Review of Plasma Exosomal DNA for Detecting EGFR Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract

This review systematically evaluated the literature on detecting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using plasma exosomal DNA by analyzing data from eight studies selected from a comprehensive literature search (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science; 2010-2024). The findings revealed a wide range of EGFR mutation prevalence (10-26.8) across studies, with most mutations located in exons 19 and 21. Comparative analysis highlighted the potential of plasma exosomal DNA (exDNA) as a non-invasive alternative to tissue biopsy, although significant heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity was observed across liquid biopsy methods (including circulating tumor cells and exDNA analyses). This heterogeneity underscores the need for standardization and further validation to optimize the clinical utility of plasma exDNA in detecting EGFR mutations, monitoring treatment response, and identifying resistance mechanisms in NSCLC.