Brief Report: Prognostic Relevance of 3q Amplification in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Abstract

Introduction: Amplification of 3q is the most common genetic alteration identified in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LUSC), with the most frequent amplified region being 3q26 to 3q28. Methods: In this analysis, we aim to describe the prognostic relevance of 3q amplification by focusing on a minimal common region (MCR) of amplification constituted of 25 genes. We analyzed 511 cases of LUSC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and included 476 in the final analysis. Results: We identified a 25-gene MCR that was amplified in 221 (44.3%) cases and was associated with better disease-specific survival (not reported [NR] versus 9.25 y, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.24–NR, log-rank p = 0.011) and a progression-free interval of 8 years (95% CI: 5.1–NR) versus 4.9 years (95% CI: 3.5–NR, log-rank p = 0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed that MCR amplification was associated with improved disease-specific survival and progression-free interval. Conclusions: Amplification of the 25-gene MCR within 3q was present in 44% of this cohort, consisting mainly of Caucasian patients with early stage LUSC. This analysis strongly indicates the prognostic relevance of the 25-gene MCR within 3q. We are further evaluating its prognostic and predictive relevance in a racially diverse patient population with advanced LUSC.

Keywords

• Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
• 3q
• Amplification
• Biomarker
• NSCLC