Cancer Research and Treatment

Original Article

Preferential Sensitivity of the EGFR L858M/L861R Mutation to Second-Generation EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Chaelin Lee, Sheehyun Kim, Soyeon Kim, Taekeun Park, Miso Kim, Bhumsuk Keam, Tae Min Kim, Dong-Wan Kim, Jeonghwan Youk; Received March 11, 2025 Accepted August 19, 2025 Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2025.279 [Epub ahead of print]

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Purpose
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently harbors targetable epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, rare variants such as EGFR L858M or L861R remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to elucidate the oncogenic potential and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sensitivity of the EGFR L858M/L861R mutation to inform personalized treatment strategies.
Materials and Methods
Tumor samples from an NSCLC patient were analyzed using targeted panel sequencing and confirmed with the FoundationOne Liquid CDx assay. EGFR-mutant constructs, including L858M, L858R, L861R, L861Q, L858M/L861R, and L858R/L861Q, were generated and transduced into various cell lines. Cell viability, immunoblot, and soft agar colony formation assays were conducted to assess the oncogenicity and drug sensitivity, while computational protein modeling and docking simulations evaluated the drug-binding affinities of EGFR-TKIs.
Results
Ba/F3 cells expressing the EGFR L858M/L861R mutation exhibited robust interleukin-3–independent proliferation accompanied by markedly increased EGFR phosphorylation, while NIH-3T3 cells showed anchorage-independent colony formation. Compared to other mutations, cells expressing EGFR L858M/L861R mutation were less sensitive to first-generation EGFR-TKIs (gefitinib, erlotinib) and third-generation EGFR-TKIs (osimertinib, lazertinib), whereas second-generation EGFR-TKIs (afatinib, poziotinib) demonstrated potent inhibitory effects. Computational modeling revealed a narrower drug-binding efficiency of first-generation inhibitors.
Conclusion
The EGFR L858M/L861R mutation drives strong oncogenic signaling and exhibits preferential sensitivity to second-generation EGFR-TKIs. These findings underscore the importance of accurate molecular diagnosis for guiding effective, personalized therapeutic strategies in NSCLC.

Citations

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Real-World Outcomes and Subsequent Treatment Patterns in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Atypical EGFR Mutations Receiving First-Line Osimertinib Monotherapy
Jorge J. Nieva, Xuejun Wang, Deborah Doroshow, Leslie Servidio, Miranda Cooper, Yan Kwan Lau, Pritesh S. Karia, Jacqulyne Robichaux
Oncology and Therapy.2026; 14(1): 225. CrossRef

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Case Report

ALK Inhibition in a Patient with Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Harboring CARS1-ALK Fusion: Songji Choi, Miso Kim, Sheehyun Kim, Taekeun Park, Yoonjin Kwak, Jeong Mo Bae, Hongseok Yun, Jee Hyun Kim; Cancer Res Treat. 2025;57(3):899-904. Published online December 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2024.1184

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Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare entity, primarily affecting young individuals, often involving the abdomen, pelvis, or lung. Approximately 50% of IMTs harbor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, making ALK inhibitors a viable treatment. We report a case of a 40-year-old female with metastatic IMT harboring a CARS1-ALK fusion. Initial chemotherapy failed, but targeted therapy with alectinib through the KOrean Precision Medicine Networking Group Study of MOlecular profiling guided therapy based on genomic alterations in advanced Solid tumors (KOSMOS)-II study led to significant tumor regression and ongoing, durable clinical improvement of 19 months. This case highlights the importance of precision medicine and raises the reappraisal of targeted agents outside of approved indications for rare cancers with actionable genomic alterations.

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Artificial Intelligence in Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review of Recent Advances in Diagnosis, Biomarker Discovery, and Drug Development
Srikanth Basety, Renuka Gudepu, Aditya Velidandi
Pharmaceutics.2026; 18(2): 201. CrossRef
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the colon in pediatrics: clinical presentation, management, and outcomes—A case report and systematic review of literature
Ismael Elhalaby, Omar Koura, Rofyda Elhalaby, Wael Zeina, Mohamed Shareef, Essam Elhalaby
International Journal of Colorectal Disease.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Carboplatin/etoposide/ifosfamide

Reactions Weekly.2025; 2075(1): 90. CrossRef

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Original Article

Breast cancer

Harnessing Institutionally Developed Clinical Targeted Sequencing to Improve Patient Survival in Breast Cancer: A Seven-Year Experience: Jiwon Koh, Jinyong Kim, Go-Un Woo, Hanbaek Yi, So Yean Kwon, Jeongmin Seo, Jeong Mo Bae, Jung Ho Kim, Jae Kyung Won, Han Suk Ryu, Yoon Kyung Jeon, Dae-Won Lee, Miso Kim, Tae-Yong Kim, Kyung-Hun Lee, Tae-You Kim, Jee-Soo Lee, Moon-Woo Seong, Sheehyun Kim, Sungyoung Lee, Hongseok Yun, Myung Geun Song, Jaeyong Choi, Jong-Il Kim, Seock-Ah Im; Cancer Res Treat. 2025;57(2):443-456. Published online August 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2024.296

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Purpose
Considering the high disease burden and unique features of Asian patients with breast cancer (BC), it is essential to have a comprehensive view of genetic characteristics in this population. An institutional targeted sequencing platform was developed through the Korea Research-Driven Hospitals project and was incorporated into clinical practice. This study explores the use of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and its outcomes in patients with advanced/metastatic BC in the real world.
Materials and Methods
We reviewed the results of NGS tests administered to BC patients using a customized sequencing platform—FiRST Cancer Panel (FCP)—over 7 years. We systematically described clinical translation of FCP for precise diagnostics, personalized therapeutic strategies, and unraveling disease pathogenesis.
Results
NGS tests were conducted on 548 samples from 522 patients with BC. Ninety-seven point six percentage of tested samples harbored at least one pathogenic alteration. The common alterations included mutations in TP53 (56.2%), PIK3CA (31.2%), GATA3 (13.8%), BRCA2 (10.2%), and amplifications of CCND1 (10.8%), FGF19 (10.0%), and ERBB2 (9.5%). NGS analysis of ERBB2 amplification correlated well with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RNA panel analyses found potentially actionable and prognostic fusion genes. FCP effectively screened for potentially germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutation. Ten point three percent of BC patients received matched therapy guided by NGS, resulting in a significant overall survival advantage (p=0.022), especially for metastatic BCs.
Conclusion
Clinical NGS provided multifaceted benefits, deepening our understanding of the disease, improving diagnostic precision, and paving the way for targeted therapies. The concrete advantages of FCP highlight the importance of multi-gene testing for BC, especially for metastatic conditions.

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Comprehensive analysis of FGFR2b and its correlation with essential biomarkers, intratumoral heterogeneity, and survival in advanced gastric cancer
Yoonjin Kwak, Tae-Yong Kim, Hye Seung Lee, Soo Kyung Nam, Hyeon Jeong Oh, Do-Youn Oh, Seock-Ah Im
British Journal of Cancer.2026; 134(10): 1429. CrossRef
Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of residual invasive triple-negative breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the prospective MIRINAE trial (a randomized phase II trial of adjuvant atezolizumab plus capecitabine compared to capecitabine; KCSG-B
S.-A. Im, K. Park, J. Koh, C. Park, K.H. Jung, J. Lee, H.K. Ahn, A. Lee, S.H. Sim, M.H. Kim, J.H. Kim, J.H. Kim, K.E. Lee, K.H. Park, J. Bae, M.H. Lee, S. Lim, H.J. Kim, D.-W. Lee, J.H. Jeong, K.S. Lee, J. Sohn, K.J. Suh, J.-Y. Kim, Y.J. Cha, J. Moon, C.-
ESMO Open.2025; 10(10): 105804. CrossRef

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Special Article

Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Use of Next-Generation Sequencing in Patients with Solid Cancer: A Joint Report from KSMO and KSP: Miso Kim, Hyo Sup Shim, Sheehyun Kim, In Hee Lee, Jihun Kim, Shinkyo Yoon, Hyung-Don Kim, Inkeun Park, Jae Ho Jeong, Changhoon Yoo, Jaekyung Cheon, In-Ho Kim, Jieun Lee, Sook Hee Hong, Sehhoon Park, Hyun Ae Jung, Jin Won Kim, Han Jo Kim, Yongjun Cha, Sun Min Lim, Han Sang Kim, Choong-kun Lee, Jee Hung Kim, Sang Hoon Chun, Jina Yun, So Yeon Park, Hye Seung Lee, Yong Mee Cho, Soo Jeong Nam, Kiyong Na, Sun Och Yoon, Ahwon Lee, Kee-Taek Jang, Hongseok Yun, Sungyoung Lee, Jee Hyun Kim, Wan-Seop Kim; Cancer Res Treat. 2024;56(3):721-742. Published online November 29, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2023.1043

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In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Citations

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Long-Term Response Without Immune-Related Adverse Events to Atezolizumab Treatment in TMB-High Thymoma: A Case Report from the KOSMOS-II Study
In Hee Lee, Moonsik Kim, An Na Seo, Soo Jung Lee, Jee Hyun Kim
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2026; 15(3): 958. CrossRef
Real-World Genomic Landscape of Korean Gastric Cancer: Integrating Biomarker Associations and Clinical Outcomes in Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Seong-Keun Yoo, Soomin Ahn, Jinha Hwang, Jongwu Kim, Yunjin Go, Minsuk Kwon, Sung Hee Lim, Seung Tae Kim, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Jeeyun Lee
JCO Precision Oncology.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Real-World Data: Implementation and Outcomes of Next-Generation Sequencing in the MENA Region
Rami Mahfouz, Reine Abou Zeidane, Tasnim Diab, Ali Tarhini, Eman Sbaity, Houry Kazarian, Yomna El Zibaoui, Nour Sabiha Naji, Mounir Barake, Hazem I. Assi
Diagnostics.2025; 15(10): 1183. CrossRef
Exploring PIXE Applications in Oncology: A Comprehensive Review
G. J. Naga Raju
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology.2025; : 261. CrossRef

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Case Report

Efficacy of Olaparib in Treatment-Refractory, Metastatic Breast Cancer with Uncommon Somatic BRCA Mutations Detected in Circulating Tumor DNA: Jung-Ki Yoon, Jongseong Ahn, Sheehyun Kim, Hwang-Phil Kim, Jun-kyu Kang, Duhee Bang, Yoojoo Lim, Tae-You Kim; Cancer Res Treat. 2023;55(3):1048-1052. Published online January 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2022.1529

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Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors have been shown dramatic responses in patients with BRCAness. However, clinical studies have been limited to breast cancer patients with germline mutations. Here, we describe a patient with metastatic breast cancer who had a rare BRCA1 somatic mutation (BRCA1 c.4336G>T (p.E1446*)) detected by cell-free DNA analysis after failing standard therapies. This tier III variant of unknown significance was predicted to be a pathogenic variant in our assessment, leading us to consider off-label treatment with olaparib. The patient responded well to olaparib for several months, with a decrease in allele frequency of this BRCA1 somatic mutation in cell-free DNA. Olaparib resistance subsequently developed with an increase in the allele frequency and new BRCA1 reversion mutations. To our knowledge, this is the first report confirming BRCA1 c.4336G>T (p.E1446*) as a mutation sensitive to olaparib in breast cancer and describing the dynamic changes in the associated mutations using liquid biopsy.

Citations

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Circulating tumor DNA validity and potential uses in metastatic breast cancer
Ottavia Amato, Nefeli Giannopoulou, Michail Ignatiadis
npj Breast Cancer.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
DNA damage targeted therapy for advanced breast cancer
Vanessa Patel, Sandra Casimiro, Catarina Abreu, Tiago Barroso, Rita Teixeira de Sousa, Sofia Torres, Leonor Abreu Ribeiro, Gonçalo Nogueira-Costa, Helena Luna Pais, Conceição Pinto, Leila Costa, Luís Costa
Exploration of Targeted Anti-tumor Therapy.2024; 5(3): 678. CrossRef
Practical Utility of Liquid Biopsies for Evaluating Genomic Alterations in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Seung-Hwan Jeong, Dongsoo Kyung, Hyeong Dong Yuk, Chang Wook Jeong, Wookjae Lee, Jung-Ki Yoon, Hwang-Phill Kim, Duhee Bang, Tae-You Kim, Yoojoo Lim, Cheol Kwak
Cancers.2023; 15(10): 2847. CrossRef

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Review Article

Utilizing Plasma Circulating Tumor DNA Sequencing for Precision Medicine in the Management of Solid Cancers: Yongjun Cha, Sheehyun Kim, Sae-Won Han; Cancer Res Treat. 2023;55(2):367-384.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2023.446

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Plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing has demonstrated clinical utility for tumor molecular profiling at initial diagnosis or tumor progression in advanced solid cancers and is being rapidly incorporated into the clinical practice guidelines, including non–small cell lung and breast cancer. Despite relatively low sensitivity, plasma ctDNA sequencing has several advantages over tissue-based assays, including ease of sampling, rapid turnaround time, repeatability, and the ability to overcome spatial heterogeneity, which makes it ideal for investigating acquired resistance and monitoring tumor evolution and dynamics. With technological advancement and declining costs, the clinical application of plasma ctDNA is expanding, and numerous ongoing clinical trials are examining its potential to guide the management of advanced, localized, and even preclinical cancers of various tumor types. The ability of plasma ctDNA analysis to detect minimal residual disease following curative treatment in the absence of clinical disease is among its most promising attributes. Plasma ctDNA sequencing can also facilitate the conduct of clinical trials and drug development, particularly in immunotherapy. In order to incorporate plasma ctDNA sequencing for clinical decision-making, it is important to understand the preanalytical and analytical factors that may affect its sensitivity and reliability.

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Variability of Circulating Tumor DNA Levels in Plasma Samples From Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the Absence of Treatment
Aleksandra Markovets, Diana Merino Vega, Chris Abbosh, Katie Quinn, Kyle Chang, Sara Wienke, Ryan Hartmaier, J. Carl Barrett, Darren Hodgson
JCO Precision Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
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Alexander Gamisch, Hans Georg Mustafa, Alexander Haushofer, Maria-Elisabeth Mustafa-Korninger
Journal of Laboratory Medicine.2024; 48(4): 141. CrossRef
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Champica Nicholas, Andrea Beharry, Anna M. Bendzsak, Kassandra R. Bisson, Keith Dadson, Shaan Dudani, Marco Iafolla, Kashif Irshad, Kirstin Perdrizet, William Raskin, Raviya Singh, David Chun Cheong Tsui, Xin Wang, Ching Yeung, Parneet K. Cheema, Brandon
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Clinical practice recommendations for the use of next-generation sequencing in patients with solid cancer: a joint report from KSMO and KSP
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Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Use of Next-Generation Sequencing in Patients with Solid Cancer: A Joint Report from KSMO and KSP
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