2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.01B.01 Geospatial Characterization of DNA Damage Repair (DDR) Mutations in Lung Cancer Patients in an Underserved Urban Population

EP.01B.01 Geospatial Characterization of DNA Damage Repair (DDR) Mutations in Lung Cancer Patients in an Underserved Urban Population

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The study focuses on geospatial characterization of DNA damage repair (DDR) mutations in lung cancer patients from an underserved urban population, specifically those treated at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). DDR mutations can serve as therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers, but their association with socioeconomic, geographic, and environmental factors needs further exploration. Using available genetic data from 235 lung cancer patients seen at UIC, the researchers aimed to map the distribution of DDR mutations across the Chicago metropolitan area and examine correlations with various social determinants of health (SDOH).<br /><br />Key DDR mutations considered include ARID1A, ATM, ATR, and BRCA2. Geocoding patients' home addresses enabled visualization of these mutations by zip code. Genetic data were correlated with individual-level demographic factors and SDOH, encompassing variables like age, race, health insurance, and environmental risk elements.<br /><br />Findings indicate the lung cancer DDR mutation frequency at UIC aligns with existing literature. There may be geographic variations in DDR mutation distribution and potential correlations with specific SDOH factors. However, no significant correlation was observed between DDR mutational status and many demographic or clinical factors, such as age, sex, smoking status, and family history. A notable finding was a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) in patients positive for DDR mutations, suggesting increased susceptibility to immunotherapy.<br /><br />Future research aims to explore correlations between DDR mutational status and treatment responses or other genetic mutations like KRAS and EGFR in lung cancer. The study underscores the relevance of integrating geospatial data and population-level health determinants in cancer research within underserved communities.

Asset Subtitle

Jeremy Kao

Meta Tag

Speaker Jeremy Kao

Topic Risk Factors, Risk Reduction & Tobacco Control

Keywords

geospatial characterization

DNA damage repair

lung cancer

underserved urban population

University of Illinois Chicago

socioeconomic factors

social determinants of health

DDR mutations

tumor mutational burden

immunotherapy