Targeted therapies are drugs that stop cancer by attacking a specific “target” on or inside cancer cells. This results in fewer side effects. They can cause cancer cell death in 1 of the following ways:
- Directly killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing: Activates a process inside cancer cells that causes them to die or stops new cancer cells from growing and spreading.
- Stopping the blood supply to tumors: Interferes with the signals that cause the growth of new veins and arteries. This can cause tumors to “starve,” leading to cancer cell death.
- Delivering toxins: Sends highly toxic drugs to the inside of cancer cells, causing cell death.
Currently, most targeted therapies are available for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there are ongoing studies to learn more about small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and the use of targeted therapies.
How does targeted therapy for lung cancer work?
Each targeted therapy drug works on a specific cancer cell target called a biomarker. Biomarkers make cancer cells different from healthy cells and drive them to grow and spread. When the targeted therapy drug interacts with the biomarker, it starts a process that causes the cancer cell to die.
All people diagnosed with NSCLC stages 1B through 4B (stages IB through IVB) should ask for comprehensive biomarker testing, which looks for all known biomarkers rather than just a few. This testing is needed to know whether cancer can be treated with targeted therapy and to find the best treatment options.
At this time, biomarker testing is used for SCLC only in specific cases and in some clinical trials.
Targeted therapies for biomarkers in lung cancer
Depending on your comprehensive biomarker test results, your treatment plan may include 1 or more targeted therapy drugs. There are approved lung cancer targeted therapy drugs for each of the biomarkers listed below:
- ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma receptor tyrosine Kinase)
- BRAF V600E (Rapidly Accelerated murine Fibrosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B)
- EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)
- HER2/ErbB-2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2)
- KRAS G12C (Kirsten RAt Sarcoma viral oncogene homolog)
- MET (Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase)
- NRG1 (Neuregulin1)
- NTRK (Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase)
- RET (REarranged during Transfection proto-oncogene)
- ROS1 (c-ROS receptor tyrosine kinase proto-oncogene 1)
Targeted therapy side effects
Because targeted therapy drugs kill cancer cells by focusing on the part of the cell that makes it different from healthy cells, targeted therapy usually does not affect healthy cells. The side effects you may experience will depend on the specific drug(s) you’re taking, how long you take it, and your body’s response. You may not have any side effects, or you may only have a few.
Ask your healthcare team to review common side effects for specific targeted therapy drugs and ask about side effects associated with your treatment plan.
Examples of common side effects from targeted therapy include:
- Swelling
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired
- Vision problems
- Heart and lung problems
It is important to talk to your healthcare team and ask about side effects associated with you treatment plan. They can often be prevented, treated, or eased with healthy practices, medicines, and palliative care services.
Questions to ask your healthcare team about lung cancer targeted therapy
Talking with your healthcare team and asking questions ensures you stay informed about your condition and are involved in plans for your treatment. The following questions can help get the conversation going:
- Have I had comprehensive biomarker testing?
- What are my biomarker results?
- If biomarkers are found, how will that impact my treatment plan?
- Can my biomarker be treated with targeted therapy?
- Will I have targeted therapy as a pill or through an IV (in a vein)?
- How often will I get targeted therapy?
Explore other questions to ask your healthcare team.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I find more resources and support?
Contact the GO2 HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email support@go2.org to connect with caring and highly trained staff who listen, answer your questions, and provide support. We offer many free programs and educational resources to meet your needs.
What is the difference between targeted therapies and other treatments?
Targeted therapy drugs kill cancer cells by zeroing in on the part of the cell that makes it different from healthy cells. For this reason, the healthy cells in the body are often less affected by targeted therapy, and there can be fewer side effects. Your healthcare team chooses targeted therapy drug(s) to match the exact change (biomarker) in your type of cancer cell that makes it different from healthy cells.
Chemotherapy, on the other hand, attacks rapidly dividing cells. Because some healthy cells in the body also divide quickly (like those in the hair, mouth, and digestive tract), they can be affected by chemotherapy, which causes many of its side effects. Your healthcare team chooses chemotherapy drug(s) based on research showing what works best for your type of cancer, as well as your overall health and other individual factors.
How will I know if targeted therapy is working?
Your healthcare team will monitor yourprogress through scheduled lab tests and scans that can show how well you’reresponding to treatment. You'll also have visits with a member of yourhealthcare team to talk about your results and how you're feeling.
How do I know if targeted therapy is right for me?
The first step in determining if a targeted therapy is right for you is to get comprehensive biomarker testing. This type of testing looks for all possible biomarkers rather than just a few. If your test results show that you have one or more biomarkers that has an approved targeted therapy, you will likely be treated with it.
Your healthcare team will discuss which specific treatment you’ll receive for your biomarker. You can also call our HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 to connect with one of our LungMATCH treatment and trial navigators to learn more.
Are there clinical trials for targeted therapy?
Yes, there are many clinical trials fortargeted therapy. Ask a member of your healthcare team or call our HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 to connect with one of our LungMATCH treatment and trial navigators to learn more.