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IntroductionAmong non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, there is one molecularly defined subgroup harboring activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR), which results in constitutive activation of its intrinsic kinase activity. Consistent data have demonstrated that these patients have a better outcome when treated with specific tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Therefore, analysis of EGFR mutational status for treatment guidance is mandatory in this context.Areas coveredHerein we review the clinical development and technical features of cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2 as a companion diagnostic test (CDx) for therapy with EGFR-TKIs, such as gefitinib, in advanced NSCLC. We also discuss the pros and cons of the current version of the CDx and its performance in both tissue and plasma samples.Expert opinionThe RT-PCR based cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2 is a reliable and rapid solution for EGFR mutational status assessment at the time of diagnosis in advanced NSCLC that allows eligibility of patients for EGFR-TKI treatment. This test determines EGFR mutations with acceptable sensitivity in tissue or plasma samples. Pre-analytical considerations like tumor cell content, tumor burden or location of metastasis should be considered to better interpret results in the clinical contexture.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/14737159.2020.1724094

Type

Journal article

Journal

Expert review of molecular diagnostics

Publication Date

06/2020

Volume

20

Pages

575 - 582

Addresses

Molecular Oncology Laboratory, General University Hospital Research Foundation , Valencia, Spain.

Keywords

Humans, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Lung Neoplasms, Neoplasm Proteins, DNA, Neoplasm, Antineoplastic Agents, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, Specimen Handling, Sensitivity and Specificity, DNA Mutational Analysis, Genes, erbB-2, Exons, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, ErbB Receptors, Gain of Function Mutation, Gefitinib