A Correlative Study on EGFR Gene Mutation Status of Primary Lung Tumor and Brain Metastases in NSCLC

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the predictive role of EGFR gene mutation in the primary lung tumor on brain metastases in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Morphological differences between EGFR gene 19 exon deletion mutant HCC827 and wild-type EGFR gene A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells were observed under a microscope. The MTT method was employed to detect the proliferation differences between HCC827 and A549 cells. The Transwell in vitro cell invasion experiment was used to compare the invasion capabilities of the two cell lines. Furthermore, the Χ2 test was applied to analyze the relationship between the EGFR mutation in the primary lung tumor and the occurrence of brain metastases in 253 NSCLC patients. Results: A549 cells were smaller in size, resembling paving stones, whereas HCC827 cells were larger and polygonal. MTT analysis revealed that wild-type EGFR A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells proliferated faster than EGFR mutant HCC827 cells, with a significant difference (P<0.05). The Transwell in vitro cell invasion experiment indicated that HCC827 cells were significantly stronger than A549 cells (P<0.05). The incidence of brain metastases in 253 NSCLC patients was 12.3% (31/253), among which eight cases had EGFR gene mutations in primary lung tumor, with a mutation rate of only 25.81% (8/31). No significant correlation was found between the occurrence of brain metastases and the mutation in primary lung tumor. Conclusion: EGFR gene mutation in NSCLC cells can significantly enhance their invasive activity. However, the correlation between EGFR gene mutation in primary lung tumor and the occurrence of brain metastases warrants further study.