Targeted therapy 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 protein changes that are found in or on the surface of the cancer cells as a result of abnormal genes.
Learn more about:
- When is targeted therapy used?
- Side effects
- Video: What is targeted therapy?
- Podcast: Immunotherapy and 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.
Podcast: Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
More resources
Dr Malinda Itchins, Thoracic Medical Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Dr Cynleen Kai, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, VIC; Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Hospital, Epworth Richmond, and Monash Medical Centre, VIC; Helen Benny, Consumer; Dr Rachael Dodd, Senior Research Fellow, The Daffodil Centre, NSW; Kim Greco, Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Marco Salvador, Consumer; Janene Shelton, Lung Foundation Australia – Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse, Darling Downs Health, QLD; Prof Emily Stone, Respiratory Physician, Department of Thoracic Medicine and Lung Transplantation, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, NSW; A/Prof Marianne Weber, Stream Lead, Lung Cancer Policy and Evaluation, The Daffodil Centre, NSW.
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