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Want to learn more about Immunotherapy for lung cancer

Lung Cancer | Last Active: Nov 3 12:18pm | Replies (44)

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@lls8000

@rockpine, I agree. For help with this conversation I'll add a basic understanding of the differences between targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
The targeted therapy drugs are controlling the cancer at the cancer's cellular level. My targeted therapy is turning off the bad gene that is causing the cells to over-replicate as cancer cells. These are generally taken orally by pill. The targeted therapy generic names will end in "nib" (dabrafenib, alectinib, etc.)
Immunotherapy drugs will train your own immune system to attack the cancer, to keep the cancerous cells at bay. These are generally administered by IV infusions. The generic names of the immunotherapy drugs will end in "mab" (atezolizumab), pembrolizumab. etc.)
Not all cancers respond to either method. That's why we need research and knowledgeable oncologists.

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Replies to "@rockpine, I agree. For help with this conversation I'll add a basic understanding of the differences..."

Thanks for that clarification! It ends a lot of confusion. Always learning on this portal!!

Thanks Lisa for clarifying!

Thank you for that clear distinction!
My Pulmonologist just put immunotherapy on the table as a potential treatment option for me. I was diagnosed two years ago with multifocal adenocarcinoma in lung (stage 1s)- To date I have removed two lung nodules with VAT surgery and done one round of SBRT on another nodule. I go back for PET scan in January, and they may propose ablation at that time. The Pulmonologist also told me because I have so many nodules in lungs, they may consider immunotherapy down the road. Am wondering about immunotherapy side effects during and after treatment. Would like to go on vacation somewhere.