2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP04.01. Detecting KRAS Mutations in Peripheral Blood Extracellular Vesicles in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Digital Droplet PCR

EP04.01. Detecting KRAS Mutations in Peripheral Blood Extracellular Vesicles in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Digital Droplet PCR - PDF(Abstract)

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Researchers from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, have investigated the use of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) to detect KRAS mutations in peripheral blood extracellular vesicles (EVs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. KRAS mutations are a common driver mutation in lung cancer and have historically been detected from surgical specimens. However, liquid biopsies, which are minimally invasive methods to detect mutations, have shown promise in recent studies. EVs, which are secreted into biofluids such as plasma, carry DNA that can be used as a biomarker for cancer detection. The researchers aimed to determine if KRAS mutations could be detected in processed plasma and the corresponding EV fractions in NSCLC patients.<br /><br />The study included two groups of NSCLC patients: 29 with known KRAS mutations and 29 without KRAS mutations. KRAS mutation analysis was performed using ddPCR on plasma samples and EV fractions (apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes). The results showed that early-stage NSCLC patients had a low detection rate of KRAS mutations in processed plasma and exosome samples, with only one sample each testing positive. In contrast, late-stage NSCLC patients had a higher detection rate, with 13 out of 14 plasma samples testing positive for KRAS mutations. The MV fractions and exosome fraction had lower detection rates for KRAS mutations in late-stage patients.<br /><br />The sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR in detecting KRAS mutations varied depending on the sample type and stage of cancer. The researchers concluded that ddPCR may not be a suitable tool for determining KRAS mutation status in early-stage lung cancer patients and that further optimization of techniques is needed.<br /><br />This study highlights the potential of liquid biopsies and EVs as a source for biomarker testing in lung cancer. By detecting KRAS mutations in peripheral blood, this non-invasive method could provide crucial information for early detection and monitoring of NSCLC. However, further research is needed to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of ddPCR in detecting KRAS mutations in early-stage lung cancer patients.

Asset Subtitle

Caeli Zahra

Meta Tag

Speaker Caeli Zahra

Topic Screening & Early Detection: Biomarkers/Imaging Technology

Keywords

University of Queensland

ddPCR

KRAS mutations

liquid biopsies

EVs

plasma

cancer detection

biofluids

early detection

lung cancer