Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is classically defined by biallelic inactivation of RB1 and TP53. However, a small subset of tumors retains Rb expression and exhibits distinct molecular features. Here, we report two Rb-retained SCLC cases that expand the biological and therapeutic spectrum of this subgroup. Both tumors occurred in middle-aged women, showed small cell morphology with some variant features, and displayed complex copy number alterations. Case 1 harbored a truncal KRAS p.G12C mutation with high-level amplification of chromosome 11q13-q14, including CCND1, and demonstrated a clinical response to sotorasib. Case 2 harbored a TP53 mutation, CDKN2A loss, STK11 inactivation, and a novel IKZF2::ERBB4 fusion. These findings highlight the molecular heterogeneity of Rb-retained SCLC and demonstrate that this subgroup can harbor clinically actionable oncogenic drivers. Accordingly, routine assessment of Rb expression in SCLC, followed by comprehensive molecular profiling of Rb-retained tumors, is warranted to uncover therapeutically relevant targets.
Zacharias et al. (Wed,) studied this question.