Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41557169›Full record

ArticleMolecular biology reports2026

EGFR mutation spectrum and clinical correlations in Tunisian Non-Small cell lung cancer patients.

Rania Abdelmaksoud-Dammak, Nihel Ammous-Boukhris, Slim Charfi, Nesrine Kallel, Rim Khemakhem, Ameni Feki, Tahya Sellami Boudawara, Ilhem Yangui, Afef Khanfir, Raja Mokdad Gargouri

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Article in Molecular biology reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Rania Abdelmaksoud-DammakLaboratory of Eukaryotes Molecular Biotechnology, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Nihel Ammous-BoukhrisLaboratory of Eukaryotes Molecular Biotechnology, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Slim CharfiDepartment of Anatomo-pathology, Habib Bourguiba Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Nesrine KallelDepartment of Pneumology, Hedi Chaker Hospital University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Rim KhemakhemDepartment of Pneumology, Hedi Chaker Hospital University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Ameni FekiDepartment of Medical Oncology, Habib Bourguiba Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Tahya Sellami BoudawaraDepartment of Anatomo-pathology, Habib Bourguiba Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Ilhem YanguiDepartment of Pneumology, Hedi Chaker Hospital University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Afef KhanfirDepartment of Medical Oncology, Habib Bourguiba Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Raja Mokdad GargouriLaboratory of Eukaryotes Molecular Biotechnology, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia. raja.gargouri@cbs.rnrt.tn.

Funding

Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research LBME19CBS02
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEpidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations play a central role in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by identifying patients who may benefit from targeted therapies. While the global distribution of EGFR mutations has been widely described, data from North African populations remain sparse. This gap limits the understanding of regional molecular profiles and underscores the need for population-specific evidence to inform precision oncology in North Africa. PATIENTS AND

methodsWe analysed EGFR mutations in a cohort of 385 Tunisian patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC. Real-time PCR was used to screen for mutations in exons 18–21 of the EGFR gene. Associations between mutational status and clinical or demographic characteristics were assessed using appropriate statistical methods.

resultsEGFR mutations were detected in 77 among 385 patients (20%). Exon 19 deletions and the exon 21 L858R substitution were the most common alterations, mirroring global patterns. EGFR mutations were significantly associated with age, sex, and smoking status. The rare L861Q variant accounted for 11.8% of EGFR-positive cases, representing a distinctive feature of our Tunisian cohort. In univariate analysis, overall survival was significantly longer in patients harbouring EGFR mutations; however, this association was not retained in the multivariable Cox regression model after adjustment for clinicopathological factors. The most favourable outcomes were observed in patients carrying common EGFR variants (Del19 and L858R).

conclusionThis study demonstrates a substantial prevalence of EGFR mutations in Tunisian NSCLC patients and reinforces the importance of integrating routine molecular testing into clinical practice. These findings provide essential baseline data to guide personalized therapeutic strategies in Tunisia and expand current knowledge on EGFR mutation patterns in North African populations.

Indexed as

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell LungLung NeoplasmsAdultAgedAged, 80 and overErbB ReceptorsExonsFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedMutationNorth African PeopleTunisiaEGFR protein, humanErbB ReceptorsEpidermal growth factorMutationsQuantitative PCRTarget therapyTyrosine kinase inhibitors

Identifiers

PMID41557169

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