What should you know about EGFR and lung cancer?

EGFR is a protein and gene involved in signals that tell cells to grow. Some lung cancers carry a change in the EGFR gene that keeps growth signals active. This is a feature of the tumour, not something a person has caused and not the same as a family cancer risk in every case.

A laboratory can examine tumour tissue or, in some situations, a blood sample for tumour DNA. The result may report an EGFR change, no change detected or an insufficient sample. It must be read with the cancer type, stage, previous treatment and general health. EGFR status can also change as cancer responds or becomes resistant to treatment.

Ask whether genomic tumour profiling is appropriate and whether the sample contains enough tumour material. If an actionable EGFR change is found, the team may discuss targeted medicine. Other options can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery such as lung lobectomy, depending on where the cancer is and whether it has spread. Do not change treatment based on a laboratory result without the oncology team.

Contact your team promptly for worsening breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, severe rash, persistent diarrhoea or a new change in vision while receiving treatment. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, facial swelling, confusion, a seizure or sudden weakness. New neurological symptoms need urgent assessment, including when brain metastases are being considered.

Was my tumour tested for EGFR and other relevant changes? What exact result was found, and what does it mean for my options? Is a repeat tissue or blood test needed? Which side effects should I report immediately?