Molecular genetic profiling of small cell lung carcinoma in a Chinese cohort.

BACKGROUND

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has unique biology and chromosomal modifications; however, only a few studies have investigated the molecular map of SCLC. The present study aimed to evaluate the genomic aberrations in patients with SCLC in a Chinese cohort.

METHODS

Tumor samples of SCLC were prospectively collected from Zhejiang Cancer Hospital. A total of 5 genes [ (epidermal growth factor receptor) E18, E19, E20, E21, (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) E2, E15, (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) E5, E6, E8, (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B) E9, E20] were evaluated using direct sequencing.

RESULTS

Between November 2012 and November 2016, 30 SCLC patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. A total of 10 genomic aberrations were detected in 30 cases (33.3%): an mutation (n=6, E19, E21), a mutation (n=1, E2), mutations (n=1, E20), a mutation (n=2, E5, E8). No significant differences were detected in the characteristics of patients with and without genomic aberrations or patients with and without mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

The genomic aberrations of SCLC occur, offering mutational data to clinicians might be helpful for assigning patients to appropriate clinical studies, especially the anti-EFGR and PIK3CA treatment. Moreover, whether the molecular genetic profile of the SCLC patients is correlated with the effect of anti-tumor treatment, necessitating further investigation.