What should you know about TKIs in lung cancer?

A tyrosine kinase inhibitor blocks a protein signal that can help a lung cancer cell grow or survive. TKIs are not selected from the scan appearance alone. Tissue or blood-based genomic tumour profiling may identify a change linked to a medicine, and the result must be interpreted alongside the cancer type, stage, previous treatment, and your general health.

The tablet and its schedule vary between medicines. Some TKIs are used as the main drug for a target-driven cancer, while others may be considered after another treatment. A TKI does not treat every lung cancer, and a negative or unclear test does not mean that no treatment options exist.

Ask how to take the medicine, whether food affects absorption, and what to do after vomiting or a missed dose. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and bring the full medicine list to every appointment. Tell the team about prescribed medicines, antacids, supplements, and herbal products before starting or changing anything.

Follow-up can include blood tests, blood pressure, heart or liver checks, symptom reviews, and scans. Diarrhoea, rash, dry skin, mouth changes, tiredness, appetite changes, or nail changes can occur with some TKIs. Report new symptoms early; the team may adjust the dose, pause treatment, or provide supportive care.

Call your cancer team promptly for ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting, a spreading or blistering rash, fever, unusual bleeding, yellow skin, severe mouth soreness, or reduced urine. Get emergency help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, severe allergic swelling, or new weakness or confusion. New or worsening hoarseness should also be reported, especially if it affects swallowing or breathing.

Ask which genomic change the TKI targets, whether the result came from tissue or blood, how response will be checked, and what alternatives are available if the medicine stops working. Ask about interactions, sun protection, contraception or pregnancy considerations, and who to contact outside clinic hours.