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Identifying EGFR mutations from SCLC patient plasma by mutant-enriched liquidchip technology
Hong-Yang Lu1, Zhen-Yi Lu2, Qiao-Yuan Cheng3
1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Diagnosis & Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, PRC.
Summary
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are rare in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study found EGFR exon 19 deletion in one SCLC patient, suggesting mutations are infrequent in this cancer type.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) target EGFR mutations.
- EGFR mutations, specifically exon 19 deletions and L858R, are key in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
- Limited data exists on EGFR mutations in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) due to specimen acquisition challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of EGFR mutations in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients using plasma analysis.
- To identify specific EGFR mutations (exon 19 and 21) in SCLC patient plasma samples.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from SCLC patients.
- Mutant-enriched liquidchip (MEL) analysis was employed to detect EGFR mutations in exon 19 and 21.
Main Results:
- One case of EGFR exon 19 deletion was identified in 35 SCLC patients.
- No EGFR exon 21 mutations were detected in the study cohort.
- The identified mutation was in a female, non-smoking patient.
Conclusions:
- EGFR mutations are rare in small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
- When present, EGFR mutations in SCLC appear more common in females and non-smokers.
- Plasma-based analysis offers a viable method for assessing EGFR mutation status in SCLC.
