Egfr mutations

Abstract

The present invention relates to mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and methods of detecting such mutations as well as prognostic methods method for identifying a tumors that are susceptible to anticancer therapy such as chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitor treatment. The methods involve determining the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or mutated EGFR protein in a tumor sample whereby the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or protein indicates the tumor is susceptible to treatment.

1 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A method for treating an individual having a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor, wherein the cells of said tumor comprise nucleic acid that encodes a T790M epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein mutation; and wherein said method comprises administering an EGFR inhibitor appropriate for the treatment of said tumor to said individual. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said method further comprises administration of a chemotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the cells of said tumor further comprise nucleic acid that encodes an L858R EGFR protein mutation. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the cells of said tumor further comprise nucleic acid that encodes an L858R EGFR protein mutation. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein said EGFR inhibitor is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein said EGFR inhibitor is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein said EGFR inhibitor is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein said EGFR inhibitor is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.