patients selected based on the presence of Trk fusion, regardless of cancer type. This unique approach, called tissue-agnostic development, expedited the process of Trk inhibitor development. In the present review, the development processes of larotrectinib and entrectinib have been described, along with discussion on other Trk inhibitors currently in clinical trials. The on-target effects of Trk inhibitors in Trk signaling exhibit adverse effects on the central nervous system, such as withdrawal pain, weight gain, and dizziness. A next generation sequencing-based method has been approved for companion diagnostics of larotrectinib, which can detect various types of Trk fusions in tumor samples. With the adoption of the tissue-agnostic approach, the development of Trk inhibitors has been accelerated.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 175628481880807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron C. Tan ◽  
David L. Chan ◽  
Wasek Faisal ◽  
Nick Pavlakis

Metastatic gastric cancer is associated with a poor prognosis and novel treatment options are desperately needed. The development of targeted therapies heralded a new era for the management of metastatic gastric cancer, however results from clinical trials of numerous targeted agents have been mixed. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has yielded similar promise and results from early trials are encouraging. This review provides an overview of the systemic treatment options evaluated in metastatic gastric cancer, with a focus on recent evidence from clinical trials for targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The failure to identify appropriate predictive biomarkers has hampered the success of many targeted therapies in gastric cancer, and a deeper understanding of specific molecular subtypes and genomic alterations may allow for more precision in the application of novel therapies. Identifying appropriate biomarkers for patient selection is essential for future clinical trials, for the most effective use of novel agents and in combination approaches to account for growing complexity of treatment options.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9094-9094
Author(s):  
Shingo Matsumoto ◽  
Takaya Ikeda ◽  
Kiyotaka Yoh ◽  
Akira Sugimoto ◽  
Terufumi Kato ◽  
...  

9094 Background: A variety of oncogene drivers have been identified in NSCLC and molecularly-stratified precision medicine has led to improved survival in advanced NSCLC. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based testing is utilized to detect actionable gene alterations; however, the TAT of NGS is often too long to translate into clinical decision making. Thus, rapid multi-gene testing alternatives are needed. Methods: A lung cancer genomic screening project (LC-SCRUM-Asia) capturing clinical outcome was established in 2013 to identify patients with oncogene drivers and to support the development of novel targeted therapies. Since February 2013 to May 2019 (LC-SCRUM-Asia 1st-phase), single gene testing and/or a targeted NGS assay, Oncomine Comprehensive Assay (OCA), were used for the genomic screening. Since June 2019 to December 2020 (2nd-phase), a multi-gene PCR assay (Amoy 9-in-1 test) and a rapid NGS assay (Genexus/Oncomine Precision Assay [OPA]) were also implemented as rapid multi-gene testing. Results: A total of 10667 Japanese NSCLC patients, including 6826 in the 1st-phase and 3841 in the 2nd-phase, were enrolled in the LC-SCRUM-Asia. Success rate for OCA: 93%, for 9-in-1 test: 98%, for Genexus/OPA: 96%. Median TAT for OCA: 21 days, for 9-in-1 test: 3 days, for Genexus/OPA: 4 days. The frequencies of genetic alterations detected in the 1st-/2nd-phase were EGFR: 17/24%, KRAS: 15/16%, HER2 ex20ins: 4/3%, ALK fusions: 3/3%, RET fusions: 3/2%, ROS1 fusions: 3/2%, MET ex14skip: 2/2%, BRAF V600E: 1/1%, NRG1 fusions: 0/0.2% and NTRK3 fusions: 0.05/0.04%. Overall percent agreement of 9-in-1 test compared with OCA for EGFR/KRAS/HER2/BRAF/MET/ALK/ROS1/RET/NTRK3 alterations was 98%, and that of OPA compared with OCA was 95%. The rate of patients who received targeted therapies as 1st-line treatment was significantly elevated in the 2nd-phase compared with the 1st-phase (510/3841 [13%] vs. 567/6826 [8%], p < 0.001). Through the genomic screening, 1410 (37%) and 1269 (18%) candidate patients for clinical trials of KRAS, HER2, BRAF, MET, ALK, ROS1, RET or TRK-targeted drugs were identified in the 2nd-phase and in the 1st-phase, respectively. The rate of patients who were actually enrolled into the genotype-matched clinical trials were also significantly higher in the 2nd-phase than in the 1st-phase (222 [6%] vs. 186 [3%], p < 0.001). In 1st-line treatments for advanced NSCLC patients, the median progression-free survival was 8.5 months (95% CI, 7.7−9.4) in the 2nd-phase (n = 1839) versus 6.1 months (95% CI, 5.9−6.3) in the 1st-phase (n = 4262) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both the 9-in-1 test and Genexus/OPA had short TATs (3−4 days), high success rates (96−98%) and good concordance (95−98%) compared with another NGS assay (OCA). These rapid multi-gene assays highly contributed to enabling precision medicine and the development of targeted therapies for advanced NSCLC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Grinshpun ◽  
Yonaton Zarbiv ◽  
Jason Roszik ◽  
Vivek Subbiah ◽  
Ayala Hubert

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a grim prognosis. Molecular and genomic analyses revealed that the striking majority of these tumors are driven by KRAS mutation, currently not amenable to targeted therapy. However, other driver mutations were found in a small fraction of patients. Herein we report of 3 cases of patients with metastatic PDAC and wildtype KRAS, found to harbor BRAF or RET pathogenic alterations. The patients were treated with targeted therapies with variable success. In our opinion, those proof-of-concept cases argue in favor of additional research and clinical trials’ effort in this small but significant PDAC population with uncommon driver mutations.


Author(s):  
Levine ◽  
Y Shen ◽  
K Mungall ◽  
J Serrano ◽  
M Snuderl ◽  
...  

We describe the case of an 11-month-old girl with a rare cerebellar glioblastoma driven by a NACC2-NTRK2 (Nucleus Accumbens Associated Protein 2-Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2) fusion. Initial workup of our case demonstrated homozygous CDKN2A deletion, but immunohistochemistry for other driver mutations, including IDH1 R132H, BRAF V600E, and H3F3A K27M were negative, and ATRX was retained. Tissue was subsequently submitted for personalized oncogenomic analysis, including whole genome and whole transcriptome sequencing, which demonstrated an activating NTRK2 fusion, as well as high PD-L1 expression, which was subsequently confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, H3 and IDH demonstrated wildtype status. These findings suggested the possibility of treatment with either NTRK- or immune checkpoint- inhibitors through active clinical trials. Ultimately, the family pursued standard treatment that involved Head Start III chemotherapy and proton radiotherapy. Notably, at most recent follow upapproximately two years from initial diagnosis, the patient is in disease remission and thriving, suggesting favorable biology despite histologic malignancy. This case illustrates the value of personalized oncogenomics, as the molecular profiling revealed two actionable changes that would not have been apparent through routine diagnostics. NTRK fusions are known oncogenic drivers in a range of cancer types, but this is the first report of a NACC2-NTRK2 fusion in a glioblastoma.LEARNING OBJECTIVESThis presentation will enable the learner to:1.Explore the current molecular landscape of pediatric high grade gliomas2.Recognize the value of personalized oncogenomic analysis, particularly in rare and/or aggressive tumors3.Discuss the current status of NTRK inhibitor clinical trials


Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sobhani ◽  
D’Angelo ◽  
Pittacolo ◽  
Roviello ◽  
Miccoli ◽  
...  

Breast Cancer (BC) is the second most common type of cancer worldwide and displays the highest cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Targeted therapies have revolutionized the way BC has been treated in recent decades, improving the life expectancies of millions of women. Among the different molecular pathways that have been of interest for the development of targeted therapies are the Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDK). CDK inhibitors are a class of molecules that already exist in nature and those belonging to the Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors family INK4 that specifically inhibit CDK4/6 proteins. CDK4/6 inhibitors specifically block the transition from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle by dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein. In the past four years, the CDK4/6 inhibitors, palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, received their first FDA approval for the treatment of Hormone Receptor (HR)-positive and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer after showing significant improvements in progression-free survival in the PALOMA-1, MONALEESA-2 and the MONARCH-2 randomized clinical trials, respectively. After the encouraging results from these clinical trials, CDK4/6 inhibitors have also been investigated in other BC subtypes. In HER2-positive BC, a combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors with HER2-targeted therapies showed promise in preclinical studies and their clinical evaluation is ongoing. Moreover, in triple-negative BC, the efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors has been investigated in combination with other targeted therapies or immunotherapies. This review summarizes the molecular background and clinical efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other targeted therapies for the treatment of BC. Future directions for ongoing clinical trials and predictive biomarkers will be further debated.


2012 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria McIntire ◽  
Mark Redston

Context.—In recent years, there has been a tremendous amount of interest in the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of human cancers. Increased understanding of the specific molecular pathways and driver mutations critical to cancer cell growth have allowed the development of these advanced therapeutics. Among these, inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor and HER2/neu pathways now play a major role in the management of gastrointestinal cancers in addition to other solid malignancies. In colorectal and gastric cancers, the use of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and HER2/neu inhibitors has increased the available treatment options for patients with advanced disease. Objective.—To focus on the current targeted therapies and predictors of response in malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. Data Sources.—Medical literature searchable on PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) as well as older studies revealed by the literature review were used as the source of data. Conclusion.—Gene testing of critical elements of the pathways targeted by these agents (such as KRAS mutational analysis in colorectal tumors and HER2/neu testing in gastric cancers) allows the ability to predict which patients will respond to these treatments. As the molecular profiling of tumors and our understanding of cancer genomics and epigenetic alterations continues to grow, it is expected that these personalized targeted therapies will form one of the mainstays of gastrointestinal cancer treatment.


ESMO Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e000605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia-Hong You ◽  
Yu-Huan Jiang ◽  
Zhou Fang ◽  
Fan Sun ◽  
Yao Li ◽  
...  

BackgroundMonoclonal antibodies of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been recommended as first-line therapy for patients with left-sided metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with wild-type RAS. The effect of tumour laterality on antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody and how to optimise targeted therapies for the right-sided cases remain controversial.Patients and methodsA comprehensive meta-analysis enrolling 16 first-line clinical trials was performed to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy alone and chemotherapy plus targeted therapies for patients with mCRC with right primary tumour site, and we validated the results in metastatic setting (14 trials containing 4306 patients with unresectable mCRC).ResultsHere, we found that progression-free survival (PFS) (combined HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.44) and overall survival (OS) (combined HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.62) of the right-sided patients were significantly inferior to the left-sided individuals receiving chemotherapy alone in overall population, regardless of race. Similar results were also observed in metastatic setting. OS of patients with left-sided mCRC receiving chemotherapy plus bevacizumab was superior to the right-sided individuals (combined median survival ratio (MSR)=1.23, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.39 for overall population; combined MSR=1.23, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.45 for metastatic setting), especially for wild-type RAS and mixed population. Moreover, the right-sided patients benefited more from chemotherapy plus bevacizumab comparing with chemotherapy alone in both overall population and metastatic setting. Importantly, the RAS-wild right-sided patients achieved longer PFS (combined HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.88) and OS (combined HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.98) from chemotherapy plus bevacizumab comparing with chemotherapy associated with anti-EGFR agents.ConclusionsPatients with right-sided mCRC show impaired chemosensitivity, and chemotherapy plus bevacizumab can be an optimal first-line therapeutic regimen for the RAS-wild patients with right-sided mCRC.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakti Chakrabarti ◽  
Mandana Kamgar ◽  
Amit Mahipal

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a heterogeneous group of adenocarcinomas that originate from the epithelial lining of the biliary tree. BTCs are characterized by presentation with advanced disease precluding curative surgery, rising global incidence, and a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of the current treatment, which results in a median overall survival of less than one year, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic agents and strategies. Next-generation sequencing-based molecular profiling has shed light on the underpinnings of the complex pathophysiology of BTC and has uncovered numerous actionable targets, leading to the discovery of new therapies tailored to the molecular targets. Therapies targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) fusion, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations, the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family, DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways, and BRAF mutations have produced early encouraging results in selected patients. Current clinical trials evaluating targeted therapies, as monotherapies and in combination with other agents, are paving the way for novel treatment options. Genomic profiling of cell-free circulating tumor DNA that can assist in the identification of an actionable target is another exciting area of development. In this review, we provide a contemporaneous appraisal of the evolving targeted therapies and the ongoing clinical trials that will likely transform the therapeutic paradigm of BTC.


2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. T45-T60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Mancarella ◽  
Katia Scotlandi

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has gained substantial interest due to its involvement in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and survival during anoikis and after conventional and targeted therapies. However, results from clinical trials have been largely disappointing, with only a few but notable exceptions, such as trials targeting sarcomas, especially Ewing sarcoma. This review highlights key studies focusing on IGF signaling in sarcomas, specifically studies underscoring the properties that make this system an attractive therapeutic target and identifies new relationships that may be exploited. This review discusses the potential roles of IGF2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs), discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) and metalloproteinase pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in regulating the IGF system. Deeper investigation of these novel regulators of the IGF system may help us to further elucidate the spatial and temporal control of the IGF axis, as understanding the control of this axis is essential for future clinical studies.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document