The identification of somatic mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and promising clinical trial data showing a favorable clinical response to associated gefitinib and erlotinib in non-small-cell lung cancer patients was a major breakthrough in the field. Should patient selection for treatment with these drugs, however, be solely based on mutational EGFR status? Giaccone and Rodriguez discuss ways in which mutational analysis could be optimized, highlight factors that might help define sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors, and comment on how to select those patients who would benefit from treatment.
- Giuseppe Giaccone
- Jose Antonio Rodriguez
