Identification and frequency of <i>EGFR</i> mutations among NSCLC patients in Nigeria: Preliminary findings.

Abstract

e20057 Background: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly adenocarcinoma, are predictive biomarkers for response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, data from sub-Saharan Africa remain limited, contributing to under-representation in global precision oncology frameworks and restricting evidence-based treatment decision-making in the region. This study aims to determine the frequency and and molecular spectrum of EGFR mutations among Nigerian patients with lung adenocarcinoma and to generate locally relevant evidence to inform precision oncology strategies. Methods: This ongoing multi-center study analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue from 124 patients diagnosed with NSCLC, (lung adenocarcinoma) across Nigeria. DNA was extracted and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a mutation-specific assay panel optimized to detect alterations in EGFR exons 18–21, including exon 19 deletions, L858R, L861Q, G719X, S768I, exon 20 insertions, and the resistance mutation T790M. Results: EGFR-sensitive mutations were identified in 48 of 124 samples (38.70%). Mutation prevalence was notably higher among females (24.19 %) compared to males (14.51%). Exon 19 deletions and the L858R point mutation in exon 21 accounted for the majority (89.58 %) of all EGFR mutations detected. Less frequent mutations included exon 20 insertions, G719X, and T790M (10.42 %), while no mutations were detected in L861Q. Conclusions: A high proportion of Nigerian patients with lung adenocarcinoma harbor actionable EGFR mutations, with a mutation spectrum comparable to that reported in other global populations. These findings provide critical locally generated evidence supporting routine EGFR testing and underscore the urgent need to expand access to molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies in Nigeria. Integrating biomarker-driven care into national cancer control strategies is essential to advancing equitable precision oncology in sub-Saharan Africa.