Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutations in Asbestos Exposed Non-Smokers: A Case Series

Background Cigarette smoke and asbestos are recognized causes of lung carcinoma and together promote carcinogenesis. Adenocarcinoma is currently the most common cause of lung cancer in the USA and it has been linked to both smoking and asbestos exposure. Mutations in the epidermal growth factor gene receptor (EGFR) occur predominantly in non-smokers with adenocarcinoma. Methods Mutations in the EGFR gene were investigated using next-generation sequencing. Results We report the presence of EGFR exon point mutations in the pulmonary adenocarcinomas of three never-smokers occupationally exposed to asbestos. Conclusion The role of asbestos as a possible cause of EGFR mutagenesis requires further investigation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60: 306-309, 2017. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.