What is the EGFR biomarker?
EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is a gene found in cells that is important for cell growth and survival.
In some people, the EGFR gene begins to mutate or change, which can be a driving cause of cancer. When changes in the EGFR gene cause lung cancer, it’s called EGFR-positive or EGFR+ lung cancer.
EGFR-positive lung cancer can be found through biomarker testing. Biomarker testing tells your healthcare team what mutations or changes cancer cells have, and your results can help guide your healthcare team to the best treatment for you. People with stages 1B through 4B (IB through IVB) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) should ask for comprehensive biomarker testing because it looks for all known biomarkers instead of just a few.
There are many different types of EGFR mutations, and they are not all treated the same way. Knowing your specific mutation is an important part of understanding your treatment plan.
- Exon 19 deletions: Information is missing from a part of the EGFR gene called Exon 19.
- Exon 20 insertions: Information is inserted into a part of the gene called Exon 20.
- Exon 21 L858R mutations: A change where one part of the gene is swapped for another.
EGFR-positive lung cancer facts
- It occurs in about 15 out of every 100 cases (15%) of lung cancer.
- It most often occurs in a type of NSCLC called adenocarcinoma.
- People diagnosed with EGFR-positive lung cancer are more often women, people of Asian descent, young (under 50 years old), and without a smoking history.
Targeted therapy options for EGFR-positive lung cancer
If your biomarker testing finds that you have a change in the EGFR gene, you will most likely receive targeted therapy treatment. Targeted therapies are a special type of drug that can "target" cancer cells based on what makes them different from healthy cells. Because of this, healthy cells in the body are often not affected by targeted therapies, resulting in fewer side effects.
Most targeted therapy treatments are pills, but a few are given through an IV or a port (a small tube inserted in a vein). The drug names that end in -ib are pills and can be taken at home. The drug names that end in -mab are given through an IV at a cancer center.
Below is a list of targeted therapy drugs that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for use with EGFR-positive NSCLC. The FDA approves each drug for use in NSCLC at specific stages of the disease.
Exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations
Gilotrif (afatinib)
Exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations
Iressa (gefitinib)
Exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations
Tarceva (erlotinib)
Exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations
Vizimpro (dacomitinib)
Exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations
Lazcluze (lazertinib)
Exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations
Tagrisso (osimertinib)
Exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk)
Exon 19 deletions, exon 21 L858R mutatoins, or exon 20 insertions
Rybrevant (amivantamab-vmjw)
Exon 20 insertions only
Zegfrovy (sunvozertinib)
Everyone is different, and the side effects you may have while receiving treatment can vary. Some people experience side effects, while others don’t. Ask a member of your healthcare team about the possible side effects of your treatment and when to seek medical attention.
Advancements in EGFR-positive treatment
Researchers are working every day to develop new lung cancer treatments. Sign up for GO2 emails to receive EGFR-positive stories and general news about everything happening in lung cancer.
Additional resources
Learn more about the treatment of EGFR-positive lung cancer through these WebMD podcasts:
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which targeted therapy is right for me based on my EGFR biomarker?
Scientists have found many different types of EGFR mutations in lung cancer, some of which can be treated with targeted therapy. The best way to decide what treatment is best for you is to receive comprehensive biomarker testing and discuss the results with your healthcare team. You can also call GO2’s free HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email support@go2.org to discuss your options with our LungMATCH treatment and trial navigation team.
How is EGFR-positive lung cancer different from other types of lung cancer?
EGFR-positive lung cancer is a type of NSCLC that has a specific change in the EGFR gene causing cancer cells to grow. Other types of NSCLC may have changes in other genes. Having EGFR-positive lung cancer means you will likely be treated with targeted therapy drugs made specifically to target EGFR-positive lung cancer.
What are the side effects of targeted therapy used to treat EGFR-positive lung cancer?
The side effects of targeted therapy depend on the exact drug you receive and how you as an individual respond to it. Ask your healthcare team about what side effects can occur and how to manage them.