Liquid biopsy for T790M detection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in a public hospital in Corrientes capital

Abstract

Access limitations to an early diagnosis influences high rates of lung cancer mortality in the northeast region of Argentina. Lack of specialists and equipment plus long distances to medical centers that perform such studies are some of the reasons. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes 85% of all lung cancer cases and shows the highest mortality. Solid biopsy has been demonstrated to be unsafe for the patient and has low sensitivity to detect tumor dynamics, drug sensitivity and residual lesions. In addition, treatment has evolved into customized strategies based on histological and molecular subtypes. Due to T790M mutation in the EGFR gene is actionable, the objective of the present study was to optimize its detection in NSCLC by liquid biopsy in patients of the University Hospital in Corrientes. To this purpose, an observational crosssectional study was performed in patients at any stage of NSCLC who attended to the pneumonology service between June 2018 and July 2019. Circulating DNA extraction was carried out using QIAmp® MinElute® ccfDNA kit. T790M was evaluated by performing AS-PCR and 2% agarose electrophoresis. As a result, positive control was amplified however none of the patients carried the mutation. Thus, it was possible to develop a method for T790M detection in Corrientes, which will be accessible to patients in the region.