Capillary electrophoretic genotyping of epidermal growth factor receptor for pharmacogenomic assay of lung cancer therapy

In this research, a universal multiplex PCR method combining capillary gel electrophoresis was established for simultaneous analysis of mutations in exons 18–21 of EGFR kinase domain gene. After rinsing of the gel solution (1× TBE buffer containing 2% HEC and 1.5% HPC), the diluted PCR sample was electrokinetically injected and separated at 35 °C. Several parameters were investigated for method optimization, including the kinds of polymer, capillary temperature and separation voltage. Under optimal conditions, time taken for analyzing mutations of EGFR kinase domain gene in lung cancer patients was short (within 15 min). A total of 50 lung cancer patients’ tumor tissues were analyzed, and two frequent mutations associated with therapeutic efficiency of lung cancer were identified, including deletion of exon 19 (8/50) and L858R point mutation in exon 21 (12/50). This method is feasible for application in pharmacogenomic assay of lung cancer therapy. By applying this simple and effective method for genotyping of lung cancer patients, the information of pharmacogenomics was supplied for lung cancer therapy and to assist diagnosis to prolong patients’ lives.

► Genotyping of EGFR in lung cancer plays an important role in decisions of treatment.
► One rapid CE was established for analyzing the mutations in exons 18–21 of EGFR.
► This method is helpful for application in pharmacogenomic assay of lung cancer.