Navigating Lung Cancer Navigating Lung Cancer | Page 25

Targeted therapies. Targeted cancer therapy uses drugs to attack cancer cells. It
is used for some kinds of lung cancers. Researchers have learned more about the
changes in cells that cause cancer. Drugs have been developed that directly target
some of these changes. These drugs target specific parts of cells. They target signals
that proteins send to cells that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably.
Targeted cancer therapies are also called:
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precision medicines
molecularly targeted drugs
molecularly targeted therapies
Learn more about:
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the cell changes or mutations that they target
whether and how to get your tumor tested for mutations
whether targeted therapy is a good option for you
what targeted therapy options are available
Drugs that have already been studied and FDA-approved belong to a class called
tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Tyrosine kinases are specific enzymes. These
enzymes may signal cancer cells to grow. TKIs are targeted therapies that block
these signals. By blocking these signals, they keep the cancer from getting bigger
and spreading. TKIs are named for the enzyme they block. The first TKIs with FDA
approval are:
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EGFR inhibitors (Tarceva, Iressa, Gilotrif, Tagrisso)
ALK inhibitors (Xalkori, Zykadia)
ROS1 inhibitor (Xalkori)
Other Treatments. Other lung cancer treatments are:
• Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to kill cancer cells. It delivers heat through
a thin, needle-like probe into the skin near the cancer.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) delivers a special light through a bronchoscope to
cancer cells inside the breathing tubes.
• Laser beams through bronchoscopy, kill cancer cells in order to open blocked
airways.
• Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to kill cancer cells. A thin, needle-like probe is
inserted through a bronchoscope or into the chest wall, delivering treatment
directly to the tumor.
Your health-care team will discuss these options and whether they are right for your
type of cancer.
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