EGFR and non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is a group of lung cancers with different cell patterns and behaviours. EGFR is one gene that may be examined because a change can affect how tumour cells receive growth signals. The result is interpreted alongside pathology, scans, stage and your health.

A positive EGFR finding may support targeted therapy. If EGFR is not found, other treatments may still be appropriate. For selected tumours, surgery or stereotactic body radiotherapy can treat local disease, while immunotherapy or other medicines may be considered according to the full assessment.

Ask whether testing covered the alterations relevant to your tumour and whether the sample was adequate. Discuss the aim of treatment, how often you will be reviewed and how scans will be interpreted. Report treatment effects early, including rash, diarrhoea, cough, fatigue, fever or changes in breathing.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing a large amount of blood, fainting, a seizure, new confusion or sudden weakness. Call your oncology team promptly for fever, a rapidly worsening cough, new hoarseness or symptoms that prevent drinking or taking prescribed medicines.

Ask: What subtype of NSCLC do I have? Was EGFR tested on tissue or blood? Which treatment fits my stage and biomarkers? What changes should I report immediately? How will you decide whether treatment is working?