STK11 and Lung Cancer

What is the STK11 mutation?

Errors in the STK11 gene are one type of lung cancer biomarker. Mutations in the STK11 gene (also called LKB1) inactivate the STK11 protein. 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 adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a smoking history, though they can exist in any patient. It is often, but not always, present with a KRAS mutation. STK11 mutations are present in about 10% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma NSCLC.

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). NGS testing places tumor tissue that has been gathered from a biopsy into a machine that looks for many possible biomarkers at one time. There may be some situations where a patient can’t undergo the biopsy needed to perform NGS, so a liquid biopsy is 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 identified that cause inactivation of 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?

The presence of an STK11 mutation does not impact first-line treatment, which is often chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. However, researchers are looking closely at the role immunotherapy in patients with an STK11 mutation. Data show the presence of an STK11 mutation may make immunotherapy less effective. In the future, STK11 status, along with PD-L1 and TMB levels (other important biomarkers) 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.