EGFR Mutation Subtypes Modulate Distinct Metabolic Profiles and Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Lung cancer continues to be a leading contributor of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as most prevalent cases. Identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations has profoundly enhanced our understanding and treatment of NSCLC, leading to the development of precision therapies, including EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This retrospective study analyzed EGFR mutation distributions and their effect on overall survival (OS) using data accessed from TCGA. Our analysis revealed that EGFR mutations are most prevalent in lung cancer, with L858R appearing as the most frequent mutation, followed by E746_A750del and T790M. Remarkably, OS analysis exhibited that C797S mutations were linked with the least OS, with T790M, G719S, L861Q, and G719A also displaying significantly decreased OS compared to L858R mutations. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of T790M versus L858R cases revealed significant metabolic reprogramming in T790M mutants, noticeable by upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (CPT1A, NDUFS1), lipid metabolism (HMGCR), and mTORC1 signaling. Metabolic adaptation observed in T790M indicates elevated bioenergetic flexibility and detoxification efficiency, possibly leading to therapeutic resistance. The work underscores EGFR mutation subtypes as distinct biological entities with distinctive metabolic needs, suggesting HMGCR (statin-targetable) and PPAR agonists as probable therapeutic paths for T790M-driven resistance. These understandings support for mutation-specific treatment approach and highlight the necessity to combine metabolic pathway targeting with EGFR blockade to augment responses in lung cancer.