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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
[Advances in Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations]
1Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
Abstract:
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations are the third most prevalent activating EGFR mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 5%-12% of all EGFR mutations in NSCLC cases. Patients harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations exhibit similar clinical characteristics except for worse prognosis as compared to those with 'classic' EGFR mutations. EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are considered as a heterogeneous class of alterations that cause different conformational changes in EGFR. The majority of mutations (almost 90% of cases) is positioned in the loop that immediately follows the C-terminal of the C-helix, and the most widely reported subtype of insertion mutations is D770_N771>ASVDN(A767_V769dupASV) with frequency of 21%-28%. NSCLC patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations show primary drug resistance to previously approved EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and are generally insensitive to conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The recently approved targeted drugs Amivantamab and Mobocertinib shift the treatment paradigm for NSCLC patients harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. There are also several new compounds targeting NSCLC EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are in development. In this article, we provide a through overview on the treatment development in EGFR exon 20 insertion mutant NSCLC. .
Insights
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) confer resistance to standard therapies. Recent targeted drugs offer new hope for patients with these challenging mutations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations are a significant subset of EGFR alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- These mutations are associated with a poorer prognosis and resistance to existing EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- The heterogeneity of exon 20 insertions, particularly the D770_N771>ASVDN subtype, presents unique therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of treatment development for NSCLC patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations.
- To highlight the challenges posed by these mutations regarding drug resistance.
- To discuss emerging targeted therapies and their impact on treatment paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in NSCLC.
- Analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes associated with these mutations.
- Examination of the mechanisms of resistance and the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are linked to primary resistance to conventional EGFR inhibitors, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
- The development and approval of targeted therapies like Amivantamab and Mobocertinib represent a paradigm shift.
- Several new compounds targeting these specific mutations are currently under investigation.
Conclusions:
- EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in NSCLC necessitate specialized treatment strategies.
- Recent advancements in targeted therapy have improved outcomes for affected patients.
- Ongoing research into novel compounds holds promise for further enhancing treatment efficacy.
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