Abstract
Recent therapeutic progresses in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and in colorectal cancer (CRC) are based on agents that specifically target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). To identify the patients most likely to benefit from such therapies, EGFR or KRAS gene mutation tests are mandatory, respectively, in NSCLC and in CRC. In patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease, exploiting cytological samples for these tests avoids not curative surgery. Here, we review the studies that have applied gene mutation assays on cytological samples of NSCLC and CRC to select patients for anti-EGFR therapy. We argue that the standard of quality of gene mutation tests on cytological samples is closely dependent on the extent of the cytopathologist's involvement.
Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy
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Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics*
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Cetuximab
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Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
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DNA Mutational Analysis
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ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
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ErbB Receptors / genetics*
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ErbB Receptors / metabolism
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Erlotinib Hydrochloride
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Gefitinib
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Genetic Testing
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Humans
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Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
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Neoplasm Metastasis
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Panitumumab
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
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Quinazolines / pharmacology
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Quinazolines / therapeutic use
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ras Proteins / genetics
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antineoplastic Agents
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KRAS protein, human
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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Quinazolines
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Panitumumab
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Erlotinib Hydrochloride
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ErbB Receptors
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
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ras Proteins
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Cetuximab
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Gefitinib