Why treatment guidelines differ between countries
Guidelines differ because they consider available evidence, medicine availability, regulation, and local service context. Differences may emphasize different options and do not automatically mean one guideline is wrong.
Updated 2026-09-11. For: Patients and families comparing guidance from different sources
This is not news and not a medical review
Medical review status
Factors that make guidelines differ
Guidelines are written by different organizations and reflect different practical contexts.
- Level and type of evidence available when the guideline was written.
- Medicine and diagnostic availability in that setting.
- Local regulation and payment policy.
- Service priorities and facility capacity.
Differences emphasize options
Two guidelines can recommend different sequences without being absolutely contradictory. Differences often appear where more than one reasonable choice exists.
Penjelasan visual
The EGFR journey after targeted therapy stops working
The sequence usually discussed when EGFR-targeted therapy no longer controls the disease. It covers tests and questions, not drug recommendations.
This diagram explains the sequence of assessment and discussion. It is not treatment advice or an eligibility decision.
An EGFR alteration is found
Recorded in the molecular report, not only in its conclusion.
Targeted therapy is given
Including the start date, dose, and reason for changing treatment when relevant.
The disease progresses
Assessed from imaging and the clinical condition by the treating doctor.
Possible resistance mechanisms
For example C797S, MET, or another alteration that may be found on repeat testing.
Repeat testing or NGS
Determines which changes are actually present in this case.
Discuss the next step
Reviewed with the doctor according to the patient's condition and available options.
When targeted therapy stops working, it does not automatically mean there are no further options to discuss.
How to respond
When guidelines differ, ask the treating doctor why a choice applies to the patient's condition. The doctor caring for the patient decides how guidance fits the case.
Note about this explainer
This is a standing explainer for understanding a term, not news about a specific guideline.
Langkah berikutnya
If this question relates to your condition, build a structured case summary so your questions and documents are ready to discuss with a doctor.