Researchers studying tumor growth observed a connection to the occurrence of two separate genes fusing together to become a hybrid gene.  When two independent genes come together, they may form what is called an “oncogene” which can drive tumor growth or suppress the body’s natural systems that keep tumors from growing. Gene fusions occur in more than 90% of lymphomas, over half of the leukemias, and one third of soft tissue tumors.

The discovery and knowledge of fusion oncogenes has led to new ways to diagnose some rare cancers and have become a focus of investigations into therapies to slow down aggressive tumor growth. For example, NUT carcinoma is an aggressive cancer frequently found in the midline of the body, such as in the head and neck or chest area. NUT carcinoma results from the fusion of two genes identified specifically as the BRD-NUT fusion oncogene . Tumors typically grow and spread quickly and the treatment approach may include several strategies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and clinical trial participation.

NUT carcinoma as a rare cancer is not well known among oncologists, and so many do not consider testing for it.  Recent advances in laboratory testing of tumor makeup means that in the future, NUT carcinoma may become part of routine tumor testing.

Greater understanding of the fusion oncogene has led to the investigation of new types of therapies, and clinical studies for aggressive cancers like NUT carcinoma are ongoing.

Sources:

1. Latysheva NS, and Madan Babu M. Nucleic Acids Research, 2016 1 doi: 10.1093/nar/gkw282

2. French C, Nature Reviews Cancer, AOP, published online 23 January 2014; doi:10.1038/nrc3659

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