Targeted therapy for lung cancer

This is a type of drug treatment that attacks specific features of cancer cells, known as molecular targets, to stop the cancer growing and spreading. The molecular targets are usually particular gene changes that are found in or on the surface of cancer cells.

Learn more about:

• When is targeted therapy used?
• Side effects
• Video: What is targeted therapy?

When is targeted therapy used?

Targeted therapy is currently available for people with NSCLC whose tumours have specific gene changes when the cancer is advanced or has come back after initial surgery or radiation therapy. These drugs will only work if the cancer contains the particular gene targeted and, even then, they do not work for everyone. Ask your oncologist about molecular testing and whether targeted therapy is an option for you.

Targeted therapy can often be given by mouth as tablets or capsules.

This area of cancer treatment is changing rapidly, and it’s likely that new gene changes and targeted therapy drugs will continue to be discovered. Talk to your oncologist about any clinical trials that may be suitable for you.

Cancer cells often become resistant to targeted therapy drugs over time. If the first-line treatment stops working, your oncologist may suggest trying another targeted therapy drug or another systemic treatment. This is known as second-line treatment.

Side effects of targeted therapy

Although targeted therapy may cause less harm to healthy cells than chemotherapy, it can still have side effects. These side effects vary depending on the type of targeted therapy drugs used.

Common side effects that may develop include:

• skin changes such as acne-like rash
• fatigue
• diarrhoea
• nausea
• vomiting.

Targeted therapies may also cause pneumonitis (inflammation of the lung tissue), which can lead to breathing problems. It’s important to report any new or worsening side effects to your treatment team. If left untreated, some side effects can become serious and may even be life-threatening. For a detailed list of side effects, visit eviq.org.au.

For more information, see our general section on Targeted therapy.

→ READ MORE: Palliative treatment for lung cancer

Video: What is Targeted therapy?

Learn more about targeted and immunotherapy in this short video.