EGFR Mutation Analysis in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma from Tissue Samples Using the Fully Automated Idylla™ qPCR System.

The introduction of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI) targeting specific EGFR mutations for the treatment non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) dramatically increased the clinical outcome in a subset of patients harboring specific activating EGFR mutations. Three different generations of TKI have been developed until now, demonstrating increasing progression-free survival as well as overall survival. However, to benefit of the treatment, the analysis of the genomic content of each patient is mandatory. Additionally, resistance mutations are prevalent and occur frequently and rapidly during treatment. Therefore, tests to detect EGFR mutations at initial diagnosis as well as during treatment, e.g., from liquid biopsies, have been developed and implemented in clinical daily practice for theranostic purpose.As EGFR mutation testing has to be highly reliable, fast, and easy to perform, the automatic qPCR system Idylla™ has been developed and implemented for clinical mutation testing from tissue samples and soon from circulating free DNA. Therefore, we here describe how the Idylla™ system can be used for the analysis of EGFR mutations in NSCLC patients. Importantly, as the results are massively influenced by the preanalytical steps, we also provide information on the correct sample selection to avoid nonconclusive results.