Kinase genotype analysis of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor cytology samples using targeted next-generation

Ferga C Gleeson1, Benjamin R Kipp2, Sarah E Kerr2

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Insights

Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) successfully analyzes mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) from cytology samples. This method aids in predicting imatinib resistance and guiding personalized GIST treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) frequently harbor KIT or PDGFRA mutations, influencing imatinib therapy response.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a common diagnostic method for GISTs, but samples are often unsuitable for molecular analysis.
  • Identifying specific mutations is crucial for predicting treatment outcomes and guiding personalized therapy in GIST patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for multiplex genotype analysis of GIST cytology samples obtained via EUS-FNA.
  • To identify common KIT and PDGFRA mutations in GISTs using NGS.
  • To assess the potential of NGS findings in predicting primary resistance to imatinib therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Ion AmpliSeq V2 Cancer Hotspot NGS Panel to analyze over 2800 exons across 50 cancer-associated genes.
  • Performed targeted NGS on cytology samples from 20 patients diagnosed with GIST.
  • Correlated identified mutations with predicted imatinib resistance based on established mutation-resistance associations.

Main Results:

  • KIT mutations were detected in 58% of samples (primarily in exon 11), and PDGFRA mutations in 26% (primarily in exon 18).
  • 16% of samples showed no detectable KIT or PDGFRA mutations.
  • Predicted primary imatinib resistance in 32% of patients based on specific mutations (KIT exon 17, PDGFRA D842V) or absence of targetable mutations.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted NGS is a feasible method for molecular profiling of GIST cytology samples.
  • NGS provides clinically relevant kinase genotype data, essential for guiding individualized imatinib therapy in GIST patients.
  • This approach can help anticipate imatinib resistance, enabling proactive treatment strategy adjustments.

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