Tumour Suppressor Gene Mutations and Early Lung Cancer Relapse
Why in the news
Researchers traced early relapse in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma to added mutations in tumour suppressor genes (TSGs), which could guide personalised therapy.
Background
- Lung adenocarcinoma is the commonest lung cancer type and occurs in non-smokers too.
- Patients with EGFR gene mutations get EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
- Many relapse because of therapy resistance.
Findings
| Aspect | Result |
|---|---|
| Sample | 483 patients with EGFR mutations |
| Discovery | TSG mutations alongside EGFR raise early relapse risk |
| Survival | 51.11 months with TSG mutations; 99.3 months for others; progression-free survival also shorter |
| Genes | 17 tumour suppressor genes linked to resistance |
Methods
- Sequencing of tumour samples from 16 patients, taken before relapse and again after it.
- Liquid biopsy (blood test for cancer DNA): 25 patients followed through 200 blood samples, using One Cell Diagnostics technology.
- Mutations in the 17 genes showed up early and grew dominant with treatment.
Implications
- Early detection of TSG mutations allows tailored therapy and may delay relapse.
- High-risk patients could get alternative or more aggressive treatment.
Exam angle
- Researchers came from Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, One Cell Diagnostics in Pune and the University of Delhi South Campus.
- India 2022 (WHO): 81,748 new lung cancer cases, 75,031 deaths.