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The future of EGFR mutation analysis
Researchers and AstraZeneca are exploring the use of other tissue samples for testing.
- Surrogate samples currently being investigated for use in mutation analysis include serum and plasma samples, cytology (including bronchial alveolar lavage or bronchial scrapings) and frozen tumour tissue
Ease of sample collection makes serum and plasma testing an attractive option. However, current methods lack sensitivity. AstraZeneca research indicates that by analysing circulating free DNA in blood, 50% of EGFR mutation positive patients can be detected from a group with pre-determined EGFR positive mutations.
Further work is required before any of the surrogate sample detection methods can be used in routine clinical practice (Kimura and Fujiwara 2006, Kimura 2006, Oshita 2006, Molina-Vila 2008)