Evaluation of Prevalence and Patterns of Oncogenic Driver Mutations in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer in a Tertiary Care Center - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Better understanding of the molecular pathways that drive malignancy led to the development of agents that target specific molecular pathways that target the malignant cells. Identification of specific driver mutation is the key to targeted therapy in advanced nonsmall-cell carcinomas. This study was done to assess the prevalence and patterns of driver oncogenic mutations in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among the patients subjected to molecular study in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done in 1.5 years in a tertiary care center in 103 patients diagnosed with NSCLC. Patients with NSCLC were subjected to molecular study in the department of oncology as a part of management. The demographics, clinical details, laboratory parameters, and pathology were noted from the medical records. The molecular study was done from the biopsied specimen in an outside laboratory. The frequency of driver oncogenic mutation, along with other clinical parameters was studied. Results: Out of 103 patients subjected to the study, 46 (44.6%) subjects had driver oncogenic mutations. Among them, 38 (36.9%) subjects had epidermal growth factor receptor mutations, 7 (6.8%) had anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations, and 1 (1%) had ROS mutation. Conclusion: The frequency of driver oncogenic mutations is higher in our population, compared to the Western population. From a clinical point of view, there is a dire need for advocacy and increased awareness for screening and early detection of thoracic malignancies, and advanced treatment options, including targeted therapy, so that disease-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced to an extent.