Dr. Garyfalia Karponi
Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are among the most important molecular drivers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Their prevalence varies significantly depending on geographic region, ethnicity and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients. In Western populations, activating EGFR mutations are detected in approximately 10–15% of patients with NSCLC, while in Asian populations the rate is clearly higher, reaching 30–50%.
Identifying the prevalence and type of EGFR mutations is of decisive importance for treatment strategy, as it guides the use of targeted therapies with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, significantly improving patients’ prognosis and quality of life.
We are very pleased to announce that, for the year 2025, the frequency of EGFR mutations in our NSCLC cases reached 15.2%, which is fully consistent with the existing literature.
This percentage confirms:
The quality of our pre-analytical handling, including fixation and embedding, in cases processed internally by our laboratory — a parameter of major importance for the proper preservation of DNA. In fragmented DNA, the chances of detecting complex EGFR mutations, such as exon 19 deletions and exon 20 insertions, are reduced.
The accuracy of our molecular techniques, which are primarily based on repeatability and reproducibility.
The value of performing molecular profiling in integrated laboratories such as MIKRODIAGNOSTICS, where the pathologist indicates the most representative section for molecular testing and determines the percentage of neoplastic cells within that section.
We note that EGFR mutation testing in our Laboratory has been accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) since 2022.
With the aim of continuously providing high-quality diagnostic services in 2026 as well, the entire team of MIKRODIAGNOSTICS wishes you a Happy and Creative New Year.
Garyfalia Karponi, MSc, PhD
Molecular Biologist–Geneticist
Certified Laboratory Geneticist
Chief Scientific Officer, Department of Molecular Diagnostics