Cytology-based gene mutation tests to predict response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy: a review

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.