Types of Lung Cancer
Topics
Related Links
Introduction to Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
You may have just learned you have advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Perhaps you have already started your treatment. Or, you may have just found out a loved one has NSCLC. You may have many questions. You want to know what options exist so that you or your loved one can receive the best treatment possible.
The following sections explore some treatment options and include general information on lung cancer and where you can find more help. This information is not meant to replace the medical advice of the experts who may make up your healthcare team.
Do not be afraid to ask your healthcare team questions. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your health. And remember, you are not alone as you face this illness. Your healthcare team, family, and friends are here to help.
Main types of NSCLC
There are three main types of NSCLC:
- Adenocarcinoma (including bronchioloalveolar carcinoma)
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Large-cell carcinoma
Depending on which type of NSCLC you have, different areas of your body may be affected.
Where NSCLC may occur
NSCLC can spread throughout the body through the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Lymph nodes filter out the germs carried by lymph fluid. In this way, lymph nodes help prevent infection and illness. If the lymph nodes are involved with cancer, other organs may also be involved with cancer. The lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) can be affected. So may the nerves and blood vessels that lead to the arm.
Risk factors for NSCLC
Researchers do not know the exact cause of NSCLC. However, certain risk factors have been linked to NSCLC. Here are just some of the known risk factors for NSCLC:
Smoking. This remains the main link to NSCLC. However, nonsmokers can also get NSCLC.
Exposure to secondhand smoke. If you live in a house with smokers, you can be at risk for NSCLC.
Environmental factors. Exposure to radon and asbestos increases your risk. Air pollution, such as diesel fuel exhaust, may also be a risk factor for NSCLC.
Family history. You may be at greater risk for NSCLC if a family member has had this type of lung cancer.
Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (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 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (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 NSCLC.
There have been reports of serious adverse events involving the lungs in a small number of patients taking Tarceva. These events have included death in some patients. The medical name for these types of events is interstitial (in-tur-STISH-ul) lung disease-like events (or ILD-like events).
Liver and/or kidney problems (including deaths) have been reported in some patients taking Tarceva. Let your healthcare provider (HCP) know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.
Some patients taking Tarceva have developed a hole in the lining of their stomach or intestines (including deaths). It may happen more in patients who are taking certain other medicines or who have had certain stomach or intestinal diseases.
Some patients taking Tarceva have developed serious skin conditions. Some patients have died from these conditions.
Some patients taking Tarceva have developed eye irritation and damage to the cornea. The cornea is the clear part of the eyeball that covers the colored part of the eye and the pupil. Other eye problems such as abnormal eyelash growth, dry eyes, or changes in eyesight have also been reported. Patients should tell their HCP about eye problems that get worse, including eye pain.
Women should not become pregnant while on treatment with Tarceva. If you are already pregnant or become pregnant while taking Tarceva, you should talk with your HCP about the benefits and risks of continuing to take 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
Some patients taking Tarceva have experienced difficulty with blood clotting, and bleeding events, including gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients taking blood thinners (Coumadin®, warfarin or other coumarin-derivatives) should be monitored regularly.
Certain medicines and herbal supplements can affect how Tarceva works in the body. 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. Tarceva may also affect other medications you are taking.
In addition, grapefruit and grapefruit juice have an effect on how Tarceva works. 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. Talk with your HCP about how to quit smoking. If you continue to smoke, you should talk to your HCP before taking Tarceva.
The most common side effects in patients who took Tarceva were generally mild to moderate rash and diarrhea. You may also have other changes in your skin.
The rash from Tarceva therapy may appear on your upper body or face. Typically rash occurs within 8 days of starting treatment, but it may occur any time during treatment with Tarceva.
The rash is not an allergic reaction. It may look like acne or dry skin. It is not acne. Talk to your HCP if a rash occurs.
Typically, diarrhea may develop within 12 days of starting Tarceva.
Hair and nail changes have been seen with 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.
