Metropolis Healthcare Unveils Key Insights From Seven-Year Lung Cancer Genomics Study

In honour of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Metropolis Healthcare, a leading diagnostic chain in India, has shared key findings from a seven-year research study (2015-2021) that examined the molecular and clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer patients. The study analysed over 3,200 cases, shedding light on genetic alterations that are revolutionising lung cancer care through targeted therapies.

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with over 2.2 million new cases diagnosed annually. In India, the disease accounts for significant mortality but advances in molecular diagnostics and personalised medicine are improving treatment outcomes.

Key Findings:

• Cancer Types: Among the samples analysed, 83 per cent were adenocarcinoma cases, and 17 per cent were squamous cell carcinoma, predominantly in patients over 60 years.

• Genetic Alterations:

  • EGFR Mutations (29.1 per cent): Common in lung cancer, particularly in exon 19 (65.6 per cent) and exon 21 (32.1 per cent).

  • ALK Rearrangements (7.8 per cent): Observed in younger patients with equal gender distribution.

  • ROS1 Rearrangements (3.5 per cent): Found to be a potential target for therapy.

• Patient Demographics: EGFR mutations were more prevalent in younger patients and females, while ALK positivity was common among younger individuals without a gender bias.

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer at Metropolis Healthcare, emphasised the role of genetic profiling in lung cancer treatment. She stated, “This detailed molecular analysis forms the foundation of precision medicine, allowing doctors to tailor therapies based on a patient’s unique genetic profile. This approach significantly improves the effectiveness of NSCLC cancer care, offering patients the best-aligned treatment options.”

The study also highlighted the transformative role of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in oncology, enabling the simultaneous analysis of multiple genetic mutations. This advanced technology aids in identifying actionable mutations and broadening treatment possibilities for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

The findings align with global guidelines, including the 2017 NCCN and 2023 ESMO recommendations, which underscore the importance of genetic biomarkers such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and newer targets like BRAF and HER2 in NSCLC care.