Study results from D. Gu et al provide new insights into non-small cell lung cancer
2007 NOV 19 -- According to a study from the United States, "We created an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Database that curates a convenient compilation of somatic EGFR mutations in non,small,cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and associated epidemiological and methodological data, including response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors Gefitinib and Erlotinib. Herein, we analyze 809 mutations collected from 26 publications." "Four super hotspots account for 70% of reported mutations while two-thirds of 131 unique mutations have been reported only once and account for only 11% of reported mutations. Consistent with strong biological selection for gain of function, the reported mutations are virtually all missense substitutions or in-frame microdeletions, microinsertions, or microindels (colocalized insertion and deletion with a net gain or loss of 1-50 nucleotides). Microdeletions and microindels are common in a region of exon 19. Microindels, which account for 8% of mutations, have smaller inserted sequences (95% are 1 to 5 bp) and are elevated 16-fold relative to mouse somatic microindels and to human germline microindels. Microdeletions/microindels are significantly more frequent in responders to Gefitinib or Erlotinib (P = 0.003). In addition, EGFR mutations in smokers do not carry signatures of mutagens in cigarette smoke. Otherwise, the mutation pattern does not differ significantly with respect to gender, age, or tumor histology. The EGFR Mutation Database is a central resource of EGFR sequence variant data for clinicians, geneticists, and other researchers," wrote D. Gu and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Authors are encouraged to submit new publications with EGFR sequence variants to be included in the database or to provide direct submissions via The WayStation submission and publication process (http://www.centralmutations.org)." Gu and colleagues published the results of their research in Human Mutation (Database of somatic mutations in EGFR with analyses revealing indel hotspots but no smoking-associated signature. Human Mutation, 2007;28(8):760-770). For additional information, contact S.S. Sommer, City Hope National Med Center, Beckman Research Institute, Dept. of Molecular Genetics, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA. The publisher of the journal Human Mutation can be contacted at: Wiley-Liss, Division John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA. Keywords: United States, Duarte, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Oncology. This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.
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