Top Six FDA-Approved Drugs for Lung Cancer Management
Discover six FDA-approved medications for lung cancer treatment. These targeted therapies, including Xalkori, Tagrisso, Alecensa, Gilotrif, Iressa, and Alimta, are prescribed by doctors to inhibit cancer growth and improve patient outcomes. Understanding these options can help patients and caregivers make informed decisions about treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer, the most common lung cancer type. Consult healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable therapy tailored to individual cases.
Essential FDA-Authorized Medications for Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, surpassing other common types such as prostate, colon, breast, and ovarian cancers combined. It originates in the lungs and may spread depending on the stage. Risk factors include smoking, passive exposure to cigarette smoke, radon, asbestos, and genetic predisposition. Symptoms often involve persistent coughing, blood in sputum, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and weight loss. Treatment options include surgery and targeted medications. Below are six FDA-approved drugs prescribed by healthcare providers for lung cancer management.
Xalkori: Also known as crizotinib, this medication is approved for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially ROS1-positive cases. It functions as a targeted inhibitor, blocking tumor cell growth by interfering with specific genetic changes.
Tagrisso: Also called osimertinib, Tagrisso is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting tyrosine kinases involved in cancer progression. It helps slow tumor growth and spread.
Alecensa: Known as alectinib, Alecensa targets ALK-positive NSCLC, disrupting the fusion proteins that promote uncontrolled cell division. It can reduce tumor size and improve survival rates.
Gilotrif: Also known as Afatinib, Gilotrif is effective for NSCLC by irreversibly inhibiting tyrosine kinases EGRF and HER2, thereby slowing disease progression with fewer side effects.
Iressa: Gefitinib, marketed as Iressa, is prescribed for NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations. It inhibits proteins promoting cancer cell growth, reducing tumor size and slowing disease progression.
Alimta: This folate analog, also called pemetrexed, is used mainly in combination with chemotherapy for NSCLC, aiding in tumor reduction and disease control.
