tumor escape mutation
Secondary mutations that arise during treatment to circumvent the effects of targeted therapy or immune surveillance.
Full Definition
Tumor escape mutations are acquired genetic alterations that develop in response to selective pressure from targeted therapies or immune system activity, allowing cancer cells to survive and proliferate despite treatment. These mutations can occur in the original drug target (such as secondary resistance mutations in kinase domains), in downstream pathway components, or in parallel pathways that bypass the therapeutic blockade. Common examples include T790M mutations in EGFR-targeted therapy resistance and beta-2-microglobulin loss leading to immune escape. In cancer genomics monitoring, serial sampling and liquid biopsy approaches are used to detect these escape mutations early, enabling treatment modification before clinical progression becomes apparent.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize temporal relationship to treatment; can be drug-specific or immune-related.
In Context
- "Liquid biopsy detected the T790M tumor escape mutation six weeks before radiographic progression." — Treatment monitoring report
- "Multiple escape mutations emerged following prolonged kinase inhibitor therapy." — Resistance mechanism analysis