Common non-small cell lung cancer medications include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.
Non-small cell lung cancer makes up much of lung cancer cases and tends to be less aggressive.
Approximately
Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer depends on the stage, location, size, and number of tumors. Below, we explore the role of medications in the treatment plan and other treatment options.
Cancer treatment teams use medications to help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Often, non-small cell lung cancer treatment includes a combination of techniques. For many people, medications usually play an important role in treating non-small cell lung cancer. These different medications include the below.
Chemotherapy helps treat cancer by using powerful chemicals to interfere with cancer cell growth or kill cancer cells. According to a
Types
Types of chemotherapy that doctors sometimes use to treat non-small cell lung cancer include:
- cisplatin
- carboplatin
- paclitaxel
- docetaxel
- gemcitabine
- pemetrexed
- etoposide
Dosage
Administering chemotherapy typically occurs through an IV infusion, or injection directly into the bloodstream. However, people can sometimes take the medication in oral pill form.
Healthcare professionals usually prescribe chemotherapy in cycles, meaning a person will need to undergo repeated instances of taking the medication and having rest periods. A chemotherapy cycle may last around 3–4 weeks, and people may complete four to six cycles over the course of treatment.
Side effects
Potential side effects of chemotherapy may include:
- hair loss
- nausea and vomiting
- infections
- anemia
- bruising and bleeding
- appetite changes
- skin and nail changes
- memory and concentration problems
- sleep disturbances
- fertility issues
- constipation
- diarrhea
- mouth sores
- fatigue
Immunotherapy uses medications to help the immune system find and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Typical cells go through stages of growth and death to constantly replace older cells with new ones. Cancer cells bypass this process and contain mutations that stop the immune system from attacking them.
Immunotherapy medications target specific proteins in cancer cells to boost the immune system’s response.
Read more about immunotherapy versus chemotherapy.
Types
Currently, researchers have identified
- PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, which include nivolumab, pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab
- CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitors, which include ipilimumab and tremelimumab
Dosage
Administering immunotherapy medication occurs through IV infusions. The frequency and dose depend on the type of medication and cancer stage.
Side effects
Potential side effects
- diarrhea
- constipation
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- itching and soreness
- fatigue
- cough or congestion
- skin rash
- body pains and swelling
- swelling or weight gain
- infection
- organ inflammation
A person may also have flu-like symptoms such, which include:
- fever
- chills
- body weakness
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle or joint aches
- fatigue
- headache
- difficulty breathing
- low or high blood pressure
New research discoveries have helped experts identify specific changes that occur during non-small cell lung cancer. Finding these changes allowed them to develop medications that target cancer cells.
Angiogenesis inhibitors
One form of targeted drug therapy focuses on blood vessel development. Cells need blood vessels to provide them with nourishment and oxygen, and angiogenesis inhibitors block the growth of new blood vessels. These medications may help slow the growth of cancer cells by stopping blood vessels from growing around the cancer cells.
Oncologists may prescribe angiogenesis inhibitors in combination with other cancer medications to
Examples of angiogenesis inhibitors for treating non-small cell lung cancer include bevacizumab and ramucirumab.
Side effects
Potential side effects
- bleeding
- clots in the arteries
- high blood pressure
- impaired wound healing
- a certain brain disorder
- gastrointestinal perforation and fistulas are rare side effects
Gene changes
Cancer often causes mutations in genes, and
Targeted gene therapy medications focus on the mutated gene to stop and kill cancer cells.
Types
A
- KRAS gene
- EGFR gene
- ALK gene
- ROS1 gene
- BRAF gene
- RET gene
- MET gene
- HER2 gene
Doctors may administer targeted gene therapy through IV or oral pills.
Side effects
Potential side effects of these medications may
- nausea
- diarrhea
- high blood pressure
- fatigue
- skin rashes
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- mouth sores
- vision changes
Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, doctors may recommend other treatments for managing non-small cell lung cancer. Often, a person’s cancer treatment plan will include a combination of treatments.
Surgery
Surgery may remove part or all of the lung to remove the affected tissues from the body. Sometimes surgery alone
According to the
- excessive bleeding
- blood clots in the legs or lungs
- infection
- pneumonia
- negative reactions to anesthesia
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment targets specific locations to shrink the tumor size.
Potential side effects of radiation therapy include:
- fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- skin issues
- hair loss
The outlook for someone with non-small cell lung cancer depends on the number, size, staging, and locations of the tumors. The person’s risk also depends on whether they have other health problems or risk factors.
Overall, treatment may effectively remove cancer cells in some people, allowing them to go on to live typical, healthy lives.
Non-small lung cancer makes up a large portion of lung cancer cancers. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation, or medications. Medications that doctors use to treat non-small cell lung cancer include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.