Methotrexate

A substance that blocks the activity of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is found on the surface of some normal cells and is involved in cell growth. It may also be found at high levels on some types of cancer cells, which causes these cells to grow and divide. Most mutations in EGFR trigger a type of cancer called non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (which, unlike other types of lung cancer, is weakly associated with smoking) accounts for about 80–85% of lung cancer cases in the UK. Mutations in EGFR are particularly common in people of Asian ethnicity. In non-small cell lung cancer, many mutations in EGFR are associated with responsiveness to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. In contrast, some mutations in EGFR are associated with resistance to EGFR TKI therapy, including T790M and EGFR exon 20 insertions. The T790M mutation is a known mechanism of resistance and is commonly associated with relapse following initial therapy with EGFR TKI. DNA extracted from FFPE tissue used for polymerase chain reaction to amplify EGFR genes and sequenced using automated DNA sequencing technology. Formalin fixed (buffered formalin) and paraffin embedded tissue block (FFPE Tumor Tissue) that should be protect from excessive heat.

This test detects mutations in EGFR exons 18, 19, 20 and 21 (codons 719, 745-753, 768, 790, 858, and 861).These mutations account for >99% of all reported EGFR mutations in NSCLC patients. Detection of mutation is dependent on sample integrity and the amount of amplifiable DNA present in the specimen. The methods used in this assay are highly selective and, depending on the total amount of DNA present, can detect approximately 2% to 20% of mutant in a background of wild-type genomic DNA. Gefitinib (Kinase Inhibitor) is also known by its brand name Iressa. Gefitinib is a treatment for NSCLC that has spread into the surrounding tissues (locally advanced) or to other parts of the body. By considering the mutation profile of EGFR gene, physician can predict the suitability of Gefitinib to support the treatment of lung cancer. This test is developed and its performance characteristics determined by geneOmbio Technologies Pvt Ltd.