First-line therapy of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with activating EGFR mutations

INTRODUCTION Lung cancer remains as the most fatal disease worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 80% of all lung cancers and approximately 75% of patients present with advanced or metastatic disease.1 Most patients will, therefore, require systemic therapy.2 Up to the recent past, patients were treated with chemotherapy without any clinical or biological selection.3 Improvements in overall survival (OS) with platinum-based doublets have been modest, although statistically signifi cant when compared to best supportive care (BSC).4,5 We now, however, understand that patient selection is crucial for appropriate fi rstline therapy. The determination of histology and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status have become mandatory.3