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Cancer research

ATM Expression as a Biomarker in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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— 1 min read

Researchers at Medipol University conducted a retrospective analysis on 49 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received first-line pembrolizumab, either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. The study aimed to investigate the prognostic and predictive significance of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) expression in patients with metastatic NSCLC. The results showed that patients with low ATM expression had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to those with high expression (51 vs. 5.7 months, p = 0.004). Additionally, ATM expression was the only independent prognostic factor for PFS, and patients with high ATM expression had a shorter overall survival (OS) compared to those with low expression (51 vs. 8.9 months, p = 0.013).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 49 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received first-line pembrolizumab.
  • ATM expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry, and patients were categorized into low- and high-expression groups based on staining intensity and positive cell percentage.
  • Patients with low ATM expression had significantly longer PFS (51 vs. 5.7 months, p = 0.004) and OS (51 vs. 8.9 months, p = 0.013) compared to those with high expression.
  • ATM expression was the only independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS.
  • Logistic regression analysis showed that ATM expression, bone metastasis, and liver metastasis were significantly associated with treatment response.
  • The study concluded that lower ATM expression was associated with better prognosis and pembrolizumab treatment response, suggesting that it may be a valuable biomarker.

Participants:

  • 49 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Mean age: 62.7 ± 9.5
  • Male: 91.8%
  • Adenocarcinoma: 75.5%
  • Objective response rate (ORR): 69.4%

Statistics:

  • Progression-free survival (PFS): 51 vs. 5.7 months (p = 0.004) for low- vs. high-ATM expression
  • Overall survival (OS): 51 vs. 8.9 months (p = 0.013) for low- vs. high-ATM expression
  • Hazard ratio (HR): 2.41, p = 0.034

Sources:

  • The Prognostic and Predictive Roles of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) Expression in Patients with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Pembrolizumab Monotherapy Alone or in Combination with Chemotherapy. Diagnostics, 2025, 15(8):1048. (Diagnostics - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/diagnostics)
  • Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkiye
  • NewsRx, 2025, May 14. Study Findings from Medipol University Advance Knowledge in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer [The Prognostic and Predictive Roles of Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) Expression in Patients with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving ...]. Immunotherapy Weekly.

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