CancerFax
PRECISION ONCOLOGY

NGS TESTING FOR
RARE CANCERS

Rare cancer patients are no longer excluded from targeted treatment development by population size. Tumour-agnostic approvals and molecular-matched basket trials include them by molecular logic -- if the alteration is present, the treatment is accessible.

Reviewed by: CancerFax Medical Team, Oncology & Haematology SpecialistsLast reviewed: April 16, 20268 min read

How Precision Oncology Expands Access for Rare Cancers

Rare cancers often share molecular features with common cancers. The shared molecular target is the access point -- regardless of the tissue of origin.

  • Tumour-Agnostic Approvals

    MSI-H/pembrolizumab (2017). NTRK fusions/larotrectinib and entrectinib (2018-2019). TMB-high/pembrolizumab (2020). RET fusions/selpercatinib (2022). A thymic carcinoma with MSI-H qualifies. A primary peritoneal cancer with an NTRK fusion qualifies. Cancer type does not determine access.

  • FGFR and IDH Alterations

    FGFR2 fusions in cholangiocarcinoma and basket trials for other FGFR-altered cancers. IDH1/IDH2 mutations established in glioma and AML, also found in cholangiocarcinoma and chondrosarcoma -- basket trials extend to other IDH-mutated cancers.

  • Sarcoma-Specific and Molecular Programmes

    EWSR1 fusions in Ewing sarcoma, SS18-SSX in synovial sarcoma, MDM2 amplification in liposarcoma. Comprehensive NGS identifies these and connects patients to sarcoma-specific programmes as well as broader molecular-matched options.

Frequently Asked Questions

    How CancerFax Helps

    CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.

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    Medical Record Review

    We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.

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    Eligibility Coordination

    We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.

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    Hospital Communication

    We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.

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    Travel & Admission Support

    For international patients, we help with practical coordination — travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.

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    Treatment & Trial Navigation

    If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.

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    End-to-end Coordination

    From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.

    CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.

    Questions About NGS Testing and Treatment Access for Your Rare Cancer?

    CancerFax specialises in connecting rare cancer patients with tumour-agnostic treatment options and molecular-matched basket trials worldwide.

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist before making treatment decisions.