What to expect from targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer

Testing from a biopsy or other tumour sample can look for a change that a targeted medicine is designed to block. Many targeted medicines are tablets taken on a prescribed schedule, although the exact plan varies. Your oncologist will explain whether treatment is intended to control cancer, shrink it before another treatment, or support a longer treatment plan.

Appointments may include symptom review, blood tests and checks of organs affected by the medicine. Imaging helps assess the lungs and other areas over time. Possible effects depend on the drug and can include diarrhoea, rash, mouth changes, tiredness, liver-test changes or inflammation in the lungs.

Take tablets at the instructed time and ask about food, antacids and herbal products because they may alter absorption or drug levels. Never share tablets. Keep a diary of breathing, bowel changes, skin symptoms, appetite and temperature so your team can spot a pattern.

Attend scheduled blood tests and scans even when symptoms are stable. Use moisturiser and sun protection if your team recommends them for a skin reaction, drink enough fluid unless you have been given a fluid limit, and report new symptoms early. A dose pause or change can sometimes be safer than trying to manage a severe reaction alone.

Call your oncology team promptly for new or worsening breathlessness, a new cough, fever, persistent diarrhoea, severe rash, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, unusual bleeding or inability to keep fluids down. These symptoms may need assessment for infection, dehydration, organ irritation or a treatment reaction.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, fainting, sudden chest pain, confusion, new weakness or uncontrolled bleeding. Follow the written after-hours plan rather than waiting for the next clinic visit.

Which biomarker was found, and how does it guide treatment? How should the medicine be taken with meals or other tablets? Which breathing, skin, bowel or liver symptoms require a same-day call? When are scans and blood tests planned? What happens if the treatment stops working or a dose is missed?