Molecular characteristics of non-small cell lung cancer in Venezuela: A multicenter study.

Abstract

e20546 Background: In 2022, an estimate of 236,740 new cases of lung cancer were recorded in the United States, with 130,180 estimated deaths, being the leading cause of cancer death. In Venezuela, an estimated of 15 deaths per 100,000 habitants is attributed to lung cancer. Genetic sequencing of these tumors has made possible the identification of aberrant signaling pathways responsible for the oncogenesis of these tumors, herein we aim to describe molecular profiles of NSCLC using next generation sequencing (NGS) data from the oncology service of two academic institutions between January 2017 and May 2024. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional, analytical cohort, multicenter study was conducted. A total of 56 patients were included, with 59 molecular genetic sequencing studies that were sent out in total. The NGS panel evaluated genes EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, HER2, and the ALK, NTRK, ROS-1, MET, and RET fusions. Additionally, Expression of PDL-1, TMB, and presence of MSI were evaluated. Results: A total of 31 mutations were reported: 13 mutations of the KRAS gene; G12C 8 in samples, G12V in 3, G12D in 1, G13C in 1, and 1 mutation of the HRAS gene in A59T were reported. 3 samples demonstrated ALK fusion, 3 presented MET fusion, and 1 sample exhibited ROS1 fusion. Regarding the EGFR gene, 10 mutations (19.6%) were recorded: 6 L858R, 1 T790M, 1 E746_A750del (Ex19Del), 1 E746_T751delInsM, 1 EGFR ins. PDL-1 expression was present in 10 samples and high TMB was present in 10 samples, no samples had MSI. Conclusions: This study provides the first detailed molecular profile of NSCLC in Venezuela, highlighting a high prevalence of KRAS mutations similar to findings in other countries in the region. These results emphasize the value of genetic profiling in informing targeted treatments. While we did not conduct statistical comparisons, this research lays the groundwork for ongoing data collection and future studies to better understand NSCLC genetics in Venezuela, ultimately aiding in the development of personalized therapies.