HTA Details
Cell-Free Circulating Tumour DNA Blood Testing to Detect EGFR T790M Mutation in People With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Publication date
-
2020-March-06
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Cancer
- Recommendation
-
Final Recommendation
- Ontario Health, based on guidance from the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee, recommends publicly funding cell-free circulating tumour DNA blood testing (also called liquid biopsy) as a triage test to detect the EGFR T790M mutation in people with non–small cell lung cancer whose disease has progressed following initial treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health has accepted this recommendation.
-
When someone is diagnosed with non–small cell lung cancer, they have a tissue biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of tissue from a tumour in the lung. If the biopsy shows they have a genetic mutation that affects the EGFR gene, they are given a specific type of medication to treat their cancer.
However, after receiving treatment, about 60% of these people will acquire another mutation, called the EGFR T790M resistance mutation, which makes them resistant to the medication and allows their cancer to progress. Instead of undergoing another tissue biopsy to test for that mutation, a blood test (often called liquid biopsy) can be done instead. If a person has the mutation, they are given a different medication.
This health technology assessment looked at how accurate and useful liquid biopsy is for detecting EGFR T790M resistance mutation in people with non–small cell lung cancer, its cost-effectiveness, and the budget impact of publicly funding liquid biopsy in Ontario. It also looked at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with lung cancer and their families.
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
