EGFR Mutations

Somatic gain-of-function mutations in exons encoding the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase domain are found in about 10% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) from the USA with higher percentages observed in east Asia. EGFR mutations are strong determinants of tumour response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung Adenocarcinomas from patients who respond to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors Gefitinib (Iressa) or Erlotinib (Tarceva) usually harbour somatic gain-of-function mutations in exons encoding the kinase domain of the EGFR.