Does targeted therapy stop working after a while in lung cancer?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My uncle is 67 with lung cancer and is currently taking the targeted therapy Tagrisso tablet because his EGFR mutation test came positive. Initially, his symptoms improved a lot, but after almost 10 months, his cough started increasing again.
-
Does targeted therapy stop working after some time?
-
If that happens, what are the next treatment options: another targeted drug or chemotherapy?
We are waiting for repeat scans, but trying to understand what doctors usually do in such situations.
Kindly suggest.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
When a patient initially improves on a targeted medicine like Tagrisso (Osimertinib), and then symptoms start increasing again after some months, it naturally raises questions about whether the medicine is still working.
Targeted therapy for EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-mutated lung cancer often works very well in the beginning, but in some patients, the cancer cells can slowly develop resistance over time. This can happen after several months or sometimes longer.
When symptoms like cough start increasing again, doctors usually repeat scans to see whether the disease has started progressing. If the scans confirm progression, the next step depends on what the scans and tests show. Sometimes doctors repeat molecular testing (from a biopsy or blood test) to see if a new mutation has appeared.
In some situations, another targeted approach may be possible. If no new targetable mutation is found, the common next step is systemic chemotherapy, sometimes combined with other medicines depending on the patient’s overall condition.
So the most important step now is the repeat imaging that your doctors have planned. That will help determine whether the current treatment is still controlling the disease or if the treatment plan needs to be changed.
I hope this helps you.
For more queries, feel free to reach out to me anytime.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
What do kidney tests results indicate?
Lung Cancer Biomarkers - An Overview
Lung Cancer and Skin: Exploring the Association
Late Effects of Cancer - Types and Therapies That Result in Cancer
Lung Cancer Screening: Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Targeted Therapies for Uncommon Oncological Mutations
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.