Screening for EGFR and KRAS Mutations in Lung Cancer Samples
Author Information
Author(s): Santis George, Angell Roger, Nickless Guillermina, Quinn Alison, Herbert Amanda, Cane Paul, Spicer James, Breen Ronan, McLean Emma, Tobal Khalid
Primary Institution: King's College London and Guy's & St Thomas' National Health Service Foundation Trust
Hypothesis
This study assessed the feasibility of using COLD-PCR to screen for EGFR and KRAS mutations in cytology samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA in routine clinical practice.
Conclusion
EBUS-TBNA can provide sufficient tumour material for EGFR and KRAS mutation analysis in most patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- EGFR mutations were identified in 13 of 126 patients (10.3%) with full molecular analysis.
- KRAS mutations were found in 23 of 130 patients (17.7%) overall.
- The COLD-PCR method showed higher sensitivity compared to standard PCR protocols.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special test called COLD-PCR to find important changes in genes that help them treat lung cancer better.
Methodology
The study used COLD-PCR to amplify and sequence specific exons of EGFR and KRAS from DNA extracted from EBUS-TBNA samples.
Limitations
The study was observational and relied on a specific patient cohort, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 132 patients (70 females and 62 males) with a mean age of 65.5 years, primarily Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website