Stages of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Before you can receive treatment, your oncologist will determine the stage of your non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Staging is a way to measure how far the disease has spread. Staging affects the type of treatment you receive and your outcome (prognosis).
Stage 0**
Cancer that is found only in the layer of cells lining the air passages.
**Tarceva is only indicated for treatment of advanced-stage (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC.
Stage I**
Cancer cells are limited to the lung. Tissue around the lung remains normal. Stage I is divided into IA and IB, depending on the tumor size or if a main bronchus is involved. Possible treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.*
**Tarceva is only indicated for treatment of advanced-stage (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC.
Stage II**
Cancer has spread to lymph nodes, chest wall, diaphragm, lining of the lungs, or the outer lining that surrounds the heart. Stage II is divided into IIA and IIB, depending on the tumor size or if a main bronchus is involved. Possible treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.*
**Tarceva is only indicated for treatment of advanced-stage (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC.
Stage III**
Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the area of the chest between the heart and lungs. Blood vessels in this area may also be affected. Cancer may also have spread to the lower neck. Stage III is frequently referred to as “locally advanced.”
Stage IIIA**
The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the center of the chest, on the same side as where the cancer started. Possible treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.*
**Tarceva is only indicated for treatment of advanced-stage (stage IIIB/IV) NSCLC.
Stage IIIB
The cancer has spread to lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest and cannot be removed with surgery. Possible treatment: radiation therapy, combinations of chemotherapy, and/or targeted therapies.*
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to the other lung or to other areas in the body and cannot be removed with surgery. Possible treatment: radiation therapy, combinations of chemotherapy, and/or targeted therapies.*
*Adapted from the Version 2.2012 NCCN Guidelines®.
- Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage NSCLC whose cancer has not spread or grown after initial treatment with certain types of chemotherapy (maintenance treatment).
- Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage NSCLC whose cancer has spread or grown after receiving at least 1 chemotherapy regimen (2nd/3rd-line treatment).
- Tarceva is not meant to be used at the same time as certain types of chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC.
Everyone reacts differently to Tarceva therapy. So it’s important to know what the side effects are. Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not.
Your doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur. Be sure to contact your healthcare team if you have symptoms related to these side effects.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)-like events
Problems occurring in the lungs (including deaths). Tarceva may need to be stopped if new or unexplained serious symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, and fever occur.Liver and/or kidney problems
Some events have included death. Let your healthcare provider (HCP) know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation
A hole that develops in your stomach or intestine. Some events have included death.Serious skin conditions
Some events have included death.Eye disorders
Eye irritation and damage to the cornea.Bleeding events when taking warfarin
Some events have included death. Tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Pregnancy problems
You should not become pregnant while on treatment with Tarceva. DO NOT breast-feed while receiving treatment with Tarceva.
Call your HCP right away if you have these signs or symptoms:
- New or worsening skin rash
- Serious or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting
- New or worsening shortness of breath or cough
- Eye irritation
The most common side effects are generally mild to moderate rash and diarrhea.
It is important that you tell your HCP about all of the medicines and herbal supplements you are taking.
- DO NOT start taking any new medicines or herbal supplements before talking with your HCP.
- DO NOT eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on treatment with Tarceva, except under the care of your HCP.
Smoking may affect how well Tarceva works for you.
- If you smoke, you should stop smoking before starting treatment with Tarceva.
- If you continue to smoke, you should talk to your HCP before taking Tarceva.
Always let your HCP know if you have any side effects, and ask about the best way to handle them.
Tarceva is not right for everyone. Ask your HCP if once-daily Tarceva is right for you.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1 (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1 (888) 835-2555.
