EGFR-TKI-sensitive mutations in lung carcinomas: are they related to clinical features and CT findings?

• Main Authors: Qin X, Gu X, Lu Y, Zhou W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2018-10-01
• Series: Cancer Management and Research
• Subjects: Chest computed tomography; epidermal growth factor receptor; ground-glass opacity; lung carcinomas; mutations
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/egfr-tki-sensitive-mutations-in-lung-carcinomas-are-they-related-to-cl-peer-reviewed-article-CMAR

Xiaoyi Qin,1 Xiaolong Gu,2 Yingru Lu,3 Wei Zhou3 1Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pneumology, Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing is restricted to several limitations. In this study, we examined the relationship between EGFR mutation status and clinicoradiological characteristics in a Chinese cohort of patients. Materials and methods: The data of patients who were diagnosed with lung carcinoma and underwent both EGFR testing and chest computed tomography (CT) at our hospital between January 1, 2011, and November 31, 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. The age, sex, and smoking index of the patients, the size, margin, and density of the tumor, and the presence of specific signs visible on the CT images were assessed. Results: The results showed a higher rate of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-sensitive group than nonsensitive group in female patients and patients with a low smoking index (P<0.001, both). In logistic regression analyses, tumor size (P<0.001), smooth margins (P=0.015), and angular margins (P<0.001) were independent negative predictors of EGFR-TKI-sensitive group. Pleural indentation (P<0.001) and air bronchogram (P=0.025) were independent positive predictors of EGFR-TKI-sensitive group. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma had fewer sensitive mutations than those with either adenocarcinoma (P<0.001) or adenosquamous carcinoma (P<0.001). Conclusion: Clinical and CT characteristics differed significantly between EGFR-TKI-sensitive and nonsensitive groups. Our findings may be useful in deciding therapeutic strategies for patients in whom EGFR testing is not possible. Keywords: chest computed tomography, epidermal growth factor receptor, ground-glass opacity, lung carcinomas, mutations