Prevalence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and correlation with histological patterns in lung adenocarcinoma in patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim</strong> <br />Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) is a leading subtype of lung cancer, histologically defined with five different architectural<br />growth patterns: lepidic, acinar, papillary, solid and micropapillary. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and a relationship between the specific histological patterns of lung ADC in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.<br /><strong>Methods <br /></strong>The study included tumour tissue from 102 patients with completely resected lung ADC from 2015 to 2020. Molecular testing for the presence of EGFR mutations was performed by real-time PCR method. The relationship between EGFR mutation status and clinicopathological parameters was analysed.<br /><strong>Results</strong> <br />The EGFR mutation was detected in 12 (11.8%) cases of ADC, more often in non-smokers (p=0.007). A higher percentage<br />of solid growth pattern presented in ADC may be an indicator of EGFR negativity (p=0.039), while a higher percentage of micropapillary growth pattern more common in the presence of EGFR mutation (p=0.047).<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong> <br />The prevalence of EGFR mutation is in accordance with the expected prevalence considering our studied population,<br />Caucasians from South Europe. Better understanding of the relationship between histological patterns and molecular characteristics of lung ADC will enable earlier diagnosis and optimal treatment for patients.</p>