Posted on May 11, 2026

Date of submission of the HTAC Recommendation: 18 March 2026
Date of notification to HTAC on the SOH decision: 07 May 2026

The Secretary of Health (SOH) concurs with the final recommendation of the HTA Council on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Mutation Test for the diagnosis of EGFR mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the Department of Health (DOH) Department Circular No. 2026-0222 “Cascading of Recommendation for Government Financing on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Mutation Test for the Diagnosis of EGFR Mutations in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung cancer (NSCLC)” published on 06 May 2026.

As final recommendation, the HTA Council recommends tissue-based EGFR PCR Mutation Test for the diagnosis of EGFR mutations in patients with non-squamous NSCLC; and, for patients diagnosed with squamous NSCLC aged <50 years old, regardless of smoking history, for government financing. The Council further recommends adherence to the recommended specimen by the WHO to be used in testing [i.e., Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue].

For further details, please refer to the documents below:

[Public Copy] HTA Council Final Recommendation for EGFR Mutation Test (18 March 2026)Download

[Evidence to Recommendation] aHTA EGFR Mutation Test for NSCLC Download

[DOH DC 2026-0222] SOH Decision on HTAC Final Recommendation on EGFR PCR Mutation Test Download

Republic of the Philippines

DOST - Health Technology Assessment

HTA Council Final Recommendation on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) mutation test for the diagnosis of EGFR Mutations in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (with Secretary of Health Decision)