Advances in EGFR as a Predictive Marker in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cause of mortality. Toxins from tobacco smoke are known to increase the risk of lung cancer; however, up to 15% of lung cancer–related deaths in men and up to 50% of lung cancer–related deaths in women occur in people who do not smoke. Despite the fact that chemotherapy generally provides a survival benefit for non–small-cell lung cancer, not every patient will respond to therapy and many experience therapy-related adverse events. Thus, predictive markers are used to determine which patients are more likely to respond to a given regimen. Methods We reviewed the current medical literature in English relating to predictive markers that may be positive, such as the presence of an activating EGFR mutation. Results The advances in using EGFR as a molecular predictive marker were summarized. This biomarker influences therapeutic response in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Clinical evidence supporting its value is also reviewed. Conclusions The use of EGFR as a predictive factor in lung adenocarcinoma may help target therapy to individual tumors to achieve the best likelihood for long-term survival and to avoid adverse events from medications unlikely to be effective.