title: Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma patients in Kuwait.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the feasibility of using fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material for mutational screening, and whether common EGFR mutations are present in NSCLC samples from Kuwait.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen NSCLC samples from five Kuwaitis and 13 non-Kuwaitis were included in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  DNA was extracted from FNA cell blocks and screened for EGFR gene mutations using peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-clamp assay, and EGFR gene amplification using fluorescent in situ hybridization (EGFR-FISH). EGFR protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five EGFR mutations were detected in five non-Kuwaiti NSCLC patients (27.8%). EGFR gene amplification was evident in 10 samples (55.5%) by direct amplification or under the influence of chromosomal polysomy. Four samples had EGFR mutations and EGFR gene amplification, 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Human Genetics Unit, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Rabeah
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Al-Temaimi
authors.affiliation: Cytology Unit, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Kusum
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kapila
authors.affiliation: Molecular Pathology Unit, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Fahd R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Al-Mulla
authors.affiliation: Histopathology Unit, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Issam M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.affiliation: Histopathology Unit, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Salah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Al-Waheeb
authors.affiliation: Molecular Pathology Unit, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Bushra
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Al-Ayadhy
keywords: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); fine-needle aspiration (FNA); lung adenocarcinoma; mutational screen; nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)