Lung Cancer Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and can affect cancer cells all over the body. Some people with non-small cell lung cancer that has spread receive targeted therapy.
There are two kinds of targeted therapy for lung cancer:
- One kind is given through a vein (intravenous) at the doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. It's given at the same time as chemotherapy. The side effects may include bleeding, coughing up blood, a rash, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Another kind of targeted therapy is taken by mouth. It isn't given with chemotherapy. The side effects may include rash, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. During treatment, your health care team will watch for signs of problems. Side effects usually go away after treatment ends.
You may want to ask your doctor these questions before having chemotherapy or targeted therapy:
- What drugs will I have? What are the expected benefits?
- When will treatment start? When will it end? How often will I have treatments?
- Where will I go for treatment?
- What can I do to take care of myself during treatment?
- How will we know the treatment is working?
- What side effects should I tell you about? Can I prevent or treat any of these side effects?
- Will there be lasting side effects?
