What Is Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer?
Targeted therapy is a cancer medicine that attacks one specific gene change in your tumor.
It works differently from chemotherapy. Chemotherapy attacks all fast-growing cells, including healthy ones. Targeted therapy goes after cancer cells that have a matching gene change. Because it is more focused, targeted therapy often causes fewer or milder side effects than chemotherapy. It can still cause side effects. Tell your care team about any changes you notice. Many targeted therapies are pills you take at home.
Targeted therapy only works if your tumor has a matching gene change. A biomarker test is how you find out.
Words to Know
- Gene change: A change in a cell’s instructions that can make cancer grow. Your report may call it a mutation, fusion, or rearrangement.
- Biomarker: A sign in your tumor, like a gene change, that helps your doctor choose treatment.
- Biomarker test: A lab test that checks your tumor for biomarkers.
Do I Need a Biomarker Test Before Targeted Therapy?
Yes. You need a biomarker test before you can start targeted therapy.
The test checks your tumor for gene changes. Targeted therapy only works if the test finds a gene change that matches a drug. Your doctor may call it biomarker testing, molecular testing, or genomic testing. These all mean the same thing.
How Is a Biomarker Test Done?
Most tests use a small piece of tumor taken during a biopsy. This is called a tissue test. Some tests use a blood sample instead. This is called a liquid biopsy. Results often take 1 to 3 weeks. Ask your care team when to expect yours.
A good question to ask your doctor: Has my tumor been tested for all the gene changes that targeted therapy can treat?
Quick Poll
Have you been biomarker tested?
Targeted therapy only works if your test finds a matching gene change. Knowing your results is the first step.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
What Should I Ask My Doctor About Biomarker Testing?
Bring these questions to your next visit:
- Has my tumor been tested for biomarkers?
- Did the test check for all the gene changes listed below?
- When will my results be ready?
- Should I wait for my results before I start treatment?
- Can I get a copy of my test report?
Find Your Treatment
Which Gene Changes Can Targeted Therapy Treat in Lung Cancer?
FDA-approved targeted therapies exist for each gene change below. Find the gene change on your test report, then compare your options.
What If I Don’t Have My Results Yet, or No Gene Change Was Found?
If your test found no matching gene change, targeted therapy is not used. Other treatments, like immunotherapy and chemotherapy, can still work well. If you are still waiting for results, ask your doctor if it is safer to wait or to start a different treatment now.
Watch & Learn
Why Does Biomarker Testing Matter?
Biomarker testing shows if your cancer has a gene change that a targeted therapy can treat. Watch this short video to learn how the test works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer: Your Questions Answered
Is targeted therapy the same as immunotherapy?
No. Targeted therapy blocks a gene change that helps cancer grow. Immunotherapy helps your immune system find and attack cancer. Your biomarker test results help your doctor choose between them.
Is targeted therapy a pill?
Often, yes. Many targeted therapies are pills you take at home once or twice a day. Some are given through an IV at a clinic. Ask your doctor how your drug is given.
What are the side effects of targeted therapy?
Side effects depend on the drug. They can include skin rash, diarrhea, feeling tired, and mouth sores. Ask your care team which side effects to watch for with your drug. Call them right away if a side effect gets worse.
How long will I take targeted therapy?
Most people take targeted therapy for as long as it keeps working and the side effects are manageable. Your doctor will check how it is working with regular scans.
What happens if targeted therapy stops working?
Cancer can change over time and stop responding to a drug. If this happens, your doctor may test your cancer again. The new results help choose your next treatment.
Should I get biomarker testing if I never smoked?
Yes. Experts recommend biomarker testing for most people with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, whether or not they ever smoked.
Does insurance cover biomarker testing?
Medicare and many private plans cover biomarker testing for advanced lung cancer. Coverage can vary. Ask your care team or insurance company before you test.
Can I get a biomarker test after I start treatment?
Yes. It is not too late. Ask your doctor if testing was done. If not, ask whether a tissue test or a blood test is right for you.
Know your gene change? Compare your options.
XpertPatient is a free, survivor-led education resource for newly diagnosed cancer patients.
For patient education only. Not medical advice. Always work with your oncology team for treatment decisions.
