Based on these results the panel added larotrectinib and entrectinib as subsequent treatment options for patients with NTRK gene fusion-positive disease, acknowledging that these therapies will not be appropriate for most patients due to the rarity of the NTRK fusion in CRC.

We’re delighted to announce that a new drug, larotrectinib, has been approved for the treatment of certain sarcomas in England. ‘Sarcoma UK welcomes today’s approval of larotrectinib. Made available for use by the Cancer Drugs Fund and approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) larotrectinib is a new type of ‘histologically-independent’ drug that targets tumours based on their genetic makeup. It works by targeting the specific NTKR genetic abnormality in tumours meaning patients are treated according to the genetics of their tumour rather than where it is in the body.

...- Locally-advanced or metastatic malignancy with an NTRK1, NTRK2, or NTRK3 gene fusion, identified through molecular assays as routinely performed at CLIA or other similarly-certified laboratories....

...we estimate and compare long term benefit for pts receiving larotrectinib or entrectinib for NTRK gene fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) by extrapolating survival curves to generate expected life-years (LYs) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs)....In the larotrectinib trials, response rates were 86% and 33% in NSCLC and CRC, respectively....Larotrectinib improved survival and quality adjusted survival vs entrectinib.