On March 31, 2025, LifeLabs Genetics will complete the FastTRK Testing Program funded by Bayer Inc. We will continue to offer NTRK fusion testing as part of our molecular pathology services, including specimens submitted for testing under guidelines established and funded by the Ontario Health Cancer Care Ontario program.
In 2019, LifeLabs partnered with Bayer and Kingston Health Science Centre to provide LifeLabs’ first companion diagnostics testing with a targeted treatment specific to TRK fusion cancers. Since then, more than 500 healthcare providers have engaged with the FastTRK program, enabling over 4000 biomarker tests.
This innovative test was adopted by Bayer and LifeLabs to detect the rare NTRK fusion cancer at a genetic level, rather than testing based on a tumour’s site of origin, helping identify certain biomarkers for a tumour and making it possible to match the patient to the appropriate treatment option with greater certainty.
After March 31st, 2025, LifeLabs will continue to offer NTRK fusion testing as part of our molecular pathology services, but the cost of testing will not be covered by Bayer. Specimens for testing can be submitted for funded testing under guidelines established by Ontario Health’s Cancer Care Ontario program. For covered tests, please review the CCO website.
Healthcare providers and/or patients from other provinces may contact Ask.Genetics@lifelabs.com or 1-844-GENEHELP (1-844-363-4357) for details on pricing and available funding support.