Personalised treatment in childhood cancer: A journey through NTRK fusion testing

Patient advocate Linet Menarchery is the mother of a child diagnosed with an NTRK fusion-positive pediatric cancer. 

Linet draws upon her lived experience as she discusses the role of molecular testing in childhood cancer and reflects on the practical and emotional challenges families may face during the testing process. 

She shares insights on: 

• What it means to receive a rare molecular diagnosis 
• The importance of multidisciplinary care and access to support 
• What to expect at key moments during NTRK fusion testing 
• How families can access information and support

Clinical takeaways

• A pediatric cancer diagnosis affects the whole family. Parents are often asked to absorb complex information quickly, make important decisions, and cope with uncertainty while supporting their child and other family members
• Testing for molecular alterations, such as NTRK  fusions, can help healthcare teams better understand the tumour and guide treatment decisions
• NTRK  fusions are rare but may occur in several pediatric cancers, including infantile fibrosarcoma, some brain tumours, thyroid cancers, and other solid tumours 
• Testing may involve methods such as immunohistochemistry or next-generation sequencing. Results can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the testing choice 
• Clear communication from the healthcare team and access to psychological, clinical, and peer support can help families navigate this period