Prognostic role of PIK3CA mutation in colorectal cancer: cohort study and literature review.

Abstract

Mutations in PIK3CA [the gene encoding the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)] play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Experimental evidence suggests that PIK3CA exon 9 and exon 20 mutations trigger different biologic effects, and that concomitant mutations in both exons 9 and 20 synergistically enhance tumorigenic effects. Thus, we hypothesized that PIK3CA exon 9 and exon 20 mutations might have differential effects on clinical outcome in colorectal cancer, and that concomitant PIK3CA exon 9 and 20 mutations might confer aggressive tumor behavior.