Plain language summary of NRG1 fusions in cancer: current knowledge and treatment with afatinib and other drugs

Abstract

What is this study about?: This plain language summary reports the findings of a recent review of NRG1 fusion-positive tumors.

What are fusions?: A gene fusion occurs when two genes join to create a new gene. This rearrangement of DNA can change the processes within normal cells and lead to cancer. One of these gene fusions involves the NRG1 gene. NRG1 fusions have been reported in several types of cancers. These are known as NRG1 fusion-positive cancers.

What treatments are available for people with fusion-positive cancer?: One drug that has been studied in people with NRG1 fusion-positive cancer is called afatinib. People with several cancer types have received afatinib in clinical trials, and some people have responded to afatinib. Further studies are required to understand how effective afatinib and other treatments are for NRG1 fusion-positive cancer.

Keywords: NRG1 fusions; Neuregulin-1; afatinib; lay summary; plain language summary.