Data from Assessment of MAGE-A Expression in Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer in Relation to Clinicopathologic Features and Mutational Status of <i>EGFR</i> and <i>KRAS</i>

Abstract

<div>Abstract<p>Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major public health problem, accounting for more cancer-related deaths than any other cancer. Both immunotherapy, based on the expression of tumor-specific antigens, and targeted therapy, based on the presence of oncogenic mutations, are under development for NSCLC. In this study, we analyzed the expression of MAGE-A, a cancer–testis antigen, in tumors from a cohort of patients with resected NSCLC with respect to their clinicopathologic characteristics and their mutational status for the <i>EGFR</i> and <i>KRAS</i> genes. We found MAGE-A expression by IHC in 43% of the tumors. MAGE-A expression was significantly more frequent in squamous tumors than in adenocarcinomas, did not correlate with disease stage, but was correlated significantly with high tumor grade and worse survival. <i>EGFR</i> and <i>KRAS</i> mutations were present in adenocarcinomas, but not in squamous tumors. Whereas the presence of <i>EGFR</i> mutations did not seem to affect survival, the presence of <i>KRAS</i> mutations was associated with early-stage disease and better survival. MAGE-A expression was absent from adenocarcinomas with <i>KRAS</i> mutations, but not significantly different in tumors with or without <i>EGFR</i> mutations. Together, the reported results provide guidance for the design of combination therapies in patients with NSCLC. <i>Cancer Immunol Res; 2(10); 943–8. ©2014 AACR</i>.</p></div>