Fusion genes, created when two genes combine, play a major role in fueling cancer growth and are important targets for diagnosis and treatment. Detecting these genes is critical, especially for cancers like sarcomas and pediatric tumors, and has led to life-saving drugs like ALK inhibitors for certain lung cancers and NTRK inhibitors for tumors with NTRK fusions.

Traditional testing methods, like fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), can only detect common fusion genes and miss many others. Newer technologies, like next-generation sequencing (NGS), provide a much more detailed picture, identifying nearly all types of fusion genes, including rare ones. Hybrid capture RNA sequencing is one of the best methods, able to detect over 99% of gene fusions.

In British Columbia (BC) and Alberta, testing methods differ. BC mainly uses older tools like FISH or small-scale NGS tests, which can miss important fusions and lead to delays or the need for testing outside the province. Alberta uses broader NGS panels, which are more comprehensive. To address these differences, a new partnership between BC and Alberta aims to improve testing. Vancouver General Hospital in BC will start using a hybrid capture RNA sequencing test that can detect over 500 fusion genes. Alberta Precision Laboratories will also upgrade their NGS testing with a custom hybrid capture Pan-Cancer Fusion Panel. By sharing tumor samples, both provinces will ensure their tests are accurate and consistent.

This collaboration will make fusion testing faster, more accurate, and more accessible for cancer patients in both provinces. It will also help standardize testing, improve cancer care, and encourage ongoing teamwork in cancer diagnostics. The results of this project will be shared widely to help improve cancer testing across Canada and beyond.