Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression and Mutations as Diagnostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Lung Cancer: A Literature Review

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58545/jkki.v6i1.712

Abstract

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and limitations in tissue sampling. Molecular biomarkers, particularly Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), have gained attention for improving diagnostic accuracy and understanding tumor biology. EGFR plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival through multiple signaling pathways. This study aims to analyze the role of EGFR expression as a diagnostic biomarker in lung cancer by reviewing its biological function, molecular mechanisms, and clinical relevance. This study used a literature review approach by collecting relevant articles from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords including “EGFR,” “lung cancer,” and “biomarker” were used to identify studies discussing EGFR expression and its diagnostic value. EGFR overexpression and mutations are frequently found in lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer. Activation of EGFR triggers signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K, and STAT, promoting tumor proliferation and survival. Detection methods, including immunohistochemistry, PCR, and FISH, are widely used. EGFR expression has shown potential as a diagnostic biomarker and provides important information for targeted therapy. EGFR expression plays a significant role in lung cancer diagnosis and offers potential as a diagnostic biomarker. However, variations across populations and tumor subtypes require careful interpretation in clinical applications.

Keywords:

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, EGFR, Lung Cancer, Biomarker

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Author Biographies

Sri Melati Munir, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia

  1. Doctoral Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang - Indonesia
  2. Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Riau, Pekanbaru - Indonesia

Wirsma Arief Harahap, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia

Departement of Surgical Oncology

Masrul Basyar, Universitas Andalas/M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia

Departement of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Noza Hilbertina, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia

Departement of Pathology Anatomi

References

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Published

30-04-2026

How to Cite

Munir, S. M., Harahap, W. A., Basyar, M., & Hilbertina, N. (2026). Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression and Mutations as Diagnostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Lung Cancer: A Literature Review. Jurnal Kesehatan Komunitas Indonesia, 6(1), 148–161. https://doi.org/10.58545/jkki.v6i1.712

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Vol. 6 No. 1: April 2026

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Sri Melati Munir, Wirsma Arief Harahap, Masrul Basyar, Noza Hilbertina

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