Leading experts' presentations on the importance of EGFR mutation testing in NSCLC and overcoming challenges in testing - European Society of Pathology Intercongress 2010 Symposium.
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EGFR mutation testing is important in making treatment decisions for patients with advanced NSCLC.
As our understanding of this area grows, it is vital that oncologists and pathologists work together to determine who should be tested for EGFR gene mutations, how the test should be performed and when the most appropriate time to perform the test is. When interpreting the results of the EGFR mutation analysis, the ability to identify whether the test has worked and what the result actually means for the patient is crucial.
These considerations were discussed at a satellite symposium held at the 2010 Intercongress Meeting of the European Society of Pathology.
With contributions from leading experts in oncology and pathology, both clinical and practical aspects of EGFR mutation testing were explored.
Professor Keith Kerr introduced the presentations and made the concluding remarks.
Professor Kerr:
- explained that biomarker tests for NSCLC are leading to the development of targeted therapy
- highlighted the role of the pathologist in communicating to the oncologist which patients are suitable for EGFR mutation testing
- emphasized that consideration is needed in deciding what type of EGFR mutation analysis should be selected.
Treatment outcomes in advanced NSCLC: the importance of EGFR mutation testing presented by Dr Rafal Dziadziusko.
Dr Dziadziusko:
- gave an overview of clinical outcomes from the IPASS study
- used a case study to highlight the clinical benefit of gefitinib.*
* Gefitinib is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is now used in clinical practice for selected patient populations. Gefitinib Product Information
EGFR mutation testing: the pathologist’s role in guiding treatment decisions, presented by Professor Helmut Popper.
Professor Popper:
- explained the process of lung cancer diagnosis and EGFR mutation testing
- discussed the limitations of various techniques used in diagnosing lung cancer and the practical challenges that pathologists face in EGFR mutation testing.
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