EGFR‑TK mutation testing in adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer

NICE has assessed 10 ways of testing for epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR–TK) mutations in the tumours of adults with untreated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread, to help the NHS decide whether to use these tests and which ones to use.

NSCLC is the commonest type of lung cancer. The tests are useful in detecting who might benefit from treatment with EGFR–TK inhibitors (anticancer drugs that target specific tumour cells in patients with mutated forms of the EGFR–TK gene) rather than chemotherapy.

NICE has recommended 5 ways of testing as options, but it was unable to decide on the other 5 because there wasn’t enough evidence.