NTRK Fusion Cancer (NTRK) Clinical Trials and Treatments

NTRK fusion cancers represent a paradigm shift in oncology toward tissue-agnostic treatment. The NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 genes encode tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRK A, B, and C), which are normally involved in nervous system development. When one of these genes fuses with another gene through a chromosomal rearrangement, the resulting fusion protein is constitutively active, driving uncontrolled cell growth regardless of the tissue of origin.

The most common symptoms of NTRK Fusion Cancer include Symptoms vary widely depending on the tumor type and location, A growing lump or mass that may or may not be painful, Fatigue and unexplained weight loss, Pain in the affected area, Organ-specific symptoms depending on tumor location, among others. NTRK fusions occur in less than 1% of all common cancers, but in up to 90% of certain rare tumor types like infantile fibrosarcoma and secretory breast carcinoma. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for NTRK Fusion Cancer from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. If you've been diagnosed with any cancer, ask your oncologist about comprehensive genomic profiling to test for NTRK fusions and other actionable mutations. This is especially important for rare tumors or cancers that haven't responded well to standard treatment.

As of September 2026, Trial Friend's curated drug index does not include an FDA-approved treatment specific to NTRK Fusion Cancer. The Treatments section of this page checks FDA drug labels live and lists any approved drug whose label names the condition, and the trials listed below cover the investigational options.

NTRK Fusion Cancer arises from acquired (somatic) genetic changes in the affected cells, commonly involving NTRK1 fusion, NTRK2 fusion and NTRK3 fusion, rather than from an inherited variant. Defined by a tumor NTRK gene fusion found by NGS or FISH on tumor tissue; non-fusion NTRK variants do not respond to TRK inhibitors. Not an inherited condition. NTRK fusions occur in less than 1% of all common cancers, but in up to 90% of certain rare tumor types like infantile fibrosarcoma and secretory breast carcinoma.

For NTRK Fusion Cancer the genetic testing that matters is usually of the tumor or affected blood cells rather than inherited DNA, looking for NTRK1 fusion, NTRK2 fusion and NTRK3 fusion. Defined by a tumor NTRK gene fusion found by NGS or FISH on tumor tissue; non-fusion NTRK variants do not respond to TRK inhibitors. Not an inherited condition.

Those results guide treatment choice and are often the entry requirement for targeted-therapy trials, so ask whether the biopsy was sent for molecular testing and request the report. The Genetic Testing section of this page lists laboratories in the NIH Genetic Testing Registry.

Eligibility for NTRK Fusion Cancer clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a NTRK Fusion Cancer clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.