NTRK2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NTRK2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NTRK2 Gene Fusion Test, TRKB Gene Fusion Test, Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase 2 Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 8 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children with solid tumours, particularly advanced or metastatic cancers without a known driver mutation |
| Price | Starting at ₹8,400 |
What Is an NTRK2 Test?
The NTRK2 test is a specialised molecular test that checks for abnormal gene fusions involving the NTRK2 gene in tumour tissue. This gene, also known as TRKB, normally helps regulate cell growth. When this gene fuses abnormally with another gene, it can drive cancer growth. Doctors use this test to find out whether a patient's cancer is caused by an NTRK2 gene fusion, which can help guide treatment decisions. The sample used is a tumour tissue block taken during a biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an NTRK2 Test Measure?
The NTRK2 test analyses tumour tissue at the genetic level using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). It looks for a specific type of change called a gene fusion, where the NTRK2 gene abnormally joins with another gene, producing a protein that can drive cancer cell growth. Here is what the test examines:
| Component | What It Looks For |
|---|---|
| NTRK2 gene fusion status | Whether the NTRK2 gene has fused abnormally with another gene |
| Fusion partner identification | The specific partner gene involved in the fusion, if detected |
| TRK protein expression | Presence of the TRKB protein encoded by the NTRK2 gene |
A result is reported as either "fusion detected" or "fusion not detected". If a fusion is found, the report will name the partner gene involved (for example, "AFAP1-NTRK2 fusion detected").
Why Is an NTRK2 Test Done?
Oncologists order the NTRK2 test to identify whether a tumour carries this specific genetic change. The result can directly affect treatment choices.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Symptoms depend on the tumour's location in the body. The following are common reasons a doctor may investigate a patient's cancer further with this test:
- Unexplained and persistent fatigue
- Significant weight loss
- A noticeable lump, mass or swelling anywhere in the body
- Persistent or localised pain with no clear cause
- Neurological symptoms such as headaches or changes in vision (associated with brain tumours)
- Persistent cough or breathing difficulty (associated with lung tumours)
- Advanced or metastatic cancer without a known genetic driver mutation
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NTRK2 gene fusion acts as an oncogenic driver (a genetic change that promotes cancer cell growth) in several solid tumour types. The test can help identify this change in:
- Gliomas (brain tumours, where NTRK2 fusions are most commonly found)
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Papillary thyroid cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Sarcoma (soft tissue tumour)
- Breast cancer
- Rare tumours such as congenital infantile fibrosarcoma and secretory carcinoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The NTRK2 test procedure does not require any preparation from the patient in most cases, as the sample is tumour tissue already collected during a prior biopsy or surgery. However, there are important steps to be aware of.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The sample is not a blood draw; it is a tissue block from a previous surgical or biopsy procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before submitting your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results and family history, as this is required for the test
- Confirm with your oncologist that adequate tumour tissue is available from a prior biopsy or surgical resection
- Ensure the tissue block was fixed using formalin; other types of fixatives may affect result accuracy
- Discuss with your doctor whether FISH, IHC or another method is most appropriate for your case
- Tissue blocks should ideally be less than 10 years old for the best quality results
Step-by-Step Procedure
The process for the NTRK2 test involves submitting tumour tissue rather than a standard blood draw. Here is how the process typically works:
- Tumour tissue is collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure (this is usually already done as part of cancer diagnosis).
- A pathologist reviews the tissue to confirm it contains enough tumour cells and is suitable for testing (a minimum of 20% tumour cell content is recommended).
- The formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block is prepared and labelled correctly for the laboratory.
- The block is transported to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius).
- Laboratory scientists perform FISH testing on the tissue to look for NTRK2 gene fusions.
- Results are reported as fusion detected or not detected, with details of the partner gene if a fusion is found.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence whether the test returns a reliable result:
- Insufficient tumour cell content in the tissue sample
- Poor quality or degraded FFPE tissue
- Tissue blocks older than 10 years
- Use of non-standard fixatives during specimen preparation
- Presence of other dominant driver mutations in the same tumour
Understanding Your NTRK2 Test Results
Results from the NTRK2 test are reported in a straightforward way. Your oncologist will review the findings alongside your full clinical picture before making any treatment decisions.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| NTRK2 gene fusion | Not detected | No fusion present; tumour is not driven by NTRK2 gene rearrangement |
| NTRK2 gene fusion | Detected | Fusion present; tumour may be a candidate for TRK inhibitor therapy |
Unlike routine blood tests, this test does not have population-based reference ranges. The key finding is simply whether a fusion is present or absent.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
NTRK fusions are rarely found alongside other known cancer driver mutations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET or KRAS. If your tumour has already tested positive for one of these alterations, an NTRK fusion is unlikely but not impossible.
Poor tissue quality or insufficient tumour cell content in the sample can occasionally lead to a false-negative result. Your oncologist may recommend repeat testing if clinical suspicion remains high.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test detects acquired mutations in tumour cells, not levels in the blood. Because NTRK2 fusions are acquired changes in tumour cells and are not related to lifestyle, there are no dietary or exercise measures that influence this finding. However, the following general steps are helpful:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oncologist after receiving results
- Keep records of previous test results and tissue samples, as these may be needed for future testing
- Understand that NTRK gene fusions are not hereditary and are not passed on to family members
- Open communication with your medical team about any new or changing symptoms supports timely clinical decisions.
Lupin Diagnostics NTRK2 Test Price
The NTRK2 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹8,400. This test requires submission of an FFPE tissue block and must be processed at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Home collection is not available.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 8400 |
| CHENNAI | 8400 |
| HYDERABAD | 8400 |
| KOLKATA | 8400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 8400 |
| PUNE | 8400 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your NTRK2 test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NTRK2 test checks for abnormal gene fusions in tumour tissue that may be driving cancer growth. A positive result indicates that the patient's tumour may respond well to targeted TRK inhibitor therapies. Your oncologist will use the result alongside other clinical information to plan treatment.
The test uses a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue block. This sample is typically already collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure done as part of your cancer diagnosis. No fresh blood draw or new invasive procedure is usually required solely for this test.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the NTRK2 test report is delivered within 8 days. The FISH method used takes longer than basic blood tests because the tissue requires more detailed laboratory processing.
No. Fasting is not required. Since the test uses tumour tissue rather than a blood sample, there are no dietary restrictions before submission.
A positive result means that an NTRK2 gene fusion has been detected in your tumour. This suggests the tumour may be sensitive to TRK-targeted therapy. Your oncologist will discuss what this means for your treatment plan, taking into account your overall health, tumour type and other test findings.
No. NTRK gene fusions are not hereditary. They are acquired mutations that occur only in tumour cells during a person's lifetime and are not passed on to children.
Identifying an NTRK2 fusion early allows your oncologist to consider TRK inhibitor therapy, which has shown high response rates in patients with NTRK fusion-positive tumours regardless of the cancer type. Testing before treatment begins ensures no effective option is overlooked.
NTRK2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
