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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Comparative Lesions Analysis Through a Targeted Sequencing Approach
Published on: November 5, 2019
Mutation profiling in the PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes in circulating free DNA and impalpable breast lesions
Lucas Delmonico1, Maurício Augusto Silva Magalhães Costa2, Marcia Vasconcellos Fournier3
1Circulating Biomarkers Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil.
Abstract:
Breast impalpable lesions have become a clinical dilemma because they are small, presenting a heterogeneous cellular phenotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutational profile of the PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes, comparing the mammary tissue with the respective circulating free DNA (cfDNA). The PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes were sequenced (PCR-Sanger) in 58 women with impalpable lesions (49 malignant and 9 benign) with the respective cfDNA. The chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate statistical significance between the clinical variables and mutational profile. A total of 51 out of 58 samples generated successful mutation profiles in both breast lesion and cfDNA. Of the 37 mutations detected, 10 (27%) and 16 (43%) mutations were detected in benign and malignant breast lesions, respectively, while 2 (5%) and 9 (24%) were found in cfDNA of women with benign and malignant lesions, respectively. The lymph node involvement with mutations in the PIK3CA in malignant lesions (P = 0.001), and the relationship between mutations in PIK3CA, comparing ductal tumors with benign lesions (P = 0.05), were statistically significant. This study detected different mutations in PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes, which represent, in part, the heterogeneity of impalpable lesions. The results confirm that more studies should be conducted on the functional role of cfDNA in the impalpable lesions.
Insights
This study analyzed mutations in PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes in impalpable breast lesions and circulating free DNA (cfDNA). Results show distinct mutation profiles, highlighting cfDNA
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Impalpable breast lesions present diagnostic challenges due to their small size and cellular heterogeneity.
- Understanding the genetic landscape of these lesions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mutational profile of PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes in impalpable breast lesions.
- To compare the mutational status between tumor tissue and circulating free DNA (cfDNA).
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes using PCR-Sanger in 58 women with impalpable lesions.
- Analysis of both breast tissue and corresponding cfDNA samples.
- Statistical analysis using chi-square or Fisher's exact test.
Main Results:
- 51 out of 58 samples yielded successful mutation profiles in both lesion and cfDNA.
- Mutations were detected in 27% of benign and 43% of malignant breast lesions.
- Mutations were found in 5% of cfDNA from benign and 24% from malignant lesion cases.
- Significant associations were found between PIK3CA mutations, lymph node involvement, and ductal tumors versus benign lesions.
Conclusions:
- The study identified distinct mutations in PIK3CA, TP53, and CDKN2A genes, reflecting the heterogeneity of impalpable breast lesions.
- Findings suggest a potential role for cfDNA analysis in understanding these lesions.
- Further research is warranted to explore the functional significance of cfDNA in impalpable breast lesions.
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