Larotrectinib Shows Promise for Patients With NTRK-fusion Sarcoma

Larotrectinib, an orally administered TRK inhibitor, appears to be safe and effective in patients with locally advanced, NTRK-fusion cancers, including pediatric patients with infantile fibrosarcoma, according to an oral presentation at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) 2017 Annual Meeting.¹

NTRK fusion is associated with several cancers, including infantile fibrosarcoma, which can require amputation or morbid surgery when disease is locally advanced. For this phase 1/2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02637687), researchers enrolled 11 patients with infantile fibrosarcoma (7 patients) or another sarcoma subtype (4 patients) to receive larotrectinib followed by surgery.

Ten (91%) patients had a partial response; 3 were referred to surgery after 4 to 6 cycles of larotrectinib. Two of these patients reached a complete response and are still disease-free.

Among patients who underwent surgery, no post-operative or healing complications were noted, suggesting that larotrectinib may prevent the need for amputation or morbid surgery.

The authors concluded that “patients with NTRK-fusion advanced sarcomas are able to proceed to surgical resection following pre-surgical [larotrectinib] without postoperative complications or wound healing issues.”

Final data will be presented at an upcoming meeting.

Read more of Cancer Therapy Advisor‘s coverage of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) by visiting the conference page.

Reference

1. DuBois SG, Laetsch TW, Federman N, et al. The use of larotrectinib in the management of locally advanced pediatric NTRK-fusion sarcoma. Oral presentation at: Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) 2017 Annual Meeting. November 8-11, 2017; Maui, Hawaii.