An epidermal growth factor receptor exon 19 mutation in a mucin-producing gastric cancer sample from a Chinese

Weipeng Lu1, Mei Li2, Hai Wang3

  • 1Laboratory Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Department of Pathology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian.

Abstract

Insights

A rare epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 mutation was found in a gastric cancer patient. This discovery suggests certain mucin-producing gastric cancers may respond to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Gastric cancer is a significant global health concern.
  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are key targets in some cancers.
  • Identifying specific mutations can guide personalized treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of EGFR mutations in gastric cancer patients.
  • To determine if a specific subgroup of gastric cancer patients could benefit from EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 103 gastric cancer samples.
  • Utilizing high-resolution melting and DNA sequencing to detect EGFR mutations in exons 19 and 21.

Main Results:

  • Successfully analyzed all 103 samples using PCR-high-resolution melting.
  • Identified a 15 bp deletion (c.2235_2249del; p.Glu746_Ala750del) in EGFR exon 19 in one sample.
  • This mutation was found in a male patient with mucin-producing gastric cancer and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • First report of an EGFR exon 19 mutation in gastric cancer.
  • This specific mutation in mucin-producing gastric cancer suggests potential benefit from EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors.