EGFR mutation testing in non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]

ABSTRACT

Lung carcinoma is subdivided into small cell carcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma [NSCLC]. NSCLC is heterogeneous group of carcinomas and accounts for 70-80% of lung cancer. NSCLC is further divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Activating somatic mutations of the tyrosine kinase domain of epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] have recently been characterized in a subset of patients with non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]. These mutations involve exons 18, 19, 20 and 21. Patients harboring these mutations in their tumors show good response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors [EGFR-TKIs]. The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview of EGFR mutations in NSCLC as well as to briefly discuss sample requirements and testing guidelines for EGFR mutation.