What is EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer?

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive lung cancer is a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a mutation in the EGFR gene. This mutation leads to the overproduction of the EGFR protein, which promotes the growth and spread of cancer cells.

EGFR-positive lung cancer is more common in women, never-smokers, and people of Asian descent. It is also more likely to occur in people with adenocarcinoma, a type of NSCLC that starts in the outer layer of the lungs.

EGFR-positive lung cancer can be treated with targeted therapy, which are drugs that target the EGFR protein and block its activity. Targeted therapy can help to shrink tumors, slow the growth of cancer, and improve survival rates.

Some of the targeted therapy drugs that are used to treat EGFR-positive lung cancer include:

* Erlotinib (Tarceva)

* Gefitinib (Iressa)

* Afatinib (Gilotrif)

* Osimertinib (Tagrisso)

Targeted therapy is not effective for all patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer. Some patients may develop resistance to targeted therapy over time. However, targeted therapy can be a very effective treatment option for many patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer.