Biomarkers in NSCLC Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations

Lung Cancer is the most common global cause of cancer related deaths in men and women (Markus, Alain, 2013). As standard radiation and chemotherapy have proved ineffective, novel target therapies are in the midst of development. This review will analyze the success of the inhibitor drugs targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutation, commonly found amongst Lung Cancer patients. Numerous studies and reviews are utilized to determine the cause of the 10% success rate currently exhibited for these drugs. The L858R and E746-A750 point mutations and deletions respectively, were found prevalent in responsive patients as well as clinical-pathological features such as female gender, Asian descent, non-smoking history, and Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma was found almost exclusively in responsive patients and non-smoking history is proposed to have an independent correlation to EGFR mutations (Kosaka, et.al. 2004). These prevailing features can be used as biomarkers to predict the responsiveness of a patient population, leading to efficient and successful distrigution of the EGFR inhibition drug to Lung Cancer patients