Detection of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in small specimens of non-small cell lung cancer by amplification refractory mutation system / 肿瘤

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the feasibility of the application of small specimens as alternatives of gross specimens to detect EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutation in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) by ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system). Methods: Biopsy specimens from 181 cases of NSCLC were collected, in which 157 were small specimens (including specimens acquired through CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, lymph node biopsy, bronchoscopic biopsy and aspiration of pleural effusion) and 24 were gross specimens. QIAGEN DNA extraction kit was used to extract DNAs from NSCLC specimens. Then AmoyDx EGFR Mutation Test Kit - a highly sensitive real-time PCR-based test was used to detect EGFR mutations. The detection rates of EGFR mutations in small specimens and gross specimens were compared by Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: The total EGFR mutation detection rate of all biopsy specimens was 39.8% (72/181). The detection rates of small specimens and gross specimens were 38.9% and 45.8%, respectively (P = 0.515). Furthermore, EGFR mutation frequencies were significantly higher in non-smokers (P = 0.033) and in patients with adenocarcinoma (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A relatively high detection rate of EGFR mutation in NSCLC small specimens can be obtained through ARMS. For patients with advanced NSCLC whose gross specimens cannot be easily obtained, the alternative small specimens can be used in clinical EGFR mutation detection. Copyright © 2012 by TUMOR.