Lung Cancer Targeted Drug Therapy
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Video: Lung Cancer Targeted Drug Therapy
Lung Cancer Targeted Drug TherapyLung Cancer Targeted Drug Therapy
Listen to experienced medical oncologist Dr. Simeon Jaggernauth talk about one of the most promising and innovative types of treatment for advanced lung cancer—targeted therapy.
Targeted Drug Therapy for Lung Cancer
In addition to chemotherapy, the lung cancer team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) uses a variety of targeted drugs for lung cancer treatment. Targeted drug therapy blocks the growth and spread of cancer by preventing cancer cells from dividing or destroying them directly.
Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all cells in the body, targeted therapy uses drugs to block or kill cancer cells and spare more healthy cells, reducing side effects and improving your quality of life. Two targeted drugs used at CTCA for the treatment of some lung cancers are Iressa (gefitinib) and Tarceva (erlotinib). Both are taken in pill form and target a gene mutation in tumor cells. Patients who have this mutation are more likely to be responsive to this type of treatment.
Targeted cancer therapy may be used alone, in combination with other types of targeted therapy or with other lung cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and Interventional Pulmonology.
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