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Published on: September 8, 2023
Multiple oncogenic mutations related to targeted therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Jian-Wei Zhang1,2, Tao Qin3,4, Shao-Dong Hong5,6
1Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P. R. China. jakevi-2005@163.com.
Introduction:
An increasing number of targeted drugs have been tested for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, targeted therapy-related oncogenic mutations have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to detect targeted therapy-related oncogenic mutations in NPC and to determine which targeted therapy might be potentially effective in treating NPC.
Methods:
By using the SNaPshot assay, a rapid detection method, 19 mutation hotspots in 6 targeted therapy-related oncogenes were examined in 70 NPC patients. The associations between oncogenic mutations and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed.
Results:
Among 70 patients, 12 (17.1%) had mutations in 5 oncogenes: 7 (10.0%) had v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT) mutation, 2 (2.8%) had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, 1 (1.4%) had phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutation, 1 (1.4%) had Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation, and 1 (1.4%) had simultaneous EGFR and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutations. No significant differences were observed between oncogenic mutations and clinicopathologic characteristics. Additionally, these oncogenic mutations were not associated with tumor recurrence and metastasis.
Conclusions:
Oncogenic mutations are present in NPC patients. The efficacy of targeted drugs on patients with the related oncogenic mutations requires further validation.
Insights
Oncogenic mutations were found in 17.1% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, including mutations in KIT and EGFR. Further research is needed to validate targeted drug efficacy for these mutations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment is evolving with targeted therapies.
- Comprehensive evaluation of targeted therapy-related oncogenic mutations in NPC is lacking.
- Identifying these mutations is crucial for personalized treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect targeted therapy-related oncogenic mutations in NPC patients.
- To assess the prevalence of these mutations.
- To explore potential targeted therapy efficacy based on mutation status.
Main Methods:
- SNaPshot assay used for rapid detection.
- 19 mutation hotspots in 6 targeted therapy-related oncogenes analyzed.
- 70 NPC patients' samples were examined.
Main Results:
- Mutations detected in 12 (17.1%) of 70 NPC patients across 5 oncogenes.
- KIT mutations found in 10.0%, EGFR in 2.8%, PIK3CA in 1.4%, KRAS in 1.4%.
- Simultaneous EGFR and BRAF mutations observed in one patient; no association with clinicopathologic factors, recurrence, or metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Oncogenic mutations are present in NPC patients.
- The identified mutations suggest potential targets for therapy.
- Further validation is required to confirm the efficacy of targeted drugs for NPC patients with these mutations.
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