TAGRIS SOI can make pancakes

Understanding different
types of lung cancer

The two main types of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). They are named based on how the cancer cells look under the microscope.

  • About 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases are NSCLC, making it the most common type of lung cancer

It’s important to know your NSCLC stage 

NSCLC Stage-1

Click the bar to see the different stages

NSCLC Stage-1
  • NSCLC Stage-1
    Stage 1

    Cancer is located only in the lungs and has not spread to any lymph nodes. The tumor is no larger than a few centimeters

  •  
  • NSCLC Stage-2
    Stage 2

    Cancer is in the lungs and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes on the same lung

  •  
  • NSCLC Stage-3
    Stage 3

    Cancer is in the lungs and may have spread to the lymph nodes. There may now be separate tumors on the same lung where the cancer started

  •  
  • NSCLC Stage-4
    Stage 4

    Unlike the earlier stages of lung cancer, stage 4 lung cancer has spread to parts of the body beyond the lungs (metastatic). The tumors may be of any size and may or may not have spread to lymph nodes

Your doctor will perform tests to determine your lung cancer stage. Please speak to your doctor to learn more about what your stage of lung cancer means for you.

If you have stage 4 (metastatic) NSCLC, click here.

NSCLC Stage-1
  • NSCLC Stage-4
    Stage 1

    Cancer is located only in the lungs and has not spread to any lymph nodes. The tumor is no larger than a few centimeters

  •  
  • NSCLC Stage-2
    Stage 2

    Cancer is in the lungs and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes on the same lung

  •  
  • NSCLC Stage-3
    Stage 3

    Cancer is in the lungs and may have spread to the lymph nodes. There may now be separate tumors on the same lung where the cancer started

  •  
  • NSCLC Stage-4
    Stage 4

    Unlike the earlier stages of lung cancer, stage 4 lung cancer has spread to parts of the body beyond the lungs (metastatic). The tumors may be of any size and may or may not have spread to lymph nodes

Your doctor will perform tests to determine your lung cancer stage. Please speak to your doctor to learn more about what your stage of lung cancer means for you.

If you have stage 4 (metastatic) NSCLC, click here.

When diagnosed at an earlier stage (stage 1-3)

Some earlier stages of cancer can be treated with surgery. If a tumor is considered “resectable,” it means that your cancer may be removed from your body through surgery.

  • Depending on how much your cancer has spread in your lung, your surgeon may remove a portion of your lung (lobectomy), an entire lung (pneumonectomy), and/or any lymph nodes that are also affected

Be sure to talk to your doctor about any questions you may have. You can also find additional information here.

Why is it important to talk to your healthcare team about a treatment plan after surgery?

Even after a successful surgery, cancer may sometimes return months or years later. This is called a “disease recurrence.” However, there are therapies available that may help prevent your cancer from coming back.

Risk of cancer coming back (recurrence)

Surgery removes all of the tumor that can be seen, plus a small amount around the border of the tumor. Lymph nodes may also be removed.

  • Unfortunately, by the time you have surgery, individual cancer cells may have already moved to other sites in the body. These cells may be too few to be detected by any tests, and, if left alone, may multiply and cause the cancer to come back. These cells are called "micrometastasis"
  • Treatment after surgery is meant to reach these cells even though they cannot be seen

Having your doctor test your tumor may give them important information they need to determine a treatment plan that may help prevent your cancer from returning after surgery

Your tumor that was removed during surgery can be tested for something called biomarkers. Find out about biomarkers and biomarker testing below.
What is Biomarker TestWhat is Biomarker Test

What is a “biomarker” test? 

 

Not all lung cancers are the same

Biomarker testing can reveal mutations (sometimes called biomarkers) present in your type of lung cancer that may be causing your cancer to grow and spread. Testing for biomarkers is a way for your healthcare team to determine appropriate treatment options.

Biomarker testing can be done by performing a biopsy (where a small piece of tissue is removed from the tumor). Your doctor may have already taken a biopsy prior to the surgery to remove your tumor to learn more information about your type of lung cancer.

If you have already had surgery to remove your tumor, your surgical sample could also be used for biomarker testing, meaning that no further invasive procedure would be required. You will simply need to have a conversation with your doctor and provide consent to test your sample post-surgery for biomarkers.

Biomarker testing can be done at the time of diagnosis or any time throughout your treatment journey.

Biomarkers can reveal detailed information, including:

Lungs Icon

what may be causing your cancer to grow and spread

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which types of treatment may be appropriate for your type of cancer

People with early-stage NSCLC may have a biomarker that could be targeted with therapy

There are many NSCLC biomarkers, but some are more common than others. Your doctor may recommend you be tested for biomarkers such as EGFR mutation.

Certain types of biomarker testing are sometimes referred to as genomic testing, molecular testing, or mutation testing.

Finding out if your tumor tests positive for a biomarker, like an EGFR mutation, may help your doctor determine an appropriate treatment plan for your type of lung cancer.

Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist

Biomarker testing is done by a medical oncologist

A medical oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer with medicine

  • Based on your biomarker test results, your medical oncologist may recommend a treatment plan designed to treat your type of cancer

It's important to get biomarker testing to help you and your doctor determine the appropriate treatment plan.

 

Biomarker testing is done by a medical oncologist

A medical oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer with medicine

  • Based on your biomarker test results, your medical oncologist may recommend a treatment plan designed to treat your type of cancer

It's important to get biomarker testing to help you and your doctor determine the appropriate treatment plan.

 

Ask your surgeon for a referral to a medical oncologist to ensure you’re doing everything you can to get the right care for your lung cancer. Make sure to always follow through on your referral.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a common and important mutation

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a common and important mutation

Non-small cell lung cancer with an EGFR mutation is known as EGFR+ NSCLC. EGFR is a mutation that is found in some people with early-stage NSCLC.

NSCLC Patients Stage

About 1 in 5

people with stage 1-3 NSCLC have cancer that tests positive for an EGFR mutation*

EGFR is important because, when it is mutated, it can cause lung cancer to grow and spread.

*Based on 2 studies: The first study included 1007 cases of lung cancer. They tested 987 cases for specific EGFR mutations and other mutations in the EGFR gene. Out of those 987 cases, 331 had stage 1-3 NSCLC. The second study analyzed tumors that were surgically removed from 1118 patients with stage 1-3 NSCLC for specific EGFR mutations.

About 1 in 5

people with stage 1-3 NSCLC have cancer that tests positive for an EGFR mutation*

NSCLC Patients Stage

EGFR is important because, when it is mutated, it can cause lung cancer to grow and spread.

*Based on 2 studies: The first study included 1007 cases of lung cancer. They tested 987 cases for specific EGFR mutations and other mutations in the EGFR gene. Out of those 987 cases, 331 had stage 1-3 NSCLC. The second study analyzed tumors that were surgically removed from 1118 patients with stage 1-3 NSCLC for specific EGFR mutations.

Ask your doctors about biomarker testing today

Knowing your biomarker test results helps your doctor determine what treatment may be appropriate for you 

Based on your biomarker test results, your medical oncologist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

 

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Targeted therapy
A medication that is designed to target a specific feature of certain cancer cells

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy
A treatment that works to interrupt the growth and division of cancer cells

Chemotherapy-1

Immunotherapy
A treatment that works to help the immune system identify and defend against cancer cells

Radiation Icon

Radiation
A kind of treatment that uses high-energy rays or waves aimed at one part of your body to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing

Knowing your biomarker test results helps determine what treatment is appropriate for you

Based on your biomarker test results, your medical oncologist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Pills Icon

Targeted therapy
A medication that is designed to target a specific feature of certain cancer cells

Chemotherapy-1

Chemotherapy
A treatment that works to interrupt the growth and division of cancer cells

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy
A treatment that works to help the immune system identify and defend against cancer cells

Radiation Icon

Radiation
A kind of treatment that uses high-energy rays or waves aimed at one part of your body to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing

Follow-up
Your doctor will likely schedule follow-up appointments and imaging to monitor you

Recognize the importance of knowing all your test results before starting on treatment

Recognize the importance of knowing all your test results before starting on treatment

It might feel like you need to begin treatment right away but choosing the appropriate treatment plan for you takes time. It may take a few weeks for your doctor to get your results after the tissue sample is sent out for testing.

“Inspirational patient quote to come”

“Inspirational
patient quote
to come”

—Name X.

If your cancer tests positive for an EGFR mutation, you may be eligible for a targeted therapy like TAGRISSO.
Questions To Ask Icon

Questions to ask
your healthcare team about your diagnosis

If your cancer tests positive for an EGFR biomarker, you may be eligible for a targeted therapy like TAGRISSO
TAGRISSO is approved to treat adults with early-stage EGFR+ NSCLC following tumor removal by surgery.

Find out about clinical trial results with TAGRISSO in patients with stage 1B, 2, and 3A EGFR+ NSCLC following surgery

You may still have questions regarding early-stage NSCLC and what it means to be EGFR+

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

TAGRISSO may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Lung problems. TAGRISSO may cause severe lung problems that may lead to death. Symptoms may be similar to those symptoms from lung cancer. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening lung symptoms, including trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, or fever
  • Heart problems, including heart failure. TAGRISSO may cause heart problems that may lead to death. Your healthcare provider should check your heart function before you start taking TAGRISSO and during treatment as needed. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of a heart problem: feeling like your heart is pounding or racing, shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles and feet, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or feeling faint
  • Eye problems. TAGRISSO may cause eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of eye problems which may include watery eyes, sensitivity to light, eye pain, eye redness, or vision changes. Your healthcare provider may send you to see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) if you get eye problems with TAGRISSO
  • Skin problems. TAGRISSO may cause skin problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop skin reactions that look like rings (target lesions), severe blistering or peeling of the skin
  • Inflammation of the blood vessels in your skin. TAGRISSO may cause blood vessel problems in your skin. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop purple spots or redness of the skin that does not fade in color when pressed (non-blanching) on your lower arms, lower legs, or buttocks or large hives on the main part of your body (trunk) that do not go away within 24 hours and look bruised
  • Blood and bone marrow problems. TAGRISSO may cause a condition where your bone marrow cannot make enough new blood cells (aplastic anemia), and which may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood cell counts before you start and during treatment with TAGRISSO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs and symptoms of blood and bone marrow problems, including a new fever or fever that does not go away (100.4 °F), easy bruising or bleeding that will not stop, unusually pale skin, infection, tiredness, or weakness

Before taking TAGRISSO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have lung or breathing problems other than your lung cancer
  • have heart problems, including a condition called long QTc syndrome
  • have problems with your electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium
  • have a history of eye problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TAGRISSO can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with TAGRISSO or think you may be pregnant
  • Females who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment with TAGRISSO. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 6 weeks after the last dose of TAGRISSO
  • Males who have female partners that are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 4 months after the last dose of TAGRISSO
  • females who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TAGRISSO passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 2 weeks after your last dose of TAGRISSO. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a heart or blood pressure medicine

The most common side effects of TAGRISSO when given alone include:

  • low white blood cell counts
  • low platelet counts
  • low red blood cell counts (anemia)
  • diarrhea
  • rash
  • muscle, bone, or joint pain
  • changes in your nails, including: redness, tenderness, pain, inflammation, brittleness, separation from the nailbed, and shedding of nail
  • dry skin
  • mouth sores
  • tiredness
  • low white blood cell counts
  • low platelet counts
  • low red blood cell counts (anemia)
  • diarrhea
  • rash
  • muscle, bone, or joint pain
  • changes in your nails, including: redness, tenderness, pain, inflammation, brittleness, separation from the nailbed, and shedding of nail
  • dry skin
  • mouth sores
  • tiredness

The most common side effects of TAGRISSO when given alone after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation treatment include:

  • low white blood cell counts
  • lung problems
  • low platelet counts
  • rash
  • diarrhea
  • changes in your nails, including: redness, tenderness, pain, inflammation, brittleness, separation from the nailbed, and shedding of nail
  • cough
  • COVID-19
  • low white blood cell counts
  • lung problems
  • low platelet counts
  • rash
  • diarrhea
  • changes in your nails, including: redness, tenderness, pain, inflammation, brittleness, separation from the nailbed, and shedding of nail
  • cough
  • COVID-19

The most common side effects of TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy include:

  • low white blood cell counts
  • low platelet counts
  • rash
  • diarrhea
  • mouth sores
  • changes in your nails, including: redness, tenderness, pain, inflammation, brittleness, separation from the nailbed, and shedding of nail
  • dry skin
  • increase of a substance in the blood called creatinine
  • low white blood cell counts
  • low platelet counts
  • rash
  • diarrhea
  • mouth sores
  • changes in your nails, including: redness, tenderness, pain, inflammation, brittleness, separation from the nailbed, and shedding of nail
  • dry skin
  • increase of a substance in the blood called creatinine

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of TAGRISSO. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What is TAGRISSO?

TAGRISSO is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has certain abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene(s):

  • to help prevent your lung cancer from coming back after your tumor(s) has been removed by surgery, or
  • when your lung cancer has spread to nearby tissues (locally advanced), that is unable to be removed (unresectable) by surgery and has responded or stabilized following chemotherapy and radiation treatment, or
  • as your first treatment when your lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), or
  • in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, as your first treatment when your lung cancer has spread to nearby tissues (locally advanced) or to other parts of the body (metastatic), or
  • when your lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and you have had previous treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) medicine that did not work or is no longer working.

Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that TAGRISSO is right for you.
It is not known if TAGRISSO is safe and effective in children.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

EGFR is epidermal growth factor receptor; EGFR+ is epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive; NSCLC is non-small cell lung cancer.

EGFR+ is epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive; NSCLC is non-small cell lung cancer.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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