Newer Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

If you are diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC and a biomarker has shown as positive for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), your doctor may recommend taking Tagrisso. This is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor prescribed as a first-line treatment that can result in doubling your median PFS, or progression-free survival . PFS, in this case, is the length of time during and after your treatment with Tagrisso that you will live with the disease but it does not get worse.

How This Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Works

Tyrosine kinase is an enzyme that works as an “on” or “off” switch for many cellular functions and includes enzymes such as the epidermal growth factor receptor. If the EGFR is activated, it can lead to tumor growth through uncontrolled cell division and can stimulate the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is important for the formation of tumors.

The active ingredient in Tagrisso is called Osimertinib. When taken once daily as directed, Osimertinib works by inhibiting molecules that bind to tyrosine kinases which reduces the enzyme activity so the tumor will not keep growing. This is not a cure for NSCLC, but an effective treatment that will allow you more time with your family and friends.

Diagnosing Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer and has a slower progression than small cell lung cancer. Symptoms of NSCLC include a persistent cough, joint/bone pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and get a medical history from you and then order other test such as a bone scan, an MRI or CT scan, a PET scan, a lung biopsy, or a microscopic exam of a sputum (phlegm) sample to check for cancer cells. Once diagnosed as positive for cancer, your doctor will classify the cancer (stage 0-4) and explain any treatments available.

Before Taking Tagrisso

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant as Tagrisso can cause harm to your unborn baby. Men and women should use protection against a possible pregnancy occurring while taking Tagrisso and continue to do so for at least 4 months after treatment ends for men and for 6 weeks after treatment with Tagrisso for women of child bearing age. Provide a list of any current over the counter and Rx drugs you take or use to avoid possible negative drug reaction with Tagrisso.

Tagrisso Precautions

If you experience the worsening of respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath, see your doctor right away as you may need to discontinue taking Tagrisso. For those that have problems swallowing pills, you can put the Tagrisso tablet in 2 ounces of water and stir until pill has broken up and you are able to swallow it, followed by drinking another 4-8 ounces of water. All medications should be kept out of children’s reach and never shared with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Tagrisso

• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Other Drugs similar to Tagrisso

• Tykerb
• Tarceva
• Cytoxan