Targeted Therapy for lung cancer

Targeted therapy for lung cancer is a modern form of treatment that attacks specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow and survive. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy works by focusing on the unique gene mutations or proteins that are found in cancer cells only. This focused approach means it can be more effective and often causes fewer side effects.

What Is Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer?

Doctors use targeted therapies mostly for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in patients with advanced or metastatic non small cell lung cancer NSCLC. Before starting treatment, your medical team may test your tumor for specific mutations such as the EGFR gene or ALK gene. If these mutations are found, you may be eligible for a type of targeted drug.

These treatments can shrink tumors, stop cancer from spreading, and help patients feel better. Some targeted therapy drugs come as pills you can take at home, while others are given by IV at the cancer centre.

How Targeted Therapy Works

Targeted therapy drugs interrupt the signals that cancer cells send to grow and multiply. These drugs work by focusing on certain proteins or gene changes in cancer cells that are not present in healthy cells. That means healthy cells are less affected, and side effects are usually milder than with traditional chemotherapy.

One of the main targets is a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). When this protein is mutated, it tells cells to grow uncontrollably. Drugs that block this signal can stop the growth. Another target is the ALK gene, which also helps cancer cells grow and divide. Blocking this gene can prevent the cancer from spreading.

One major class of targeted therapy drugs is called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These pills block the action of enzymes inside cancer cells that promote growth. Another type includes monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-made proteins that attach to specific proteins on the surface of cells. These antibodies help the immune system destroy cancer cells.

Targeted therapy offers a precise way to treat lung cancer by going after the cancer’s weak points—its mutations and growth signals.

Why Do Doctors Recommend Targeted Therapy?

Doctors may recommend targeted therapy for lung cancer for several reasons. Here are three of the most common:

It works well for gene mutations

If your lung cancer has certain genetic changes, such as mutations in the EGFR gene or ALK gene, targeted therapies are often more effective than chemotherapy. They are specifically designed to block the abnormal proteins made by these genes.

It causes fewer side effects

Since targeted therapy attacks only the cancer cells with mutations, it causes less harm to healthy cells. This means side effects are often fewer and milder, making it easier for patients to maintain daily routines.

It provides hope when other treatments don’t work

If chemotherapy or radiation therapy is not successful, targeted therapy may offer another option. It can be used alone or combined with other therapies to better manage the disease.

Types of Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer

There are several types of targeted therapies for lung cancer, each designed to block specific proteins or genes:

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)

TKIs are oral medications that block the internal signals cancer cells use to grow. They are commonly used in patients whose tumors test positive for EGFR or ALK mutations.

Monoclonal Antibodies

These are lab-made proteins that attach to a protein on the surface of cells, helping the immune system locate and destroy cancer cells. Some also block growth signals sent between cells.

Other Targeted Drugs

Other therapies work by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor or blocking the process that allows the cell to make new DNA. Some of these drugs are still being studied in clinical trials, offering future hope for new treatments.

Each type is chosen based on the patient’s genetic test results, cancer stage, and overall health. Your care team may combine more than one of these therapies to improve results.

Targeted Therapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer and NSCLC

Most targeted therapies for lung cancer are used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because it is more likely to have gene mutations that can be treated with targeted drugs. Patients with locally advanced, advanced or metastatic NSCLC may start with targeted therapy if their cancer has a known mutation.

Doctors use special tests to check if your cancer has these gene changes. If so, you might begin targeted therapy early in treatment or switch to it later if chemotherapy doesn’t help enough. These drugs can slow the cancer and improve your quality of life.

In contrast, small cell lung cancer is usually more aggressive and grows faster. Researchers continue to study small cell lung cancer in clinical trials to find targeted treatments that are effective..

Common Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

While targeted therapies for lung cancer generally cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy, some effects can still occur. These side effects depend on the specific drug, dose, and how your body reacts to the treatment.

Here are the most common side effects:

Skin rash
Diarrhea
Dry or itchy skin
Nail changes
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Liver enzyme changes

Some patients may also experience eye issues or minor swelling. These side effects are usually manageable. Your care team will monitor you closely and adjust your treatment if needed. They may also provide additional medications to help reduce discomfort.

Combining Targeted Therapy With Other Treatments

In some cases, targeted therapy is combined with other lung cancer treatments to improve results. Here are a few combinations:

Targeted therapy + Radiation therapy
This combination can help shrink tumors and ease symptoms in advanced cases.
Targeted therapy + Chemotherapy
In specific situations, patients may receive both treatments either at the same time or in different phases.
Targeted therapy + Immunotherapy
Some patients may benefit from a combination that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Your care plan will depend on your type of lung cancer, stage of disease, and how your body responds to treatment. Doctors often adjust the plan to offer the best possible outcome with the least harm.

Your Role in the Treatment Plan

As a patient, your involvement can improve how well your treatment works. Here are some important steps you can take:

Ask your doctor if your cancer has gene mutations like EGFR or ALK
Follow your treatment plan closely and take medication as directed
Report side effects to your care team as soon as possible
Eat healthy meals and get plenty of rest
Stay in regular contact with your care team and ask questions when needed

When patients stay informed and engaged, they often feel more in control and experience better outcomes. Your care team is there to guide and support you at every step.

Your Journey

Start Your Recovery

Our dedicated Patient Navigator will assist you with appointment scheduling. Contact us at +6012-3993260 (Call or Whatsapp ).

First Consultation

On appointment day, bring along all the medical reports and your identity documents, ie. identity card or passport. Our team will help you organize the medical reports for our oncologist to review. Our oncologist will discuss the treatment plan with you. Tele-consult is available for overseas patients.

Treatment Day

Come to our center on an agreed date and time for the treatment. Our team will take good care of you. You will be discharged on the same day. Yes, you will get to go home after every treatment visit as no overnight admission is required.

Stay on Track

Our dedicated patient navigator will be following up with you post treatment to check on your condition, to ensure that you are doing well. You will receive a reminder message on your phone for the next appointment date.

Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze

Consultant Medical Oncologist
Medical Director
MBBS (Melb) FRACP (Aus)

Monday - Friday : 08:00 AM TO 06:00 PM

Saturday : 08:00 AM TO 02:00 PM

D. Joseph K. Joseph

Consultant Medical Oncologist
MBBCH, BAO (IRE) MRCP (UK)

Wednesday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Friday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

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Onco Life Centre Wins 2025 Best Oncology Clinic in Malaysia

We are proud to share that Onco Life Centre has been named the Oncology Clinic and Treatment Centre of the Year in Malaysia at the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, held in Bangkok.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, compassionate, and cutting-edge cancer care to our patients. The award reflects not just our clinical excellence, but our dedication to safety, community outreach, and innovation in oncology services.

The GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards celebrate leading healthcare institutions across the region. Winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as:

Excellence and Innovation: Transforming healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through progressive medical practices.
Patient Safety: Upholding the highest standards to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective treatment environments.
Community Involvement: Actively engaging in public awareness, screening programs, and care for underprivileged communities.
Technology Adoption: Integrating advanced diagnostics, therapies, and digital tools to enhance every aspect of care.
Impact and Measurable Results: Demonstrating tangible improvements in cancer detection, treatment success, and patient well-being.
Adaptability and Preparedness: Being resilient and forward-thinking in the face of global health challenges.
Leadership and Vision: Cultivating a culture that prioritizes empathy, innovation, and ongoing education.

This award inspires us to continue raising the bar in oncology care—not only through medical advancements but by remaining deeply rooted in our advocacy mission: to serve, educate, and empower every cancer patient, especially those most in need.

We dedicate this achievement to our patients, survivors, caregivers, and the entire Onco Life Centre community. Your courage fuels our purpose. Together, we will continue the fight—because every life matters.