Table 2 summarizes the EGFR mutations detected by direct sequencing and interesting findings related to the pre-analytical phase of gene mutation analysis. Most of the mutated tumours had at least 40% of tumour cells, and enough DNA quantity and quality ([DNA]>100 ng/ul, A260/A280∼2). Interestingly, it is important to note that the EGFR detection rates for the surgical specimens and for small biopsies (bronchoscopic and CNBs) were similar: 13 out of 86 (15%) and eight out of 50 (16%), respectively. Here, EGFR is linked to neoplasm.