Brief Report: Prognostic relevance of 3q amplification in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Introduction Amplification of 3q is the most common genetic alteration identified in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LUSC) with the most frequent amplified region being 3q26-3q28. Methods In this analysis, we aim to describe the prognostic relevance of 3q by focusing on a minimal common region (MCR) of amplification within 3q constituted by 25 genes. We analyzed 511 cases of LUSC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and included 476 in the final analysis. Results We identified a 25-gene MCR that was amplified in 221 (44.3%) cases and was associated with better disease specific-survival (DSS) (NR versus 9.25 years; 95% CI [5.24-NR]; log-rank p=0.011) and a progression-free interval (PFI) of 8 years (95% CI [5.1-NR]) versus 4.9 years (95% [3.5-NR]) (Log-rank p=0.020). Multivariable analysis revealed MCR amplification was associated with improved DSS and PFI. Conclusion Amplification of the 25-gene MCR within 3q was present in 44% of this cohort mainly composed of Caucasian patients with early-stage LUSC. This analysis is a strong indicator of the prognostic relevance of the 25-gene MCR within 3q. We are further evaluating its prognostic relevance in a racially diverse patient population with advanced LUSC.