Clinical impact of panel gene sequencing on therapy of advanced cancers of the digestive system: a retrospective, single center study

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Lena Dreikhausen - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Anna Klupsch - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Isabella Wiest - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Qiyun Xiao - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Nadine Schulte - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Johannes Betge - , Heidelberg University , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Tobias Boch - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Christoph Brochhausen - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Timo Gaiser - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Ralf Dieter Hofheinz - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Matthias Ebert - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Tianzuo Zhan - , Heidelberg University  (Author)

Abstract

Background: Panel gene sequencing is an established diagnostic tool for precision oncology of solid tumors, but its utility for the treatment of cancers of the digestive system in clinical routine is less well documented. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal, pancreaticobiliary or hepatic cancers who received panel gene sequencing at a tertiary university hospital from 2015 to 2022. For these cases, we determined the spectrum of genetic alterations, clinicopathological parameters and treatment courses. Assessment of actionability of genetic alterations was based on the OncoKB database, cancer-specific ESMO treatment guidelines, and recommendations of the local molecular tumor board. Results: In total, 155 patients received panel gene sequencing using either the Oncomine Focus (62 cases), Comprehensive (91 cases) or Childhood Cancer Research Assay (2 cases). The mean age of patients was 61 years (range 24–90) and 37% were female. Most patients suffered from either colorectal cancer (53%) or cholangiocellular carcinoma (19%). 327 genetic alterations were discovered in 123 tumor samples, with an average number of 2.1 alterations per tumor. The most frequently altered genes were TP53, KRAS and PIK3CA. Actionable gene alterations were detected in 13.5–56.8% of tumors, according to ESMO guidelines or the OncoKB database, respectively. Thirteen patients were treated with targeted therapies based on identified molecular alterations, with a median progression-free survival of 8.8 months. Conclusions: Actionable genetic alterations are frequently detected by panel gene sequencing in patients with advanced cancers of the digestive tract, providing clinical benefit in selected cases. However, for the majority of identified actionable alterations, sufficient clinical evidence for targeted treatments is still lacking.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number526
Number of pages10
JournalBMC cancer
Volume24(2024)
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 38664720

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Cancer therapy, Panel gene sequencing, Precision oncology, Targeted therapy