Side effects of targeted therapy for lung cancer

Targeted medicines block a feature that helps cancer cells grow, but the same pathways can be active in normal tissue. A rash, dry skin, diarrhoea, mouth soreness, tiredness, nausea, appetite change, or swelling may occur. Some treatments can affect the lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver without causing an obvious early symptom. The exact pattern depends on the drug, dose, other medicines, and your health.

Keep a daily record of new symptoms, temperature, bowel changes, skin changes, and medicines used for relief. Use only products approved by your oncology team, because some supplements and non-prescription medicines alter treatment effects. Protect irritated skin from sun and friction, drink fluids if your team permits, and follow blood-test and appointment plans. Do not stop or restart a targeted medicine without instructions.

Contact your oncology team promptly for new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, a persistent cough, severe diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the eyes, confusion, fainting, marked swelling, or a spreading blistering rash. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or sudden weakness. Early assessment helps distinguish a manageable reaction from an effect needing treatment changes.

Which symptoms are expected with my specific medicine, and which require a same-day call? What skin-care, nausea, or diarrhoea plan should I keep at home? Which medicines, supplements, or foods should I avoid? When will blood tests check liver, kidney, or other treatment effects?