EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)
EGFR is a gene that provides instructions for a cell-surface receptor protein that relays growth signals into the cell; certain EGFR gene changes are found in some cancers and can be identified by biomarker testing.
EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) is a human gene. Per MedlinePlus Genetics, the EGFR gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein called the epidermal growth factor receptor, which spans the cell membrane so that one end remains inside the cell and the other projects from the outer surface, allowing the cell to receive growth signals from outside. Certain acquired (somatic) changes in the EGFR gene are found in some tumors; MedlinePlus notes that at least eight mutations in the EGFR gene have been associated with lung cancer, and most of the somatic EGFR mutations associated with lung cancer affect a region of the gene known as exon 19 or exon 21. As a biomarker, EGFR is tested to detect these genetic changes in tumor tissue. (This term is defined at length in the existing glossary entry "egfr-mutation" and is not re-defined here.)
NCI states that "Biomarker tests can help you and your doctor select a cancer treatment for you," and gives EGFR as an example: "people with cancer that has certain genetic changes in the EGFR gene can get treatments that target those changes, called EGFR inhibitors." Attributed and stated in general population terms; not personal medical advice.
Lung cancer (including non-small cell lung cancer / lung adenocarcinoma) · Head and neck cancer · Glioblastoma · Anal cancer
This is general information from authoritative sources, not medical advice. What a specific test result means for your case is a question for your treating oncologist.