Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 3, 2025

Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
08:01

Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines

Published on: April 21, 2022

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KRAS Mutations Are Associated with Shortened Survival in Patients with Epithelioid Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Margherita Vannucchi1, Veronica Pennati2, Clelia Mencaroni2

  • 1Section of Pathology, Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.

Cancers
|April 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

KRAS mutations and multiple genetic alterations in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) correlate with shorter survival. KDR polymorphism may indicate a favorable prognosis for patients with this aggressive cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with poorly understood genetic drivers.
  • Histologic subtypes, including epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic, influence prognosis.
  • The correlation between genetic mutations and survival outcomes in MPM remains largely undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify somatic mutations in MPM using targeted exome sequencing.
  • To investigate the correlation between identified mutations, phenotypic traits, and prognostic significance.
  • To explore the impact of specific genetic alterations on overall survival in MPM patients.

Main Methods:

  • Targeted exome sequencing was performed on 29 MPM cases.
  • Somatic mutations were identified and analyzed.
  • Correlation between mutations, clinical features, and survival data was assessed.

Main Results:

  • KRAS mutations were found in 13.7% of cases and associated with significantly shortened median survival (7.6 vs. 32.6 months; p = 0.005).
  • The presence of three or more mutations correlated with reduced survival (7.6 vs. 37.6 months; p = 0.049).
  • KDR single nucleotide polymorphism p.V297I (rs2305948) was associated with a favorable prognosis (NR vs. 23.4 months; p = 0.026).

Conclusions:

  • This study characterizes the mutation profile of MPM, highlighting KRAS mutations as a negative prognostic factor.
  • Multiple genetic mutations may contribute to poorer outcomes in MPM.
  • KDR polymorphism presents a potential favorable prognostic marker for MPM patients.
Keywords:
KDR geneKRAS mutationMPM prognosisepithelioid mesotheliomapleural mesothelioma

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