KRAS G12C mutation in NSCLC in a small genetic center: insights into sotorasib therapy response potential

Abstract

Lung cancer remains a significant health challenge, characterized by aberrant tissue growth within the pulmonary system. Early carcinogenic events often involve genomic instability and the emergence of a mutator phenotype. In this study, we aimed to explore the mutator phenotype in 89 patients diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). RNA isolation from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples was performed using the Promega ReliaPrep RNA Miniprep System, facilitating gene amplification relevant to cancer through the Archer® FusionPlexComprehensiveThyroid and Lung (CTL) kit. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina NextSeq platform enabled comprehensive analysis of target areas. Utilizing Archer Analysis software, secondary analyses involving data cleansing, alignment, and variant/fusion identification were executed against the human reference genome hg19 (GRCh37). Expression patterns were visualized using HeatMap graphics. Our findings revealed a notable presence of KRAS gene mutations in approximately 20% of NSCLC patients. Among these mutations, the G12C variant was predominant at 50%, followed by G12V and G12D variants at 11.2% each. Notably, patients harboring the G12C variant responded favorably to sotorasib medication. These results underscore the importance of mutational profiling and targeted therapeutic approaches in managing NSCLC, particularly highlighting the promising efficacy of sotorasib in G12C-mutated cases.