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Get Answers to Frequently
Asked Questions

“Locally advanced” refers to a stage of lung cancer. Locally advanced lung cancer is cancer that began in the lungs and has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.

 

If your cancer isn't too large or hasn't spread too far, it may be resectable. This means the cancer may be removed by surgery. When a tumor cannot be removed by surgery, it's considered "unresectable."

 

Your healthcare providers may vary, but the care team may include:

  • A medical oncologist—a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, etc. They should have you tested for biomarkers to determine the appropriate treatment options after surgery for your type of cancer
  • A radiation oncologist—a doctor who specializes in radiation therapy
  • A pulmonologist—a doctor who treats conditions related to your lungs (breathing and the chest)
  • A nurse navigator—can answer your questions and help you communicate with your other healthcare team members
  • A pathologist—a doctor who studies the samples provided by your thoracic surgeon or medical oncologist to find out the type and stage of cancer
  • An oncology nurse—a nurse who specializes in treating and caring for people who have cancer
  • An infusion nurse—if you receive chemotherapy infusions as part of your treatment plan, an infusion nurse will manage your infusions and any lab work that may be needed

 

Biomarker testing is sometimes referred to as genomic testing, molecular testing, or mutational testing. Testing for biomarkers can be an important part of your lung cancer diagnosis. Based on your stage of lung cancer, biomarker testing can be done at different times and can help determine the treatment options that may work for your type of lung cancer. Your doctor will decide which test is right for you.

 

EGFR, or epidermal growth factor receptor, is a type of protein found on the surface of cells in the body. Sometimes this protein changes or mutates and becomes too active. If it does mutate, that means certain cells are being told to grow and spread faster than they should. This may lead
to cancer. If your doctor finds an EGFR mutation using biomarker testing, this means an EGFR mutation is driving your cancer growth.

 

Non-small cell lung cancer with an EGFR mutation is known as EGFR+ NSCLC. This means that
the cancer has a mutation in the EGFR gene that causes the cancer to grow and spread.

 

Targeted therapies are treatments designed to target specific types of cancer cells. They are not chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Targeted therapies can help slow the growth and spread of the specific type of cancer cells and cause them to die. It’s important to note that lung cancer treatments that kill cancer cells also can affect normal cells.

 

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.

Learn more about TAGRISSO for the treatment of locally advanced, unresectable stage 3 EGFR+ NSCLC following chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

 

FPO

  • TAGRISSO is a pill you take once a day. Take it with or without food, at the same time every day,
    and you may be able to take it at home. Take TAGRISSO exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Learn more.

 

TAGRISSO may cause serious side effects, including severe lung problems, heart, eye, and skin problems, inflammation of the blood vessels in your skin, and blood and bone marrow problems. Some may lead to death. 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, cough, and COVID-19. These are not all the possible side effects.

Learn more about the serious and common side effects associated with TAGRISSO.

 

FPO

AstraZeneca may be able to help you access the medicine you need. To find out more, visit MyAccess360.com or call 1-844-ASK-A360 (1-844-275-2360).

To learn about common or serious side effects associated with TAGRISSO,
click here.

 

Glossary of Cancer Terms

  
 

Adenocarcinoma

A cancer that starts in cells found in tissues that line certain organs, such as the lungs or breast.
 

Biomarker

A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues. A biomarker is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. Your doctor may recommend you be tested for biomarkers or mutations such as the EGFR mutation. Testing for biomarkers is an important part of a complete diagnosis.
 

Cancer

A disease in which abnormal cells divide out of control, at a very fast rate. These abnormal cells can spread to other nearby organs and tissues.
 

Cancer cells

Abnormal cells that divide at a very fast rate and spread throughout the body, interfering with normal cells and normal cell activity.
 

Chemoradiation therapy (CRT)

Chemoradiation therapy is chemotherapy and radiation therapy used in combination that works to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or interrupting their growth. If you've been diagnosed with locally advanced stage 3 NSCLC that can't be removed by surgery, your doctor may prescribe chemoradiation as your first treatment. With CRT, you may complete chemotherapy before starting radiation therapy (called sequential CRT) or have the two treatments at the same time (called concurrent CRT). Chemoradiation may also affect healthy cells.
 

Chemotherapy

A treatment that works to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or interrupting their growth. Chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells.

 

Dose

The amount of medicine you receive each time you take a treatment.
 

Early stage

Cancer that is early in its growth and
started in one area, such as the lungs, but
has not spread to other parts of the body,
such as the liver or brain (not metastatic). In
lung cancer, early stage can be defined as
stage 1-3.
 

EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)

A protein found on the surface of some cells. When EGFR mutates, it plays a role in causing cancer cells to grow excessively and spread as tumors. EGFR is one of the NSCLC biomarkers.
 

Gene

A gene carries information about traits passed from parent to child. Most contain instructions for making a specific protein.
 

Immunotherapy

A type of biological therapy that uses substances to stimulate the immune system to help the body fight cancer. Immunotherapy can also affect healthy cells.
 

Late-stage

Late-stage refers to NSCLC that has spread to tissues around the lungs (also called locally advanced) or to other parts of the body (also called metastatic).
 

Median

The middle number in a group of numbers arranged from lowest to highest.
 

Micrometastasis

Individual cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor to other sites in the body and are too few to be picked up in a screening or diagnostic test.
 

Mutation
(gene mutation)

Any change in the DNA sequence of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division or by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. They can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases.

 

NSCLC (non-small
cell lung cancer)

One of the two main types of lung cancer. NSCLC is more common.
 

Progression

When a therapy stops working and cancer cells grow or spread.
 

Progression-free
survival (PFS)

The length of time during and after the treatment of a disease, such as cancer, that a patient lives with the disease without it growing or spreading. In a clinical trial, measuring the progression-free survival is one way to see how well a treatment works.
 

Protein

A molecule that plays a role in many of the processes that happen in cells, such as skin and hair growth.
 

Radiation therapy

A treatment that uses high energy rays or waves aimed at one part of your body to help kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may also affect healthy cells.

 

Resistance

When cancer cells are no longer affected by the drugs used to kill or disrupt them. Tumors can be resistant from the start of treatment or become resistant during the course of treatment.
 

Side effect

An unwanted reaction in the body after taking a treatment or therapy.
 

Stage

The measurement of cancer in the body. A doctor may determine the stage by the size of the tumor, whether cancer has entered the lymph nodes, and if the cancer has spread from where it started to other parts of the body.
 

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies work on certain types of cancer to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy can also affect healthy cells. Biomarker testing can determine if you are eligible for a targeted therapy designed for your specific cancer type. 
 

Tissue

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
 

TKI (tyrosine
kinase inhibitor)

A molecule that prevents enzymes called tyrosine kinases from working. These enzymes are involved in the growth and division of cells, including cancer cells. TKIs are a type of targeted therapy.
 

Tumor

An abnormal growth of cells that may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Find support and resources
What is 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.

Please see complete Prescribing Information, including Patient Information for TAGRISSO.

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

You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca productslink Icon.

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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General or Product Questions

 

If you are in the United States and would like additional information regarding AstraZeneca products, you can contact AstraZeneca by phone at 1-800-236-9933 (Monday - Friday 8 AM - 6 PM ET, excluding holidays). Outside these hours and on holidays, an after-hours service is available to assist with any urgent medical inquiries.