The role of RAS oncogene in survival of patients with lung cancer: a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis
2005

The role of RAS oncogene in lung cancer survival

Sample size: 5216 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Celine Mascaux, Nicolas Iannino, Bruno Martin, Marc Paesmans, Thierry Berghmans, Marie Dusart, Alain Haller, Philippe Lothaire, Anne-Pascale Meert, Sophie Noel, Jean-Jacques Lafitte, Jean-Paul Sculier

Primary Institution: Institut Jules Bordet, Centre des Tumeurs de l'Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium

Hypothesis

What is the prognostic significance of RAS mutations in lung cancer survival?

Conclusion

RAS mutations are associated with worse survival in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • RAS mutations are detected in 15–20% of non-small-cell lung cancer cases.
  • 29 studies were evaluable for meta-analysis, showing a combined hazard ratio of 1.35.
  • Studies using PCR showed a worse survival impact compared to those using immunohistochemistry.

Takeaway

This study found that changes in a gene called RAS can make lung cancer patients live shorter lives. It's like finding out that a broken toy doesn't work well and can break even more.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 53 studies assessing the prognostic value of RAS mutations or p21 overexpression on survival in lung cancer.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the exclusion of non-English studies and reliance on published data.

Limitations

The study is based on retrospective data and may be affected by publication bias.

Participant Demographics

Patients with lung cancer, including those with non-small-cell lung cancer and adenocarcinoma.

Statistical Information

P-Value

1.35

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.16–1.56

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6602258

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication