Clinical relevance of ROS1 rearrangements detection in advanced squamous cell carcinomas
Cécilia Gibelin1, Virginie Avrillon2, Arnaud De La Fouchardiere3
1Resident of Pneumology, University of Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) have molecular characterization and most druggable genetic and molecular abnormalities, such as EGFR, ERBB2 and BRAF mutations, and ALK and ROS1 rearrangements, have been observed in a subset of adenocarcinomas or large cell carcinomas [1]. Even if these abnormalities are seldom detected in squamous cell carcinomas (SQCC), some rare cases of SQCC have been reported to harbor EGFR, ROS1 or ALK genetic alterations with in some cases a response to targeted therapies [2,3]. Here, we describe a patient with a SQCC harboring ROS1 rearrangement and a response to the target therapy, crizotinib.
Insights
Squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) of the lung rarely harbors genetic alterations. This report details a SQCC patient with a ROS1 rearrangement who responded well to crizotinib targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) exhibit diverse molecular profiles, with actionable targets like EGFR, ERBB2, BRAF, ALK, and ROS1 identified primarily in adenocarcinomas and large cell carcinomas.
- Squamous cell carcinomas (SQCC) less frequently present these targetable genetic abnormalities, though rare instances have been documented.
Observation:
- This report focuses on a specific patient diagnosed with SQCC.
- The patient's tumor was found to harbor a ROS1 rearrangement, a genetic alteration typically less common in SQCC.
Findings:
- The patient received crizotinib, a targeted therapy drug.
- A significant positive response to crizotinib treatment was observed in the patient with SQCC and ROS1 rearrangement.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for targeted therapies in a subset of SQCC patients.
- Identifying rare genetic alterations like ROS1 rearrangements in SQCC can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
- Further research into molecular profiling of SQCC may uncover more targetable abnormalities.
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