EGFR mutations in squamous NSCLC – Prevalence and treatment results with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients from western Slovakia

Abstract

Background: Internationally accepted guidelines do not support screening for EGFR mutations in locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC (SQLC) mainly due to low prevalence: 2.6% with a confidence less than 3.6% (NCCN guidelines v.2, 2012, citing the COSMIC Database from 2008). However, the COSMIC Database published in March 2012 the 5% incidence of EGFR mutations in SQLC, and the upper limit of the 95%CI is thus 6%. Purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of EGFR mutations in SQLC in the western Slovakia and the results of treatment with TKIs in this group of patients.