Using specific and sensitive IHC assays, we analyzed the expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), EGFR L858R, and EGFR E746-A750del mutations in a subset of lung tumors, including those expressing ROS1.
Finally, we showed that EGFR(L858R)/Rhob(+/+) mice developed mainly diffuse lung tumors with a lepidic pattern, whereas EGFR(L858R)/Rhob(+/-) and EGFR(L858R)/Rhob(-/-) developed a greater number of tumors, and aggressive adenocarcinomas with invasive properties.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), when carrying an activating mutation like del19 or L858R, acts as an oncogenic driver in a subset of lung tumors.