A histology-based algorithm in the molecular diagnosis of mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)*

摘要: Patients with stage IIIB and IV non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) harbouring activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene should be treated first-line gefitinib or erlotinib, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). EGF are most common in adenocarcinomas, especially non-mucinous type, while they rare squamous-cell carcinomas sarcomatoid carcinomas, do not occur neuroendocrine carcinomas. Therefore, following intense discussion consensus oncologists pulmonologists, Pulmonary Pathology Working Group Austrian Society recommends a-priori mutation analysis for all adenocarcinoma cases, other NSCLC cases upon clinical request. This will markedly reduce waiting time those patients who likely gain greatest benefit from TKI therapy.