THE LUNG PROJECT
CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy refers to attacking the cancer using medications designed to stop the cancer growth by interfering with the cell growth mechanisms or by causing cancer cell death. These drugs are designed to have a more profound impact on rapidly dividing cells such as cancer therefore minimizing the effect on the non cancerous normal cells. The side effects of the drugs are depending on the drug type, the dose and the combination treatments such as additional chemotherapies or radiation. Other chemotherapy treatments involve the use of medications that target a more specific protein or gene defect in the cancer cell, which decreases the side effects by attacking the cancer more selectively. This type of treatment is called targeted therapy and is used on selected patients who happen to display genetic abnormalities in their cancer biopsies. Another new approach is immunotherapy where selected patients can be treated with medications that facilitate the body’s immune attack of the cancer cell.
CHEMOTHERAPY ADMINISTRATION
a.The main forms of giving chemotherapy is with an intravenous through an IV or a Port-A-Cath which is an implanted device in a larger vein to facilitate the chemo infusion. Other forms of chemotherapy such as targeted therapy are given with oral pills to eligible patients. The infusion of chemotherapy and frequency varies according to the dose and the drug but can range from one a week to once every three weeks. Other preventative medications are used to facilitate the hydration, nauseas treatment and for management of anemia and other side effects.
TARGETED THERAPY
a.One of the most exiting developments in the field of lung cancer has been the discovery of targeted therapy for the treatment of genetic defects or driving mutations in the cancer cell. The best results are found in patients found to have a specific gene abnormality that can explain the development of the cancer, and this is more common in a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma, in women and in light or never smokers. The following are some of the common genetic mutations and treatments. Some of the genetic targets are EGFR (treated with erlotinib), Alk-4 (treated with crizotinib) and other new targets are being regularly discovered opening the door for treatments for patients who had limited options in the past.
Disclosure- The information presented here is a general guideline and opinion. The purpose is for education only. It is NOT a medical consultation and the information may not apply to your individual situation. The information here is not intended to replace medical professional advice or guide individual patient care. Please consult with a medical professional for an evaluation of your own individual case.