Mutations in the EGFR: The importance of genotyping

Gefitinib reached the clinic with anticipation, but initial clinical trials were disappointing with only a small number of patients showing response to treatment. In two recent articles published simultaneously, Lynch et al., and Paez et al. help to explain those initial clinical findings. Both groups report that somatic mutations found within the coding region of the EGFR may predict the sensitivity to gefitinib treatment.