Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Is the Most Common Type of Lung Cancer (80-85% of all lung cancers are NSCLC)
If you were diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC, cancer may be in both lungs and/or the lymph nodes within and surrounding the lungs. It has also spread out from the lungs into other parts of the body.
However, knowing your specific stage of cancer is only part of your diagnosis. Biomarker testing can help your healthcare team detect what may be causing it to grow and determine which treatment options may help stop your cancer from growing or spreading.
If you were diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC, cancer may be in both lungs and/or the lymph nodes within and surrounding the lungs. It has also spread out from the lungs into other parts of the body.
However, knowing your specific stage of cancer is only part of your diagnosis. Biomarker testing can help your healthcare team detect what may be causing it to grow and determine which treatment options may help stop your cancer from growing or spreading.
Follow These Three Steps to Get a Complete Diagnosis:
STEP ONE: TALK
Talk to your doctor about completing your diagnosis by testing for actionable biomarkers for your stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
STEP TWO: TEST
Your doctor will test your lung cancer for biomarkers by sending a tissue or blood sample to a lab. Remember, making an informed decision about treatment means knowing all the information first—so this step may require patience. Guidelines recommend that stage IV NSCLC patients are tested for the PD-L1 immune protein and the following nine biomarkers: EGFR, KRAS, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, NTRK 1/2/3, MET, RET, and HER2.
STEP THREE: TREAT
Biomarker test results can reveal specific information about your type of stage IV NSCLC. This will help you and your healthcare team determine which treatment options may work for you.
Determine Your Treatment Plan
After biomarker testing, your healthcare team may suggest several treatments or combinations of treatments that could include:
Targeted Therapy:
A treatment option for patients with certain targetable biomarkers located on cancer cells to slow growth.
Immunotherapy:
A treatment that works to help the immune system identify and defend against cancer cells.
Chemotherapy:
Treatment that works to interrupt the growth and division of cancer cells.
Radiation:
A kind of treatment that uses high-energy rays or waves aimed at one specific part of the body and helps to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing.
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TREAT
Your Stage IV NSCLC in the Appropriate Way
Your biomarker test results could help you and your healthcare team determine which treatment options may work for you.
See how other patients have continued their journey with stage IV NSCLC after biomarker testing.
“Don’t worry until there is something to worry about. Slow down – you have time to figure this out. There is a lot of information out there to help you. Take what you find useful and apply it to your life.”
MEET ANNE
When Anne was first diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, she was eager to start treatment. Working with her healthcare team, Anne obtained biomarker testing which revealed a positive EGFR mutation. With this new information, Anne’s healthcare team was able to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
“Find a mentor and talk to other survivors. There is no one that can understand your feelings like another survivor can because we’ve been there. We’ve done that.”
MEET TIFFANY
She was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer and a positive EGFR mutation at age 36 after a CT scan found a mass in her brain and lung. Biomarker testing allowed Tiffany’s healthcare team to determine appropriate treatment options for her specific type of lung cancer.
“When you’re diagnosed, you are put into a ‘what’s the next step’ mentality. Keeping your focus and working with your healthcare team to explore your treatment options can help you feel more encouraged about living with cancer.”
MEET SARINA
Sarina is currently living with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer and a positive EGFR mutation. Since her initial diagnosis, Sarina has learned to manage life with lung cancer by maintaining a persevering attitude and accepting support from her family, friends and community.
