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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Manipulating the Murine Lacrimal Gland
Published on: November 18, 2014
Mutational landscape of lacrimal gland carcinomas and implications for treatment
Diana Bell1, Matthew C Sniegowski2, Khalida Wani1
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Background:
Lacrimal gland carcinomas are rare. Identification of molecular abnormalities underlying lacrimal gland carcinogenesis is critical to the development of new targeted therapies for lacrimal gland carcinomas. The purpose of our study was to look for mutations that can be targeted as new treatments for lacrimal gland carcinomas.
Methods:
Genomic DNA from patients with lacrimal gland epithelial neoplasms was analyzed. The Sequenom matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass ARRAY platform was used to profile 168 common oncogenic point mutations in 40 genes. Mutation frequency was assessed overall and by histologic diagnosis. These genetic mutations were then correlated with clinical outcomes in the patients.
Results:
The study included 14 men and 10 women with a median age of 45 years (range, 17-75 years). The histologic diagnoses were as follows: adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 16), low-grade carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (n = 2), high-grade carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (n = 2), squamous carcinoma (n = 1), and pleomorphic adenoma (n = 3). Analysis revealed 18 oncogenic mutations in 13 patients: KRAS mutations in 10 patients (46%), NRAS mutations in 2 patients (8%), MET mutations in 3 patients (13%), PIK3CA mutation in 1 patient (4%), and BRAF mutation in no patients. About half of the patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma had oncogenic mutations (7 of 16; 44%). Of the 16 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma, 5 had KRAS mutations, 1 had MET mutations, and 1 had an NRAS mutation.
Conclusion:
KRAS, NRAS, and MET mutations are frequent in epithelial neoplasms of the lacrimal gland, with the highest rate of mutations found in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Therapies targeting these genes may be effective treatments for lacrimal gland carcinomas. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Head Neck 38: E-E, 2016.
Insights
KRAS, NRAS, and MET mutations are common in lacrimal gland cancers, especially adenoid cystic carcinoma. Targeting these specific gene mutations may lead to effective new treatments for these rare tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lacrimal gland carcinomas are rare epithelial neoplasms.
- Identifying molecular drivers is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
- Understanding genetic alterations can inform novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify actionable mutations in lacrimal gland epithelial neoplasms.
- To investigate the frequency of common oncogenic mutations.
- To correlate genetic findings with clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Genomic DNA analysis of 24 patients with lacrimal gland epithelial neoplasms.
- Profiling of 168 common oncogenic point mutations across 40 genes using MALDI-TOF mass ARRAY.
- Assessment of mutation frequency by histologic diagnosis and correlation with clinical data.
Main Results:
- KRAS mutations were found in 46% of patients, NRAS in 8%, and MET in 13%.
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma showed the highest mutation rate (44%), with frequent KRAS, NRAS, and MET alterations.
- 18 oncogenic mutations were identified in 13 patients.
Conclusions:
- KRAS, NRAS, and MET mutations are prevalent in lacrimal gland epithelial neoplasms.
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma exhibits a high frequency of these specific mutations.
- Targeted therapies against KRAS, NRAS, and MET may offer new treatment avenues for lacrimal gland carcinomas.
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