The Detection of EGFR Mutations in Liquid Based Cytology Samples

This study will investigate whether liquid based cytology specimens are a feasible alternative to formalin-fixed paraffin embedded histology samples for detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma using the Biocartis Idylla platform. The Biocartis Idylla is a fully automated, real-time PCR based molecular diagnostics system. The Idylla carries out the entire analytical process from sample to result. This study will be based in the cytology department at Royal Cornwall Hospital as part of a service improvement. It will use residual material from existing samples sent to the laboratory as part of the routine service. It will use existing material from patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma by cytology using the current, validated procedure which uses formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples over a 10 month period. EGFR mutation results obtained using the validated procedure (formalin fixed paraffin embedded) will be compared to those produced using liquid based cytology samples.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

100 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma by the cytology laboratory at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust using the current, validated method on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples within the time period of the study. This will include both patients with wild type lung adenocarcinoma and also patients with lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutations.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Samples received by the cytology laboratory following the sampling procedures that are not diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma during the time period of the study.