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Treatment of lung adenocarcinoma
Lung Cancer | Last Active: 12 hours ago | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
At age 85 I've just been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastisized NSCLC lung cancer (PET scan showed it also in adrenal glands and lymph nodes). The lymph node biopsy showed MET exon 14 and I'm about to start the targeted Rx Tepotinib (TEPMETKO). However, I was offered a clinical trial that combines Tepotinib with Ramucirumab. IF I start Tepotinib alone, I won't be allowed in the trial. So confused. Some people say "if there's a trial that's specifically for you, you are crazy not to do it." I've declined so far (but haven't started any Rx yet) as I think at my age, dealing with the probable complications of 1 drug is enough. My objective is to stop the cancer from spreading, if possible, but to have a somewhat decent life too. Thoughts? Experience?
Replies to "At age 85 I've just been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastisized NSCLC lung cancer (PET scan..."
@mangolinda8191 welcome to Mayo Connect. how are you doing with your diagnosis? it's a lot to process. as far as the treatments you're considering, I looked up both meds. ramucirumab is a drug that keeps blood vessels from developing and has a pretty modest side effect profile. if it was me, I would give it a go and increase my chance for success. tepotinib does have nausea as a common side effect, but I'm sure your care team will help you combat that. let us know how things go.
@mangolinda8191, These decisions are difficult at any age. Knowing how strong you are and what other heath conditions you have will all come into play. Your oncologist is likely best to know what you may be able to handle. We have had other members mention tempmetko, and as with most of these cancer medications, there have been observed side effects.
Here's a link to a post from @hatterasj10202,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/therapy-for-metx14skipping-altetation/
Do you have someone that has been going to appointments with you? Are they able to help in the decision making process? Sometimes I find it helpful to talk through the options.
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@mangolinda8191
Are you the first group on the clinical trial. I was in a clinical trial that was the 3rd i think group. It was to prevent GVHD after my bone marrow transplant. Well, I did it and i did not have GVHD. No side effects from the transplant. I got to than the dr yesterday at a Bone Marrow Reunion City of Hope holds yearly.
See what group this is. I just took one more pill daily for the first 90 days.
If by some chance you had a reaction, they would take you off it.