Lung cancer

How CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy® can help

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States.¹ When faced with a diagnosis, it’s normal to feel lost or uncertain. Learn more about lung cancer and what we can do to support you on the road ahead.

What are the 2 types of lung cancer?²

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. It accounts for about 80% to 85% of all cases. It typically grows much slower than small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), causing few or no symptoms until it has advanced. The 3 types of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma of the lung, squamous cell carcinoma and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma.

SCLC is also known as oat-cell cancer because the cells look like oats under the microscope. It starts in the lungs and quickly spreads to other parts of the body. This type of lung cancer represents 15% of cases, and the highest risk factor is smoking tobacco.

NSCLC and SCLC share a number of symptoms, the most common being a consistent cough. Catching lung cancer early can be difficult since coughing is a symptom of other illnesses. Knowing all the signs and symptoms can help identify whether or not you have lung cancer and lead to a better outcome:³

  • A consistent cough that gets worse over time
  • Bone pain in the back, chest or hips
  • Bronchitis and pneumonia that keeps coming back
  • Chest pain made worse with deep breathing
  • Coughing up blood
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Headaches, dizziness, balance problems or seizures
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath and wheezing
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Lung cancer can be treated by using a combination of therapies and medications. CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy offers medications to treat NSCLC and SCLC, as directed by your prescriber. These medications target cancer cells in the blood and stop them from spreading.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications that are given by IV or taken by mouth. It is more often used in SCLC patients since the cancer has already spread, but it’s also effective in treating NSCLC.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer by boosting or changing how the immune system works to attack cancer cells in the lungs.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses medications that focus on blocking specific parts of cancer cells based on the unique gene changes of the cells.

Medications

  • Alectinib (Alecensa®)
  • Binimetinib (Mektovi®)
  • Capmatinib (Tabrecta®)
  • Ceritinib (Zykadia®)
  • Crizotinib (Xalkori®)
  • Dabrafenib (Tafinlar®)
  • Dacomitinib (Vizimpro®)
  • Encorafenib (Braftovi®)
  • Entrectinib (Rozlytrek™)
  • Erlotinib (Tarceva®)
  • Gefitinib
  • Lorlatinib (Lorbrena®)
  • Osimertinib (Tagrisso®)
  • Pralsetinib (Gavreto®)
  • Selpercatinib (Retevmo®)
  • Sotorasib (Lumakras®)
  • Trametinib (Mekinist®)

Specialists who work remotely to support you wherever you are

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Emotional support

Get 1-on-1 support from healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you manage any stress or anxiety.

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Financial assistance

Don’t stress the bills. We work with financial assistance programs like grants, foundations and manufacturers to help you get the care you deserve. We’ll also assist you with the application process.  

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Clinical guidance

Receive personalized support regularly and instructions on how to take your meds. We’ll also work with your doctor to adjust your therapy if you’re experiencing side effects.

Sources

  1. “Lung Cancer Statistics,” Center for Disease Control, last accessed January 22, 2024.
  2. “What Is Lung Cancer?” American Cancer Society, last accessed October 4, 2023.
  3. “Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer,” American Cancer Society, last accessed October 4, 2023.

This information is not intended as a substitute for medical care or advice provided by your doctor or professional care provider. Only your doctor or professional care provider can diagnose and treat a medical condition.

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