What Is Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer?

Targeted therapy is a lung cancer drug that attacks one specific gene change in your tumor. It is not the same as chemotherapy. Chemotherapy attacks all fast-growing cells in your body. Targeted therapy only attacks cancer cells with a matching gene change, so it usually causes fewer side effects.

Do I Need a Biomarker Test Before Targeted Therapy?

Yes. You need a biomarker test before starting targeted therapy. This test checks your tumor for gene changes. Your doctor may call this test biomarker testing, molecular testing, or genomic testing. Targeted therapy only works if your test finds a matching gene change. Without a matching result, targeted therapy will not work for you.

What Gene Changes Does Lung Cancer Targeted Therapy Treat?

Your test result tells you which treatment page to view. Select your result below:

• EGFR mutation → Compare EGFR+ treatment options
• ALK gene change → Compare ALK+ treatment options
• ROS1 gene change → Compare ROS1+ treatment options
• BRAF mutation → Compare BRAF+ treatment options
• MET gene change → Compare MET+ treatment options
• RET gene change → Compare RET+ treatment options
• NTRK gene change → Compare NTRK+ treatment options
• HER2 mutation → Compare HER2+ treatment options
• KRAS G12C mutation → Compare KRAS+ treatment options

What If I Don’t Have My Test Results Yet, or No Gene Change Was Found?

If you don’t have a gene change, targeted therapy is not used. This is also true if you are still waiting for your test results. Ask your doctor if starting a different treatment now is right for you while you wait.

[See immunotherapy and chemotherapy options →]

Watch: Why Biomarker Testing Matters

Video: “Tumors & Testing: The Basics of Comprehensive Biomarker Testing in Lung Cancer Care”
Source: LUNGevity Foundation