Automated real-time PCR to determine K-ras codon 12 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer: Comparison with immunohistochemistry and clinico-pathological features
- Authors:
- Published online on: October 1, 2003 https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.23.4.1121
- Pages: 1121-1126
Metrics: Total
Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Abstract
A real-time PCR technique with automated computerized analysis (TaqMan™) was tested to detect K-ras mutations in 66 patients suffering from NSCLC. This technology is characterized by high reproducibility of data and a time-saving analysis procedure. In 11% (7/66) of the tumour specimens and 2% (1/58) of adjacent tumour-free lung specimens a K-ras codon 12 mutation was detected. In adenocarcinomas containing ≥40% tumour cells, however, K-ras mutations were seen in 25% of the cases. The point mutations detected in tumours were GGT↷TGT in five cases and GGT↷GTT in two cases. As compared with immunohistochemical parameters, the K-ras mutated group was characterized by a c-erbB-2 negativity (p=0.04) and a smaller number of c-erbB-3 (p=0.02) positive cases. EGFR, bcl-2, p53, Ki-67 and p120 expression did not differ significantly. Determination of the K-ras point mutations by automated TaqMan PCR in NSCLC tumour specimens is feasable and highly specific. Due to its high throughput capacity this method represents a valuable tool for routine screening.