Question: My doctor told me that I had EGFR-positive lung cancer. How can I learn more about this biomarker type?

Answer: EGFR epidermal growth factor receptor is a gene found in cells. It is important because it sends the signals that help cells grow and survive. In some people, the EGFR gene will begin to mutate or change, which can cause cancer. When this change causes lung cancer, we call it EGFR-positive or EGFR+ lung cancer. 

EGFR-positive lung cancer occurs in approximately 15 out of every 100 cases (15%) of lung cancer. It most often occurs in a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) called adenocarcinoma. People diagnosed with EGFR-positive lung cancer are more often women, people of Asian descent, younger, and without a history of smoking.  

Scientists have found many different changes in the EGFR gene for lung cancer. Two of the most common changes found in EGFR-positive NSCLC are Exon 19 deletions and L858R mutations. Not all changes in EGFR for NSCLC are treated the same way, so knowing your specific change is an important part of developing and understanding your treatment plan.  

An easy way to learn more about EGFR-positive lung cancer is to listen to this 2-part podcast series, in partnership with WebMD, featuring GO2 for Lung Cancer Chief Patient Officer Danielle Hicks, thoracic oncologist Dr. Joshua Sabari, and 12-year EGFR-positive lung cancer survivor Larry Gershon.  

  • Episode 1 of the podcast series covers what an EGFR mutation is, biomarker testing, and treatment for early-stage EGFR-positive lung cancer. 
  • Episode 2 of the podcast series covers late-stage EGFR-positive lung cancer, treatments options, how to manage side effects, and how to look for progression. 

Please note that the information included in any published answer is for educational pursuit only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult their healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Nothing from GO2 for Lung Cancer should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion.