March 25–26, 2023 – The 353rd China Engineering Science and Technology Forum and the 12th China Molecular Diagnostics Technology Conference were grandly convened in Wuhan during its vibrant spring season adorned with cherry blossoms. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), Tsinghua University, and the National Engineering Research Center for Biochip (Beijing).

Dr. Gao Jinli, Chief Physician and Director of the Department of Pathology at Tongji University Affiliated Oriental Hospital (Shanghai), as well as Executive Director of the Sino-German Oriental Virchow Joint Pathology Institute, was invited to deliver a technical report titled “Application of NTRK Fusion Genes in Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Solid Tumors.

Dr. Gao began her presentation with the historical discovery of NTRK gene fusions in colorectal cancer and papillary thyroid carcinoma. She then outlined the current clinical landscape of NTRK fusion detection in solid tumors in China, emphasizing five key aspects:

1. Optimal timing for testing

2. Detection methodologies

3. Testing models

4. Quality control protocols

5. Therapeutic recommendations

She introduced 13 clinical consensus points developed through multidisciplinary collaboration and summarized critical issues such as:

• The growing adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS)

• Physiological expression patterns of NTRK proteins

• Fusion frequency across tumor types

• Cancer classification implications

Dr. Gao highlighted that while NTRK fusions are rare in common cancers, they are highly prevalent in certain rare tumors. Importantly, NTRK-driven tumors rarely co-occur with other oncogenic drivers like ALK or BRAF. Despite their low frequency, NTRK fusions span diverse malignancies, necessitating clinical vigilance. NGS, with its comprehensive scope, high sensitivity, and specificity, has become the gold standard for detection.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished leaders, including:

• Academician Li Xiaohong, Party Secretary and President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE)

• Ms. Chen Ping, Vice Governor of Hubei Provincial People’s Government

• Academician You Zheng, President of Huazhong University of Science and Technology

• Prof. Chen Honghui, Director of Hubei Provincial Health Commission

In his opening speech, Academician Li Xiaohong proposed three strategic imperatives:

1. Innovation-Driven Leadership: Pioneering advancements in biomedicine.

2. Biosecurity Safeguarding: Upholding safety in scientific practices.

3. People-Centered Healthcare: Protecting public health as the ultimate goal.

He called for collaborative efforts to achieve self-reliance in molecular diagnostics, enhance industry quality, meet healthcare demands, and contribute to the Healthy China initiative.

As a Sino-German collaborative laboratory specializing in pathology and molecular diagnostics, Virchow Laboratory actively engages in global academic exchanges to:

• Collaborate with biomedical leaders and industry pioneers.

• Seize opportunities in precision medicine innovation.

• Translate cutting-edge research into clinical applications.

• Foster cross-sector partnerships (academia-industry-hospital) to advance the field.

By participating in forums like this, the laboratory aims to drive the deep integration of precision medicine into healthcare systems, benefiting patients worldwide.