Correlation Between Tissue EGFR Mutations and Telomerase Activity in Tissue and Blood of Patients with Lung Cancer: Immunohistochemical and Molecular Study

Background: Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancer. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are known to drive tumor progression, while telomerase activity is a key mechanism in cancer cell immortality. Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between EGFR mutations and telomerase activity in the blood of patients with lung cancer. Methods: This study aims to investigate the correlation between EGFR mutations and telomerase activity in blood and tissue of patients with lung cancer. A cohort study was analyzed for EGFR mutations in tissue and telomerase activity levels in blood using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in tissue biopsy by using telomerase immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: The findings suggest a significant correlation between specific EGFR mutations in tissue and increased telomerase activity in blood. Conclusions: This study provides insights into tumor prognosis, response to therapy, and the detection of tumor development.