Cracking the Code: How Base Sequence Testing Unlocks the Secrets of Rare and Common Cancers
- Although it is unfamiliar, it is a disease that creates tumors anywhere in the body, and it is difficult to distinguish it from general cancer, so there are...
- Kang, in his 30s, who had previously been treated for cancer in his leg, recently received the shocking diagnosis that the cancer had spread to his lungs.
- Although he devoted himself to treatment with the will to live, his condition showed no signs of improvement, and the worst was reached.
[앵커]
Have you heard of NTRK fusion cancer, which is caused by genetic mutation?
Although it is unfamiliar, it is a disease that creates tumors anywhere in the body, and it is difficult to distinguish it from general cancer, so there are many cases where treatment is missed.
Reporter Kim Joo-young reports.
[기자]
Mr. Kang, in his 30s, who had previously been treated for cancer in his leg, recently received the shocking diagnosis that the cancer had spread to his lungs.
Although he devoted himself to treatment with the will to live, his condition showed no signs of improvement, and the worst was reached.
[강모씨 / NTRK 유전자 변이암 환자 : 저는 의식이 없을 때니까 저는 모르지만 부모님들은 봉안당이라든지 그런 것을 알아보고, 어느 지역에 할 것인지….]
However, through additional tests performed as a last hope, I found out that it was not just lung cancer.
The diagnosis was NTRK gene mutation cancer, which is classified as a rare cancer.
NTRK mutation cancer occurs when a gene named NTRK fuses with another gene, and it is a rare cancer with a high incidence.
Cancer can form throughout the body, including the thyroid, colon, and breast, and is often difficult to distinguish from regular cancer that forms in the same area.
However, the treatment methods are completely different, and existing cancer treatment methods are not effective.
[김효송 / 세브란스병원 종양내과 교수 : 특이한 유전자에서 기인하는 종양이기 때문에 전통적인 항암 치료의 반응이 매우 좋지 않습니다. 또 기존 전통적인 병리 방법이나 이런 것으로 식별하기가 좀 어렵습니다.]
To understand this, next-generation sequencing, or so-called ‘NGS testing’, which examines genes in detail, is essential.
Although the cost, which is close to 1 million won, is high, NTRK mutation cancer can be clearly detected.
[김상겸 / 세브란스 병리과 교수 : 종양 세포의 양이나 여러 가지 실험 조건만 만족이 되면 거의 100% 확인이 가능합니다.]
Fortunately, the treatment is effective and if discovered, a complete cure can be expected.
[강모씨 / NTRK 유전자 변이암 환자 : (지금은) 일상생활에 큰 문제 없이 지내고 있는 거고 직장생활도 특별한 문제 없이 그냥 다니고 있는 거죠.]
Experts emphasized that quick and accurate testing and diagnosis are important in the case of rare cancers, as the time for appropriate treatment may pass faster.
This is Kim Joo-young of YTN.
YTN Kim Joo-young (kimjy0810@ytn.co.kr)
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