EGFR-positive lung cancer: what to know

EGFR is a gene involved in signals that can tell cells to grow. A tumour sample or blood test can look for specific EGFR changes. The result describes the biology of the tumour; it does not identify a cause, predict one fixed outcome, or mean that every person needs the same plan.

Your team combines the EGFR result with the lung cancer type, stage, overall health, symptoms, and earlier treatment. Imaging may check the chest and other areas, including the brain when clinically appropriate. Learn more about genomic tumour profiling and lung cancer.

Ask whether testing was performed on enough tumour tissue, whether a blood-based test is useful, and which exact EGFR change was found. Discuss whether a tablet-based targeted treatment, radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination fits the stage and treatment aim. Take medicines exactly as prescribed and tell the team about new rashes, diarrhoea, mouth soreness, or breathing changes rather than stopping treatment yourself.

Contact your oncology team promptly for worsening breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fever, severe diarrhoea, dehydration, a spreading blistering rash, or a new hoarse voice. Sudden weakness, confusion, seizure, or a severe new headache needs urgent assessment because lung cancer can sometimes involve the brain.

Which EGFR alteration was found, and what does it change about my options? How will you monitor response and side effects? What symptoms should trigger a same-day call? If treatment stops working, what testing or next treatment would you consider?