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May 30, 2026

A clinicopathological and molecular profiling study of EGFR mutations in a cohort of 215 lung cancer patients from Eastern India.

ARAmitabh RayChittaranjan National Cancer Institute CMChandan MandalChittaranjan National Cancer Institute CMChandrani MallikChittaranjan National Cancer Institute

Key Points

This study aims to characterize the prevalence and clinicopathological correlations of EGFR mutations in lung cancer patients from Eastern India.
Analyzed a cohort of 215 lung cancer patients with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues or blood samples.
Extracted DNA and performed EGFR mutation analysis using real-time PCR (TRUPCR EGFR kit).
Conducted survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier plots and statistical analyses with Friedman’s ANOVA.
EGFR mutations identified in 38% of patients, with exon 19 deletions being the most common mutation (39% of cases).
Increased mutation frequency observed in patients aged >60 years (62%), males (25%), smokers (52%), and those with adenocarcinoma.
Survival analysis showed significant survival advantage for patients with any EGFR mutation compared to wild-type (p=0.019).

Abstract

e20708 Background: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations are a critical biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), guiding targeted therapy decisions. While global prevalence and patterns are well-documented, regional variations influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors necessitate localized studies. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, patterns, and clinicopathological correlations of EGFR mutations in a lung cancer cohort from Eastern India. Methods: This observational study analyzed 215 lung cancer patients. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues or blood samples were collected. DNA was extracted, and EGFR mutation analysis was performed using real-time PCR (TRUPCR EGFR kit). Clinicopathological data, including age, sex, smoking history, histology, and survival, were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using MS Excel and Friedman’s ANOVA. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier plots. Results: EGFR mutations were identified in 38% of patients. Exon 19 deletions were the most common mutation (39% of mutated cases). Mutations were more frequent in patients aged >60 years (62%), males (25% of total cohort), smokers, and those with adenocarcinoma. A significant proportion of mutated cases were found in smokers (52%) and passive smokers (24%). Systemic inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR) showed variations across exon mutation types. Survival analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in survival for patients with any EGFR exon mutation compared to wild-type (p=0.019). No significant survival differences were observed based on sex, age, histology, or smoking status. Conclusions: This study confirms the high prevalence of EGFR mutations in an Eastern Indian cohort, aligning with global trends in demographic and histological associations. However, the notable frequency of mutations among smokers and the significant survival advantage associated with any exon mutation highlight potential region-specific characteristics. These findings underscore the importance of universal EGFR testing for all NSCLC patients in this region, irrespective of smoking history, to optimize access to targeted therapies.

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