Rare EGFR Mutations in Ovarian Cancer Identified by UCLA Researchers

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have conducted a study to determine the prevalence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in ovarian cancer. The study, published in the JCO Precision Oncology journal, analyzed 33,850 molecularly profiled ovarian cancer samples from real-world patients who underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) of DNA between 2016 and 2025. The study found that 27 patients (0.08%) harbored a genomic alteration in the EGFR gene, including exon 20 mutations, L858R mutations, and an exon 19 deletion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UCLA study analyzed 33,850 molecularly profiled ovarian cancer samples, which is a significant number of cases to study the prevalence of EGFR mutations.
  • The study found that 27 patients (0.08%) harbored a genomic alteration in the EGFR gene, which is a relatively rare occurrence.
  • The mutations found in the study include exon 20 mutations, L858R mutations, and an exon 19 deletion, which are actionable molecular targets for EGFR-directed inhibitors.
  • Only one patient was treated with osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR-inhibitor, and achieved a durable objective response for over 17 months.
  • The study highlights the potential value of comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the management of ovarian cancer for discovering actionable genomic alterations.

Statistics:

  • 33,850: The number of molecularly profiled ovarian cancer samples analyzed in the study.
  • 27: The number of patients who harbored a genomic alteration in the EGFR gene.
  • 0.08%: The prevalence of EGFR mutations in the study population.
  • 12: The number of patients with exon 20 mutations.
  • 5: The number of patients with T790M mutations.
  • 3: The number of patients with L858R mutations.
  • 2: The number of patients with an exon 19 deletion.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Describe Findings in Ovarian Cancer (Identification of Targetable EGFR Mutations in Ovarian Cancer). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. September 22, 2025; p 803.
  • JCO Precision Oncology, 2025;9(9)
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA