Radiation for tumor growing despite Tarceva - 1263202

cisco
Posts:1

Hi Dr. West,

Fortunately, it has been a long time since I needed to post. My 85 year old father, diagnosed 5 years ago in May with NSCLC, never smoker and who has been on Tarceva since then with very few problems, now has some growth in just one of the areas that are being closely monitored. His doctor suggested radiation to that specific area only as all other areas have not exhibited any growth. My father is considering but I am wondering about side effects. Also, I briefly remember reading somewhere that Tarceva treated tumors have been observed to have a better response to radiation? His health in general is very good. No chronic diseases. Active every day. No meds beyond Tarceva. How soon and what sort of side effects could he experience from radiation to the left lower lobe which is where the tumor is located? What long term side effects and/or complications could one potentially see? We will be setting up a consult with a radiation oncologist but I wanted to learn as much as possible prior to that. Thanks for all you do. This is such a wonderful service you and the rest of your team provide. When I hear of someone newly diagnosed and searching for answers I have for the past 5 years directed them to this website. With much gratitude, thank you!

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Dr West
Posts: 4735

Here's Dr. Weiss's post about radiation for progressing lesions in EGFR mutation-positive acquired resistance:

http://cancergrace.org/lung/2012/04/03/radiation-to-address-cells-with-…

I do agree that it's very reasonable, arguably optimal, to use focal radiation to treat an isolated area of progression if the background is all well controlled. In terms of side effects, that really depends on the size and location of the area being radiated. If it's a small (under 2-3 cm) lesion and the radiation is focal (such as a "hypofractionated" approach of treating the lesion with just 4-5 treatments at a high dose), many patients have no or nearly no side effects. Some fatigue is probably the most common side effect, but it's typically mild. And sometimes radiation to the lung can cause a cough. But the person who can best answer what to expect is the radiation oncologist, since much will depend on the details of where and how the radiation is delivered,

Good luck.

-Dr. West