Using next-generation sequencing to determine potential molecularly guided therapy options for patients with

Gerald Paul Wright1, David W Chesla2, Mathew H Chung3

  • 1General Surgery Residency Program, Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University General Surgery Residency Program, 221 Michigan St, Suite 200A, Grand Rapids, 49503, MI, USA; Department of Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 221 Michigan St, Suite 200A, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Genomic sequencing of pancreatic cancer reveals common mutations like KRAS and TP53. This identifies patients eligible for targeted therapies and clinical trials, advancing personalized pancreatic adenocarcinoma treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Personalized Medicine

Background:

  • Pancreatic adenocarcinoma presents challenges in treatment selection.
  • Genomic sequencing offers a pathway to identify personalized therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in identifying actionable mutations in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
  • To determine patient eligibility for targeted therapies and clinical trials based on mutational profiles.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of tissue specimens from patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma (2012-2014).
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed on paraffin-embedded tumor blocks.
  • Review of mutational profiles to assess targeted therapy and clinical trial eligibility.

Main Results:

  • Eighty-seven percent of patients had Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations; 63% had tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutations.
  • Multiple mutations were identified in 73% of cases.
  • Twenty-seven percent of patients were eligible for FDA-approved targeted therapies, and 97% were eligible for clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • NGS of pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens effectively identifies common genetic mutations.
  • This approach can guide patient selection for targeted therapies and clinical trial enrollment.
  • Genomic profiling is crucial for advancing personalized treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer.

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