Overview
NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, with three sub-types defined by size, shape and chemical make-up:
- Squamous cell carcinoma typically arises near the outer surface of the lung and can vary in size and rate of growth.
- Adenocarcinoma accounts for about 40% of lung cancers. It typically arises near the outer surface of the lung and can vary in size and rate of growth.
- Large-cell (undifferentiated) carcinoma may appear in any part of the lung and tends to grow and spread more quickly, making it difficult to treat.
Current treatment
The activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) supports tumor proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. With the regulatory approval of agents targeting EGFR tyrosine kinase, many drug development programs are continuing to investigate the therapeutic potential of this target with both monoclonal antibody and small molecular therapy.
Current small molecule agents gefitinib and erlotinib have been found to be most effective within a sub set of NSCLC patients who harbor certain somatic mutations.
Benefits of molecular testing
Patients can acquire resistant mutations, namely T790M, that render EGFR tyrosine inhibitors ineffective. Therefore accurate, sensitive EGFR mutation status has become a necessary test for any drug development company investigating the clinical effectiveness of EGFR targeted agents for NSCLC.1
Many considerations must be made when optimizing protocols for testing EGFR mutation status in clinical trials including:
- Sample collection and storage
- Sample heterogeneity
- Sample type
- Test sensitivity and reproducibility
At MolecularMD, we employ various techniques to characterize EGFR mutation status depending on requirements for sensitivity, turn-around time, and sample handling. Whatever the methodology, we are sure to provide the most reliable, cost effective testing available.
1 Pao W, et al. PLoS Med. 2005;2(3):e73.