| Summary: | Context: Nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most frequently diagnosed form of lung cancer in Kuwait. NSCLC samples from Kuwait have never been screened for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene aberration, which is known to affect treatment options. Aims: This study investigated the feasibility of using fi ne-needle aspiration (FNA) material for mutational screening, and whether common EGFR mutations are present in NSCLC samples from Kuwait. Settings and Design: Eighteen NSCLC samples from fi ve Kuwaitis and 13 non-Kuwaitis were included in this study. Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted from FNA cell blocks and screened for EGFR gene mutations using peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-clamp assay, and EGFR gene amplifi cation using fl uorescent in situ hybridization (EGFR-FISH). EGFR protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Results: Five EGFR mutations were detected in fi ve non-Kuwaiti NSCLC patients (27.8%). EGFR gene amplifi cation was evident in 10 samples (55.5%) by direct amplifi cation or under the infl uence of chromosomal polysomy. Four samples had EGFR mutations and EGFR gene amplifi cation, out of which only one sample had coexisting EGFR overexpression. Conclusions: Given the evidence of EGFR gene alterations occurring in NSCLC patients in Kuwait, there is a need to incorporate EGFR gene mutational screen for NSCLC patients to implement its consequent use in patient treatment.
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