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Review
. 2020 May;12(5):2896-2909.
doi: 10.21037/jtd.2019.08.31.

Tumor evolution in epidermal growth factor receptor mutated non-small cell lung cancer

Ana I Velazquez  1 , Caroline E McCoach  2
Affiliations
Review

Tumor evolution in epidermal growth factor receptor mutated non-small cell lung cancer

Ana I Velazquez et al. J Thorac Dis. 2020 May.

Abstract

As the incidence of cancer increases worldwide there is an unmet need to understand cancer evolution to improve patient outcomes. Our growing knowledge of cancer cells' clonal expansion, heterogeneity, adaptation, and relationships within the tumor immune compartment and with the tumor microenvironment has made clear that cancer is a disease that benefits from heterogeneity and evolution. This review outlines recent knowledge of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pathogenesis and tumor progression from an evolutionary standpoint, focused on the role of oncogenic driver mutations as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Understanding lung cancer evolution during tumor development, growth, and under treatment pressures is crucial to improve therapeutic interventions and patient outcomes.

Keywords: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); tumor evolution.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: Both authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd.2019.08.31). The series “Mechanisms of Resistance to EGFR-targeted Therapy” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. AIV reports grants from ASCO & Niarchos Foundation, stocks from Portola Pharmaceuticals, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Midatech, BioNTech SE, and Moderna, and an immediate family member is a contractor for Johnson & Johnson Innovation, outside the submitted work. CEM reports grants and personal fees from Novartis, grants from Revolution Medicines, personal fees from Genentech, personal fees from Guardant Health, outside the submitted work. The other authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

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