With continuous progress in cancer research, multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment has become the primary approach for lung cancer treatment. Among these, the rapid development of targeted therapy has allowed more lung cancer patients to benefit from treatment.
To address lung cancer patients concerns regarding targeted therapy, we have invited Professor Yang Nong, a distinguished expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital, to provide an in-depth explanation.
Q1: Patient: What is targeted therapy?
Professor Yang Nong: Targeted therapy for tumors is a treatment that focuses on specific molecular targets of tumor cells. It uses drugs or other therapeutic methods to specifically target key molecular pathways in tumor cells, thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth, spread, and survival. Compared to traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy is more specific and has fewer side effects. Its core concept is to identify and attack specific molecular or genetic abnormalities to halt the progression of the disease. Unlike traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, targeted therapy aims to precisely attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.
Q2: Patient: What are the requirements for targeted therapy?
Professor Yang Nong: Before undergoing targeted therapy, patients need to undergo genetic testing to identify the status of genetic mutations. Based on the different mutation sites, corresponding targeted therapeutic drugs can be selected.
Q3: Patient: What are the advantages of targeted therapy?
Professor Yang Nong: Compared to traditional chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy offers the advantages of high efficiency and low toxicity, significantly improving patient survival and quality of life.
Q4: Patient: Do I need chemotherapy or immunotherapy along with targeted therapy?
Professor Yang Nong: In the process of anti-tumor treatment, the majority of patients who can survive long-term typically receive multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment.
This means that, in addition to targeted therapy, it is necessary to consider combining chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, and other comprehensive treatments at specific times to enhance the effectiveness of targeted therapy.
After significant tumor shrinkage following treatment, consideration should also be given to whether surgery or radical radiotherapy is needed. However, early studies show that the incidence of severe adverse reactions significantly increases when EGFR-targeted drugs are combined with immunotherapy, so combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy should be approached with caution.
Q5: Patient: What should I do if I experience side effects from targeted therapy?
Professor Yang Nong: There are four common adverse reactions associated with targeted therapy.
Diarrhea: This usually occurs two weeks after starting treatment. Common medications for treating diarrhea include loperamide and montmorillonite powder. For more severe diarrhea, growth hormone may be used.
Abdominal bloating and pain: If not severe, probiotics can be taken to regulate the digestive system. During this time, patients should try to engage in physical activity to promote gastrointestinal motility, which can help relieve bloating.
Oral mucositis and oral ulcers: For localized oral ulcers, medications such as fluorometholone and prednisone can be used to alleviate symptoms.
Rashes: Topical treatments with clindamycin or erythromycin ointment can help relieve symptoms. If the rash is acneiform, specific medications are available, and strict sun protection should be followed.
Expert Introduction
Consultation Information
[Consultation Time] December 22, Morning, First Consultation Area, Hainan Cancer Hospital
[Appointment Registration] Follow Hainan Cancer Hospitals official WeChat account for "Appointment Registration"
[Health Consultation] 13876807106
Warm tips:
To facilitate the expert’s quick understanding of your condition, please bring along the following items:
1. Identity card, medical insurance card, and mobile phone
2. Accompanying immediate family member (with decision-making authority)
3. Relevant previous examination results, organized in chronological order
4. Paper medical records from previous visits
5. Surgical biopsy specimens (slides, wax blocks, or 20-30 unstained slides)
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Hospitalization records and notes
8. Recent relevant examinations
9. The patient’s current treatment plan
10. A few of most pressing questions you wish to consult about