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Updated: May 27, 2026

Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
Published on: September 20, 2016
Coexistence of PIK3CA and other oncogene mutations in lung adenocarcinoma-rationale for comprehensive mutation
Jamie E Chaft1, Maria E Arcila, Paul K Paik
1Thoracic Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Phosphoinositide-3-kinase catalytic alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA) encodes the p110α subunit of the mitogenic signaling protein phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). PIK3CA mutations in the helical binding domain and the catalytic subunit of the protein have been associated with tumorigenesis and treatment resistance in various malignancies. Characteristics of patients with PIK3CA-mutant lung adenocarcinomas have not been reported. We examined epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Kirsten rate sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), PIK3CA, v-akt murine thymoma vial oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1), v-ras neuroblastoma viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung to identify driver mutations. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records of individuals with mutations in PIK3CA. Twenty-three of 1,125 (2%, 95% CI: 1-3) patients had a mutation in PIK3CA, 12 in exon 9 (10 E545K and 2 E542K), and 11 in exon 20 (3 H1047L and 8 H1047R). The patients (57% women) had a median age of 66 at diagnosis (range: 34-78). Eight patients (35%) were never smokers. Sixteen of 23 (70%, 95% CI: 49-86) had coexisting mutations in other oncogenes-10 KRAS, 1 MEK1, 1 BRAF, 1 ALK rearrangement, and 3 EGFR exon 19 deletions. We conclude that PIK3CA mutations occur in lung adenocarcinomas, usually concurrently with EGFR, KRAS, and ALK. The impact of PIK3CA mutations on the efficacy of targeted therapies such as erlotinib and crizotinib is unknown. Given the high frequency of overlapping mutations, comprehensive genotyping should be carried out on tumor specimens from patients enrolling in clinical trials of PI3K and other targeted therapies.
Insights
Phosphoinositide-3-kinase catalytic alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA) mutations are found in lung adenocarcinomas, often alongside other driver mutations. Further research is needed to understand their impact on targeted therapy efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- PIK3CA mutations are linked to cancer development and treatment resistance.
- The clinical characteristics of PIK3CA-mutant lung adenocarcinomas are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify driver mutations in lung adenocarcinoma, focusing on PIK3CA.
- To describe the clinical features of patients with PIK3CA-mutant lung adenocarcinomas.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of PIK3CA and other oncogenes (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, HER2, AKT1, NRAS, MEK1, ALK) in lung adenocarcinoma patients.
- Retrospective review of clinical data for patients with PIK3CA mutations.
Main Results:
- PIK3CA mutations were identified in 2% of lung adenocarcinomas, with specific mutations in exon 9 and exon 20.
- Patients with PIK3CA mutations were typically older, with a significant proportion being never-smokers.
- Coexisting mutations in KRAS, MEK1, BRAF, ALK, and EGFR were frequent in PIK3CA-mutant tumors.
Conclusions:
- PIK3CA mutations are present in lung adenocarcinomas and frequently co-occur with other oncogenic mutations.
- The clinical significance of PIK3CA mutations and their impact on targeted therapies require further investigation.
- Comprehensive genomic profiling is recommended for patients in clinical trials involving PI3K and other targeted therapies.
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