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Deciphering the Structural Effects of Activating EGFR Somatic Mutations with Molecular Dynamics Simulation
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Epidermal growth factor receptor kinase domain mutations are rare in salivary gland carcinomas

R Dahse1, O Driemel, S Schwarz

  • 1HELIOS Clinics Erfurt, Institute of Pathology, Nordhauser Street 74, Erfurt 99089, Germany. rdahse@erfurt.helios-kliniken.de

British Journal of Cancer
|January 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are rare in salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs). This study found only two known EGFR exon 19 deletions in 65 SGCs, suggesting limited utility for EGFR-targeted therapies in SGCs.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase domain predict response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in non-small cell lung cancer.
  • EGFR mutations are potential biomarkers for targeted therapies in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency and spectrum of EGFR mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain in salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs).
  • To assess the potential of EGFR mutations as predictive markers for EGFR-targeted therapy in SGCs.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive sequencing analysis of the entire EGFR tyrosine kinase domain in 65 SGC samples.
  • Screening for common hotspot mutations in exons 19 and 21 using allele-specific PCR.

Main Results:

  • EGFR mutations are rare events in salivary gland carcinomas.
  • Only two known EGFR exon 19 deletions (c.2235_2249del15) were detected, one each in a mucoepidermoid carcinoma and an adenoid cystic carcinoma.
  • No other EGFR mutations were identified in the analyzed cohort.

Conclusions:

  • EGFR mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain are infrequent in SGCs.
  • The findings suggest that EGFR-targeted therapies may have limited applicability in SGCs.
  • Further investigation into other predictive markers for SGCs is warranted.

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