STK11 and Lung Cancer

What is the STK11 mutation?

Errors in the STK11 gene are one type of lung cancer biomarker that doctors look for when diagnosing and treating lung cancer. Where there is a mutation in the STK11 gene (also called LKB1), the STK11 protein inactivates and stops working properly. This leads to uncontrolled cell growth, which can cause cancer.

Who is most likely to have a STK11 mutation?

In general, the STK11 mutation is more common in patients with adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have a smoking history. However, they can exist in any patient, regardless of smoking status. It is often, but not always, found alongside another mutation called KRAS. STK11 is the third most frequently mutated gene in NSCLC (10% overall; 20% in lung adenocarcinoma).

How do you know if you have a STK11 mutation?

There are several ways to detect STK11 mutations. The best way is through comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as comprehensive biomarker testing. NGS testing places tumor tissue that has been gathered from a biopsy into a machine that looks for many possible biomarkers at one time. In some situations, a patient may not be able to have the biopsy needed to perform NGS testing, so a liquid biopsy may be recommended instead. A liquid biopsy can look for certain biomarkers in a patient’s blood. Talk to your doctor to make sure one of these tests was performed.

Learn more about the different types of biomarker tests.

Are there different types of STK11 mutations?

Several STK11 gene mutations have been found that can inactivate the STK11 protein. Researchers are still trying to understand if the different types of STK11 mutations impact treatment options.

What is the course of treatment like for someone with an STK11 mutation?

Having STK11 mutation does not impact first-line treatment, which is often chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. However, researchers are looking closely at the role of duel immunotherapy in patients with an STK11 mutation. Some studies show that the STK11 mutation may make immunotherapy less effective. In the future, STK11 status, along with other important biomarkers like PD-L1 and TMB levels, may help doctors predict which patients will benefit from immunotherapy.

Work with your doctor to discuss your goals and options each time you have to make a treatment decision. The three big questions to ask are:

1. What is the goal of this treatment?
2. What are the potential side effects?
3. What other options do I have?

Research is happening at a rapid pace, and your doctor should be up to date on the recommendations for your specific type of lung cancer. If you don’t feel comfortable with the answers you are receiving, do not hesitate to seek out a second opinion.