KRAS oncogene amplification study in testicular germ cell tumors

• Grant number: 19/14512-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2019
• End date: November 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
• Grantee: Marilia Ferreira Pacanhella
• Host Institution: Hospital do Câncer de Barretos. Fundação Pio XII (FP). Barretos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor in young men in the 20-35 years and it is the second cause of death in cancer patients of this age group. It is a neoplasia with high curative potential, however, patients with extra-testicular disease and intermediate/poor risk may have an unfavorable outcome. Alterations in the k-RAS gene have been associated with biology of higher risk and resistance to treatment in several types of cancers. The role of molecular alterations of the k-RAS gene in testicular cancer has been little explored. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the amplification of the k-RAS gene in patients with testicular germ cell tumor (TCGT). Materials and Methods: The target audience for this study are patients diagnosed with intermediate/poor risk TCGT. Variation analysis on the number of copies of the k-RAS gene will be performed through a specific assay, using a duplex PCR reaction, with positive and negative controls. (AU)