Afatinib for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer with unusual EGFR mutations: a plain language summary
Journal
Future oncology (London, England)
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
4
Date Issued
2023-02
Author(s)
Abstract
EGFR is a protein on cells that helps control their growth and division. Mutations in the gene for EGFR can cause cancer, including some cases of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Afatinib is a medicine that blocks mutated EGFR and helps kill cancer cells. Many different types of EGFR mutation have been identified in people with NSCLC. Over three quarters of cases are caused by two types of EGFR mutation, known as common EGFR mutations, but some cases are caused by unusual/uncommon EGFR mutations. People with NSCLC who have these unusual/ uncommon EGFR mutations are often excluded from clinical trials. Consequently, researchers don't really know how well medicines like afatinib work in these people.
Subjects
EGFR mutation; afatinib; lay summary; non-small-cell lung cancer; plain language summary
SDGs
Type
review