EGFR and KRAS status of primary sarcomatoid carcinomas of the lung: Implications for anti‐EGFR treatment of a rare lung malignancy

• DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24610
• Publication Date: 2009-06-02T15:31:57Z
• Authors: Antoine Italiano; Alexis B. Cortot; Marius Ilie; Ghyslaine Martel‐...; Thibault Fabas; Daniel Pop; Jérôme Mouroux; Veronique Hofman; Paul Hofman; Florence Pedeutour
• Keywords: EGFR Inhibitors; Polysomy

Sarcomatoid carcinomas (SC) of the lung are uncommon malignant tumors composed carcinomatous and sarcomatous cell components characterized by a more aggressive outcome than other histological subtypes nonsmall cancer (NSCLC). Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies have emerged as promising therapeutic approach in patients with advanced typical NSCLC such adenocarcinoma, potential clinical activity these drugs SC is still unknown. To investigate this point, we analyzed status 4 EGFR pathways biomarkers series SC. protein expression, gene copy number, mutational KRAS were assessed 22 consecutive cases primary overexpression was observed all cases. High level polysomy (>or=4 copies >40% cells) detected 5 (23%). No mutation detected. mutations found 8 (38%; Gly12Cys 6 Gly12Val 2 cases). The consistent high rate may contribute to poorer comparison NSCLC. rare incidence increased lack our also suggest that most not likely benefit from anti-EGFR therapies.