We tested 158 actionable mutations comprising base substitutions, insertions, and deletions of the EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, PIK3CA, ERBB2, DDR2, AKT, and MEK1 genes (Additional file 2: Table 2) in 92 NCSLCs and in plasma samples from 13 additional NSCLC patients with known somatic mutations. Here, PIK3CA is linked to non-small cell lung carcinoma.