Genomics of Lung Pleomorphic Carcinoma - GenPleo
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Genomics of Pleomorphic Lung Carcinoma - GenPleo
IRAS ID
197092
Contact name
Julie Curtis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Pleomorphic lung carcinoma (PC) although rare, is a subtype of lung cancer that is associated with a dismal prognosis and resistance to conventional forms of chemotherapy. Detailed molecular analysis has only been performed on a small number of samples due to its rarity. Therefore little is known about this group of tumours on a molecular level and subsequently personalised treatments have had limited efficacy. \n\nPleomorphic, by definition, describes a tumour where there is much variability (known as heterogeneity) in its appearances under the microscope. There have been only 2 studies that use modern molecular technologies to interrogate these cancers. One identified a molecular (MET) abnormality in 8 (22%) patient samples. The second demonstrated a different molecular abnormality (EGFR) in 18 (22.2%) patient samples. Our hypothesis is that the discrepancies in these treatable abnormalities are associated with the heterogeneity of these tumours and that different genetic alterations and pathways are driving the cancer. These discrepancies need further clarification because they may mean that patients are not receiving appropriate treatment. \n\nThis study will comprehensively analyse the DNA of these tumours with state-of-the art technologies. This will increase our understanding of this rare tumour and allow us to correlate findings with expert pathological classification. It should reveal the cause of the heterogeneity and will also reveal novel treatable targets. It will lead to the development of clinically appropriate molecular analyses based on the appearance of the tumour. \n\nWe will perform this study on the largest collection of PC to have ever been characterised worldwide. Samples will be obtained from over 88 patients with PC, and are stored within the diagnostic archives of the Royal Brompton Hospital and collaborating institutions. Expertise in histopathology and genomic analysis at the RBH and Imperial College London, provides a unique opportunity to study this rare tumour type.\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
17/NS/0039
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion