EGFR inhibitors for lung cancer: what to know

EGFR is a protein involved in signals that can help cells grow. Some lung cancers contain an activating change in the EGFR gene. An EGFR inhibitor is designed to interrupt that signal, so it is not chosen from symptoms alone.

A tissue or blood sample may be examined through genomic tumour profiling. The result can help your team decide whether an EGFR inhibitor is suitable and whether another treatment should be considered. Your cancer stage, general health, previous treatment and scan findings also shape the plan. Treatment can change if the cancer stops responding.

Ask whether your tumour has had appropriate EGFR testing and what the report means for your options. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and tell the team about other medicines, supplements or skin products before starting them.

Common effects can include an acne-like rash, dry or irritated skin, diarrhoea, mouth soreness or changes around the nails. Do not stop treatment without advice; early symptom management may allow care to continue. Depending on the stage, other approaches may include surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Contact your oncology team promptly for persistent diarrhoea, inability to drink, severe rash, painful skin cracking, eye symptoms or fever. Seek urgent help for new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, weakness, a seizure or a sudden severe headache, because these symptoms need rapid assessment.

Ask: What EGFR alteration was found? How will scans and symptoms be monitored? Which side effects should I report the same day? What medicines or foods should I avoid? What is the plan if this treatment no longer controls the cancer?