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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Computed tomography-guided core-needle biopsy specimens demonstrate epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in
C-M Chen1, J W-C Chang, Y-C Cheung
1Department of Imaging and Intervention, and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Background:
Target therapy with a new class of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors shows improved clinical response in EGFR gene-mutated lung cancers.
Purpose:
To evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT)-guided core-needle biopsy specimens for the assessment of EGFR gene mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Material And Methods:
Seventeen (nine males, eight females) patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent CT-guided core-needle biopsy of the lung tumor prior to treatment with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. There were no life-threatening complications of biopsy. The specimens were sent fresh-frozen for EGFR mutation analysis and histopathological study.
Results:
There were 12 (70.6%) EGFR gene mutants and five (29.4%) nonmutants. The objective response rate to gefitinib therapy was 73.3% (11 of 15 patients), with 91.7% (11 of 12 mutants) for the mutant group and 0% for the nonmutant group.
Conclusion:
CT-guided core-needle biopsy of advanced NSCLC enables the acquisition of sufficient tissue for EGFR gene mutation analysis.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT)-guided core-needle biopsy is effective for assessing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This method provides sufficient tissue for analysis, guiding targeted therapy decisions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Targeted therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors demonstrates clinical efficacy in EGFR gene-mutated lung cancers.
- Accurate identification of EGFR mutations is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of computed tomography (CT)-guided core-needle biopsy specimens for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation analysis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with advanced NSCLC underwent CT-guided core-needle biopsy of lung tumors before initiating gefitinib treatment.
- Biopsy specimens were analyzed for EGFR mutations and for histopathological characteristics.
- No life-threatening complications were reported following the biopsy procedures.
Main Results:
- EGFR gene mutations were identified in 12 out of 17 patients (70.6%).
- The objective response rate to gefitinib was 73.3% overall.
- Patients with EGFR mutations showed a significantly higher response rate (91.7%) compared to non-mutants (0%).
Conclusions:
- CT-guided core-needle biopsy is a feasible and safe method for obtaining adequate tissue from advanced NSCLC for EGFR mutation analysis.
- This technique supports personalized treatment strategies by enabling molecular profiling prior to targeted therapy.
