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Thoracoscopic rebiopsy to detect the T790M mutation after postoperative recurrence
Masatsugu Hamaji1, Hideki Motoyama1, Toshi Menju1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
After pulmonary resection for non-small-cell lung cancer, some patients with postoperative recurrence and mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) subsequently receive EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Osimertinib may be efficacious if those patients become resistant to the 1st-line EGFR-TKI because of the T790M mutation. We recently performed thoracoscopic rebiopsy to detect the T790M mutation in 4 patients who became resistant to the 1st-line EGFR-TKI treatment for postoperative recurrence. Our limited experience suggests that thoracoscopic biopsy is associated with limited morbidity, can help detect the T790M mutation and may improve the management of select patients with acquired resistance to the 1st-line EGFR-TKIs.
Insights
Thoracoscopic rebiopsy can detect the T790M mutation in non-small cell lung cancer patients who develop resistance to first-line epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). This procedure may aid in managing select patients with acquired resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) may experience recurrence after pulmonary resection.
- Acquired resistance to first-line EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is a clinical challenge.
- The T790M mutation is a common mechanism of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs.
Observation:
- This study evaluated thoracoscopic rebiopsy in 4 NSCLC patients with postoperative recurrence and acquired resistance to first-line EGFR-TKIs.
- The T790M mutation status was assessed via rebiopsy in patients who became resistant to prior treatment.
- The procedure was performed to identify resistance mechanisms.
Findings:
- Thoracoscopic rebiopsy successfully detected the T790M mutation in patients resistant to first-line EGFR-TKIs.
- The limited experience suggests thoracoscopic biopsy is associated with low morbidity.
- The procedure provided actionable information for patient management.
Implications:
- Thoracoscopic rebiopsy can be a valuable tool for detecting the T790M mutation in NSCLC patients with acquired resistance.
- This diagnostic approach may guide treatment decisions, potentially improving outcomes for select patients.
- Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings.
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