EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) Mutation Analysis - Test, Procedure & Cost

This is used to detect EGFR gene mutations in lung cancer tumor cells. It determines whether a conversion is present in the cells and can help to specify if EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Mutations in the EGFR gene occur in a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma. These mutations are rarely seen in people who have never smoked.

Lung Cancer:

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths among both men and women

It has the least treatment options.

Non-small cell lung cancer comprises the majority of lung cancer.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

• Coughing
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath. 
• Wheezing.
• Coughing up blood.
• Feeling tired
• Weight loss

What is EGFR?

EGFR stands for epidermal growth factor receptor. It is a transmembrane protein that is also a receptor. The EGFR protein is a receptor for the EGF family of extracellular protein ligands. 

Mutation in EGFR

DNA mutations in EGFR can occur in provinces corresponding to the extracellular or intracellular portions of the protein.

When should you Get Tested?

The patient should get tested when diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and when treated with an EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but the cancer progresses.

Sample required for tests

The patient can provide any of the following samples:

• Sample of cancer cells from a biopsy 
• Surgical removal of cancerous tissue
• A blood sample was drawn from a vein

Special Preparation for test

In some cases, no preparation is required. The requirement will depend upon how the cancer cells are being fetched.

Interpretation of Results

• If an individual’s lung cancer has a sensitizing EGFR mutation, an EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) may effectively treat the tumor.
• If the EGFR test detects no sensitizing mutation, the tumor is less likely to respond to TKI therapy. Sometimes an EGFR mutation is detected, indicating that cancer will not respond to a TKI.
• Pathologists and cancer specialists (oncologists) help interpret the precise significance of the exact EGFR mutation identified for each patient.

Procedure of test

The procedure involves the following steps:

• Firstly, the Isolation of DNA from tumor biopsies is done
• PCR setup with reagents included in the kit is made.
• Amplification and detection using a real-time PCR instrument.