Brief Report: Prognostic Relevance of 3q Amplification in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung.

INTRODUCTION

Amplification of 3q is the most common genetic alteration identified in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LUSC), with the most frequent amplified region being 3q26 to 3q28.

METHODS

In this analysis, we aim to describe the prognostic relevance of 3q amplification by focusing on a minimal common region (MCR) of amplification constituted of 25 genes. We analyzed 511 cases of LUSC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and included 476 in the final analysis.

RESULTS

We identified a 25-gene MCR that was amplified in 221 (44.3%) cases and was associated with better disease-specific survival (not reported [NR] versus 9.25 y, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.24-NR, log-rank  = 0.011) and a progression-free interval of 8 years (95% CI: 5.1-NR) versus 4.9 years (95% CI: 3.5-NR, log-rank  = 0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed that MCR amplification was associated with improved disease-specific survival and progression-free interval.

CONCLUSIONS

Amplification of the 25-gene MCR within 3q was present in 44% of this cohort, consisting mainly of Caucasian patients with early stage LUSC. This analysis strongly indicates the prognostic relevance of the 25-gene MCR within 3q. We are further evaluating its prognostic and predictive relevance in a racially diverse patient population with advanced LUSC.