Roles of fusion genes in digestive system cancers: Dawn for cancer precision therapy

Abstract

For advanced cancers of the digestive system, personalized, precise treatment can be life saving. With the development of next-generation sequencing technology, detection of fusion genes in solid tumors has become more extensive. Some fusion gene targeting therapies have been written into guidelines for digestive tract tumors, such as for neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2. There are also many fusion genes being investigated as potential future therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the current detection methods for fusion genes, fusion genes written into the digestive system tumor guidelines, and potential fusion gene therapy targets in different organs to discuss the possibility of clinical treatments for these targets in digestive system cancers.

Keywords: Cancer; Digestive system; Fusion gene; Targeted therapy.