Evaluation of the frequency of the G12C mutation of the KRAS gene in non-small cell lung tumors and association with clinical parameters and patient outcome

• Grant number: 21/02900-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2021
• End date: June 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Rui Manuel Vieira Reis
• Grantee: Beatriz Garbe Zaniolo
• Host Institution: Hospital do Câncer de Barretos. Barretos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Lung cancer is responsible for 1 in 5 cancer deaths worldwide. The high number of deaths is due to the late diagnosis and the low effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. The pulmonary neoplasia can be divided into non-small cells lung cancer (NSCLC), corresponding to 85% of cases, and small cell cancer. Histologically, it can be divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma. Neoplasia can also be classified according to genetic variability. The KRAS gene mutation is found in 24,2% of NSCLC and is associated with exposure to tabaco and sociodemographic factors. The genetic alteration p.Gly12Cys present in codon 12 (KRASG12C) is the most frequent in the KRAS protein, which makes it a constitutively activated kinase protein. Little is known about the relationship between an oncogene and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in miscegenated populations, such as the Brazilian one, which is important in determining the public health strategies. (AU)