Response to first-line erlotinib in a false EGFR mutation-negative patient with non-small-cell lung cancer: Make no assumptions

Abstract

So far, in the advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with clear epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene status, the treatment remmendations has reached an agreement: for patients with EGFR mutation-positive, epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is the first choice, which can maximize the benefit from the treatment; while for the patients with wild-type EGFR gene, we should give priority to chemotherapy whether in the first-line or second-line therapy. However, about 70% of the patients were diagnosed at the late stage, so the pathological diagnosis and EGFR gene mutation detection depend on small specimens.