As of 02 March 2026 the Health Technology Assessment Council has completed the evidence appraisal on the assessment of 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), for possible government financing. The HTA Council hereby releases its preliminary recommendation on the said health technology for stakeholder feedback and comments from 02 (Monday) to 16 March (Monday) 2026.

This health technology was reviewed vis-à-vis the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing authorization status, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) [local and approved by the Department of Health (DOH), such as the DOH Omnibus Health Guidelines (OHG); and/or international CPGs adopted by the relevant local medical society], and existing recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, a cost analysis of the use of the health technology was performed.

As a preliminary 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). 

Overall, based on current evidence, the EGFR PCR mutation test is considered part of the standards of care to guide more effective targeted treatment for NSCLC. Further, this recommendation is aligned with the HTA Council’s recommendation for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Drugs (i.e. Erlotinib, Gefitinib, and Afatinib) as financing of EGFR mutation tests will ensure proper selection of these targeted treatments.

In terms of implementation considerations, the HTA Council suggests that the DOH and PhilHealth consider the availability and compatibility of the specific cartridges/kits with the existing PCR machines of the service providers, when selecting the specific test brands. The Council also emphasizes the need  for healthcare personnel training for the  implementation of this test in order to ensure the efficient utilization and maximization of the benefits of the technology.

For the supporting evidence reviewed and discussed by the HTA Council, please refer to the advisory and the evidence document below.

All comments, inputs, and/or appeals on the above preliminary recommendation may be submitted for consideration by the HTA Council through email at hta@dost.gov.ph. Please use the prescribed form for appeals indicated on the official HTA Philippines website [https://hta.dost.gov.ph/appeals-2/]. Appeals not following the prescribed format, and those submitted beyond the deadline, shall not be entertained.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the preliminary recommendation, please contact us through the same email address.