Lung Adenocarcinoma

The most common histologic subtype of lung cancer, driven by targetable oncogenic alterations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, METex14, BRAF V600E, NTRK, HER2, KRAS G12C). Cure hinges on early surgical control; in advanced disease, matched targeted therapy and immunotherapy transform outcomes.

Educational only: This page is not medical advice. Coordinate decisions with your oncology team.
Last reviewed: 2025-09-25

Overview

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) arises from peripheral lung epithelium and now represents the dominant subtype of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Molecular testing is foundational: many patients harbor druggable drivers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, MET exon 14 skipping, BRAF V600E, NTRK fusions, ERBB2/HER2 mutations, KRAS G12C). PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden guide immunotherapy strategy. Curative management at early stages centers on complete resection (or ablative SBRT) with stage-appropriate adjuvant therapy; locally advanced disease often uses multimodality regimens (chemoradiation followed by immunotherapy). Metastatic disease is increasingly treated with first-line targeted therapy for driver-positive tumors or immuno-chemotherapy for driver-negative disease. For integrative care, emphasize conditioning (prehab), symptom control, organ protection, and metabolic/behavioral levers that support dose intensity without blunting anti-tumor immunity.

Key Biomarkers

  • EGFR activating mutations (ex19 del, L858R; uncommon: G719X, L861Q, S768I) (common) — oncogenic driver (TKI sensitive)
  • ALK fusions (e.g., EML4-ALK) (occasional) — oncogenic driver (TKI sensitive)
  • ROS1 fusions (rare) — oncogenic driver
  • RET fusions (rare) — oncogenic driver
  • MET exon 14 skipping / MET amplification (occasional) — oncogenic driver
  • BRAF V600E (rare) — oncogenic driver
  • NTRK1/2/3 fusions (rare) — tumor-agnostic kinase driver
  • ERBB2 (HER2) mutations (exon 20 ins and others) (occasional) — oncogenic driver
  • KRAS (esp. G12C; others G12D/V/R) (common) — oncogenic driver (historically ‘undruggable’)
  • PD-L1 (TPS) (variable) — immune checkpoint biomarker
  • TMB (tumor mutational burden) (variable) — immunotherapy biomarker
  • MSI/MMR (rare) — DNA repair biomarker
  • STK11/LKB1, KEAP1, TP53 (co-mutations) (common) — prognostic/biologic context
  • ALK/ROS1/RET false-positive pitfalls (IHC only) (variable) — preanalytic/analytic caveat

Biology & Pathways

  • RTK–RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK (MAPK) — growth factor
  • PI3K–AKT–mTOR — growth factor
  • EGFR signaling (driver subset) — growth factor
  • EMT/AXL/TGF-β program — lineage/emt
  • Angiogenesis (VEGF/VEGFR) — angiogenesis
  • Immune evasion (PD-1/PD-L1 axis) — immune
  • Metabolic rewiring (glycolysis/FAO/PPP/redox) — metabolic

Adjuncts & Supportive Agents

Epidemiology

  • rarity: Common; most prevalent NSCLC histology worldwide.
  • medianAge: Mid-60s (broad range); rising incidence in never-smokers and women.
  • annualIncidence: Highest of lung histologies; contributes the majority of the ~2.2M lung cancer cases globally.
  • sex: Affects all sexes; slight female predominance among never-smokers.
  • geographicVariation: Driver mutation prevalence varies by region (e.g., EGFR higher in East Asia).
  • riskFactors:
    • Tobacco smoke (active and secondhand).
    • Radon and occupational exposures (silica, asbestos, diesel).
    • Air pollution (PM2.5).
    • Genetic susceptibility; family history.
    • Preexisting lung disease (fibrosis/ILD).
    • Prior chest radiation.
  • prognosis: Stage drives outcomes. Early-stage resection/SBRT can be curative. In metastatic disease, matched targeted therapies dramatically improve PFS/OS; IO±chemo benefits driver-negative disease. Brain/CNS activity of systemic agents and control of oligometastatic sites extend survival. Co-mutations (STK11/KEAP1) and performance status influence prognosis.
  • trends:
    • Shift toward never-smoker LUAD; increased detection of druggable drivers.
    • Perioperative IO ± chemo, and adjuvant targeted therapy (driver-specific) reshaping early-stage care.
    • Broader use of ctDNA for resistance and MRD research.
    • Stereotactic approaches for oligometastatic consolidation.

Pathology Markers

  • Gland-forming adenocarcinoma with acinar, papillary, lepidic, micropapillary, and/or solid patterns (often mixed).
  • IHC: TTF-1+, Napsin A+ (typical); CK7+; helps distinguish from squamous/colorectal primaries.
  • Mucin production in invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma; KRAS mutations common; aerogenous spread pattern.
  • Molecular: frequent oncogenic drivers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, METex14, BRAF V600E, NTRK, ERBB2/HER2, KRAS including G12C).
  • PD-L1 expression variable; TMB often lower in never-smokers/driver+ tumors; MSI rare.
  • Co-mutations (STK11/LKB1, KEAP1, TP53) influence biology and IO responsiveness.

Common Presentations

  • Persistent cough, dyspnea on exertion, chest discomfort.
  • Incidental pulmonary nodule on imaging.
  • Hemoptysis (variable volume).
  • Unintentional weight loss, fatigue, anorexia.
  • Recurrent pneumonia or nonresolving infiltrates.
  • Bone pain/pathologic fracture, neurologic symptoms (brain mets), or new headaches.
  • Hoarseness (recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement), SVC syndrome (central disease).

Patterns of Spread

  • Hematogenous: brain, bone, liver, adrenal glands.
  • Lymphatic: hilar, mediastinal, supraclavicular nodes.
  • Pleural: effusion, pleural nodularity.
  • Aerogenous spread: especially invasive mucinous subtype with multifocal/lobar involvement.
  • Chest wall/mediastinal invasion in locally advanced tumors.

Staging Notes

  • TNM (8th edition): size, nodal map, and metastatic burden determine stage.
  • Baseline workup: contrast CT chest/upper abdomen; PET-CT for staging; brain MRI for stage II–IV or neuro symptoms.
  • EBUS/EUS or mediastinoscopy for nodal staging when results change management.
  • Pulmonary function testing and quantitative perfusion for surgical candidates.
  • Perioperative approaches: neoadjuvant chemo-IO (driver-negative) and adjuvant targeted therapy (driver-specific) per stage and biomarkers.
  • Oligometastatic disease: consider local consolidative therapy (SBRT/SRS/surgery) after systemic control.

Standard Management

Surgery

  • Anatomic resection (lobectomy/segmentectomy) with systematic nodal dissection when operable.
  • Sublobar resection considered for small peripheral lesions or limited reserve.
  • VATS/robotic approaches common; ERAS pathways for recovery.
  • For oligometastatic disease responding to systemic therapy, consider metastasectomy case-by-case.

Systemic Therapy

  • Driver-positive: matched TKI first-line (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, METex14, BRAF V600E, NTRK, HER2).
  • Driver-negative: PD-L1 ≥50% → single-agent PD-1/PD-L1; otherwise IO + platinum doublet (commonly pembrolizumab + carboplatin/cisplatin + pemetrexed).
  • Pemetrexed-based regimens favored in non-squamous NSCLC; maintenance pemetrexed ± IO after induction.
  • Later lines guided by resistance profile (e.g., MET amp after EGFR) and clinical trial availability.

Radiation

  • SBRT for medically inoperable early-stage disease (curative intent).
  • Post-op or definitive chemoradiation for positive margins/unresectable disease.
  • SRS for brain metastases; WBRT for diffuse involvement.
  • Palliative RT for symptomatic bone, chest wall, airway, or CNS lesions.

Targeted & Immuno Notes

  • EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, METex14, BRAF V600E, NTRK, HER2: prioritize matched TKIs with CNS-active options where possible.
  • KRAS G12C: G12C inhibitors active; co-mutations (STK11/KEAP1) shape IO benefit.
  • PD-L1 high driver-negative disease: consider IO monotherapy; otherwise IO-chemotherapy.
  • Avoid initiating IO just before TKIs with high pneumonitis/hepatitis overlap; sequence thoughtfully.
  • Re-biopsy/ctDNA at progression to reveal on-target mutations (e.g., EGFR C797S) or bypass (MET/HER2 amp) for next-line strategy.
  • Combinations to overcome resistance (TKI + MET/MEK/other) best pursued on trials.

Monitoring

  • Clinic: symptoms (dyspnea, cough, chest pain, hemoptysis), performance, weight, nutrition.
  • Labs: CBC/CMP/TSH (IO), glucose/lipids (steroids), hepatic panel for TKIs/chemo.
  • Imaging: CT chest/abdomen every 8–12 weeks on active therapy; brain MRI per symptoms or CNS-risk biology.
  • Toxicity surveillance: IO irAEs (skin, GI, endocrine, lung), TKI AEs (rash, diarrhea, liver enzymes, ILD), chemo AEs (myelosuppression, neuropathy).
  • Bone health and VTE vigilance; prompt evaluation of unilateral leg swelling or pleuritic chest pain.
  • Use consistent imaging protocols to compare response over time.

Chemo Timing & Adjuncts

redoxAndTiming

  • Avoid high-dose antioxidant supplements on chemo/RT days to preserve ROS-dependent cytotoxicity.
  • Time polyphenol-rich concentrates and NAC away from infusion days unless clinically indicated.

woundHealing

  • Hold anti-angiogenic agents (bevacizumab/VEGF TKIs) peri-operatively and until adequate wound healing.
  • Coordinate dental/invasive procedures around anti-angiogenic therapy to minimize bleeding.

cytoprotection

  • Pemetrexed: folic acid + vitamin B12 with steroid premed per label.
  • Consider G-CSF for high-risk neutropenia regimens.
  • Oral care bundle and cryotherapy for mucositis-prone regimens; glutamine remains controversial.

synergy

  • Supervised exercise/prehab improves function and treatment tolerance.
  • Fasting-mimicking around chemo is exploratory; avoid weight loss that jeopardizes dose intensity.

adaptation

  • Anticipate bypass signaling (e.g., MET amp after EGFR) and EMT; plan early re-biopsy/ctDNA at progression.
  • Rotate/local consolidate oligoprogressive sites (SRS/SBRT) to extend systemic benefit.

Supportive Care

  • Smoking cessation with pharmacotherapy + behavioral support.
  • Vaccinations (influenza, pneumococcal, COVID-19) and infection-prevention counseling.
  • Pulmonary rehab/prehab to improve dyspnea and post-op outcomes.
  • Nutrition optimization; address cachexia early; dietitian involvement.
  • Pain management (multimodal) and early palliative care integration.
  • Psychosocial, sleep, and mood support; caregiver resources.
  • Bone health: consider DEXA/vitamin D/calcium; antiresorptives for bone mets as indicated.

Contraindications / Cautions

  • Avoid initiating IO immediately before/after certain TKIs due to additive pneumonitis/hepatitis risk; plan sequencing.
  • Strong CYP3A4/P-gp modulators can alter TKI levels; review med list carefully (azole antifungals, macrolides, rifamycins, anticonvulsants, St. John’s wort, grapefruit/Seville orange).
  • Anti-angiogenic agents: hold peri-operatively and with uncontrolled hypertension/bleeding risk.
  • High-dose antioxidants on chemo/RT days may blunt cytotoxic efficacy.
  • Live vaccines contraindicated during active cytotoxic therapy; coordinate in household contacts.
  • QT prolongation risks with some TKIs plus antiemetics/antibiotics—obtain baseline/interval ECG when indicated.

Emergency Thresholds

  • Fever ≥ 100.4°F (38.0°C) during chemotherapy or while neutropenic.
  • Severe chest pain, acute pressure, or sudden/worsening shortness of breath.
  • Coughing up ≥1 teaspoon of bright red blood (hemoptysis) or any rapid, ongoing bleeding.
  • Oxygen saturation <92% at rest or rapid drop from baseline despite usual oxygen.
  • New focal neurologic deficit, seizure, severe confusion, or sudden disabling headache (possible brain metastasis/bleed).
  • Severe allergic/infusion reaction: wheezing, facial or tongue swelling, hives, dizziness/fainting.
  • Shaking chills/rigors, mottled skin, or very low blood pressure—concern for sepsis.
  • Acute facial/neck swelling with venous distension and dyspnea—concern for SVC syndrome.
  • Pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, or syncope—concern for pulmonary embolism.
  • Rapidly worsening cough or dyspnea after starting immunotherapy or radiation—possible pneumonitis.
  • Severe diarrhea (≥6 stools/day), bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain—possible IO colitis or neutropenic enterocolitis.
  • Inability to keep liquids down >12 hours, continuous vomiting (>4 episodes in 6 hours), or minimal urine output.
  • Back pain with leg weakness/numbness, saddle anesthesia, or bladder/bowel dysfunction—possible spinal cord compression.
  • Uncontrolled pain not relieved by prescribed medications.

When to Call

  • New or worsening cough, chest discomfort, wheeze, or shortness of breath—even if mild.
  • Low-grade fevers, chills, or night sweats lasting >48 hours.
  • New blood-streaked sputum or persistent hoarseness.
  • Progressive fatigue, appetite loss, or unintentional weight loss >5% in a month.
  • Rash, mouth sores, or skin breakdown that affects eating or medications.
  • New diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain—especially on immunotherapy or pemetrexed.
  • Symptoms of endocrine irAEs (IO): heat/cold intolerance, palpitations, tremor, fatigue, dizziness.
  • Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, weakness) or balance issues/falls.
  • Worsening bone pain, new focal spine pain, or gait changes.
  • Wound/port issues (erythema, drainage, fever) or arm swelling on the port side.
  • Urinary burning/urgency/flank pain or markedly decreased output.
  • Dark urine, pale stools, jaundice, generalized itching, or RUQ discomfort (TKI/chemo hepatotoxicity).
  • Planned dental work/surgeries/invasive procedures—confirm timing with anti-angiogenic agents and chemo.
  • Any new OTC/herbal/supplement—check interactions before starting.
  • Medication/supplement changes or adherence challenges; ask for simplification/support.

Imaging Modalities

  • Contrast-enhanced CT chest/upper abdomen for baseline and response.
  • PET-CT for staging and to evaluate occult metastases.
  • Brain MRI (baseline for stage II–IV or neuro symptoms; surveillance per risk).
  • Low-dose chest CT for higher-cadence thoracic follow-up when needed.
  • Targeted MRI (spine/liver) for symptom-driven evaluation.

Prognostic Drivers

  • TNM stage and metastatic burden (esp. brain, liver, bone).
  • Driver status and access to CNS-active TKIs.
  • PD-L1 level in driver-negative disease.
  • Co-mutations (STK11/KEAP1/TP53) and performance status.
  • Depth/duration of first-line response and control of oligometastases.
  • Ability to maintain dose intensity and promptly manage toxicity.

Goals of Care

  • Curative intent: surgery or SBRT for early-stage; perioperative IO/chemo or adjuvant targeted therapy as indicated.
  • Disease control: first-line targeted therapy or IO±chemo with consolidation to oligomet sites when feasible.
  • Symptom-led focus with palliative measures when appropriate.
  • Trial-first strategy at resistance or when biomarkers match novel agents.
  • Response-adapted plan with pre-agreed switch rules at radiologic progression.

Palliative Focus

  • Analgesia optimization (WHO ladder); consider palliative RT for painful bone/chest wall lesions.
  • Dyspnea relief: titrated opioids, fan therapy, pulmonary rehab, and oxygen if hypoxemic; evaluate for reversible causes (effusion, PE, airway obstruction).
  • Malignant pleural effusion: therapeutic thoracentesis → indwelling pleural catheter and/or talc pleurodesis for recurrence.
  • Malignant airway obstruction/hemoptysis: urgent bronchoscopy for debulking/stent; consider endobronchial RT or bronchial artery embolization for bleeding.
  • Brain mets symptoms: corticosteroids for edema, antiepileptics for seizures, and SRS/WBRT per pattern; prioritize CNS-active TKIs when driver-positive.
  • Fatigue/anemia support, exercise/rehab, psychosocial care; screen/treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia early.
  • Bone/spine disease: SBRT for pain/local control; vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty when indicated; urgent pathway for cord compression signs.
  • Liver-dominant symptoms: consider ablation/embolization consults for pain or cholestasis relief when systemic control is limited.
  • Cough management: antitussives, gabapentinoids for neuropathic cough, and reflux/post-nasal drip control.
  • Appetite/weight: dietitian input, short trials of appetite stimulants when appropriate; address early satiety/constipation.
  • VTE prevention/treatment education with clear ED triggers (unilateral leg swelling, pleuritic chest pain, hemoptysis).
  • Early palliative care co-management improves symptom control and treatment deliverability; escalate before crises.

Chemo Backbones

  • Platinum + Pemetrexed (± Pembrolizumab) — first-line driver-negative non-squamous (Standard induction (4 cycles) followed by maintenance pemetrexed ± pembrolizumab; folate/B12 + steroid premed required.)
  • Platinum + Taxane (± Pembrolizumab/Bevacizumab) — first-line non-squamous alternative (Useful when pemetrexed contraindicated; consider bevacizumab if no bleeding/hemoptysis or recent surgery.)
  • Single-agent Pemetrexed Maintenance — post-induction (Non-squamous maintenance option; continue until progression/toxicity; add IO per initial plan.)
  • Docetaxel (± Ramucirumab) — subsequent line (Post–IO/chemo progression; monitor for neutropenia, mucositis, edema; ramucirumab adds VEGF-related AEs.)
  • Gemcitabine/Vinorelbine/Other Doublets — selected cases (Alternatives when standard options exhausted/contraindicated; response rates modest.)

Test Menu

  • Comprehensive NGS (DNA+RNA) on tumor ± plasma ctDNA — Identifies EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, MET exon 14 skipping, BRAF V600E, NTRK fusions, ERBB2/HER2 mutations, KRAS (esp. G12C) to select matched TKIs/ADCs and trial arms.
  • PD-L1 IHC (TPS) — Guides immunotherapy intensity in driver-negative disease (IO monotherapy vs IO-chemotherapy).
  • Brain MRI (with contrast) — Detects occult CNS metastases to select CNS-active TKIs and SRS vs WBRT.
  • EBUS/EUS nodal sampling (when indicated) — Pathologic staging that changes surgery/RT fields and systemic strategy.
  • MSI/MMR — Rare in LUAD; if positive, enables tumor-agnostic PD-1 therapy.
  • TMB (large panel/WES) — Contextual biomarker for IO benefit in select settings; integrate with PD-L1 and driver status.
  • ctDNA at progression — Noninvasive capture of resistance mechanisms (e.g., EGFR C797S, MET/HER2 amplifications, ALK mutations) to guide next-line therapy/trials.
  • HER2 IHC/ISH (contextual) — Less predictive than mutation status but may contribute to ADC eligibility patterns in select regions/trials.
  • Smoking status verification (CO level if needed) — Alters TKI exposure (e.g., erlotinib) and perioperative/RT risk; guides cessation supports.

Trial Keywords

  • metastatic lung adenocarcinoma
  • oligometastatic NSCLC consolidation
  • perioperative immunotherapy lung cancer
  • adjuvant targeted therapy EGFR ALK
  • EGFR C797S combination trial
  • EGFR plus MET amplification trial
  • ALK resistance mutation next-gen ALK inhibitor
  • ROS1 solvent-front mutation inhibitor
  • RET inhibitor next-gen resistance
  • MET exon 14 skipping inhibitor trial
  • BRAF V600E NSCLC combination trial
  • HER2 (ERBB2) mutant NSCLC ADC
  • NTRK fusion TRK inhibitor NSCLC
  • KRAS G12C inhibitor combination
  • PD-1 PD-L1 CTLA-4 lung adenocarcinoma
  • STK11 KEAP1 NSCLC immunotherapy combination
  • TMB-high NSCLC basket
  • SBRT oligometastatic NSCLC
  • SRS brain metastases NSCLC
  • ctDNA-guided NSCLC management trial

Trial Hooks

  • EGFR resistance (C797S; MET-amplification combinations).
  • ALK next-generation inhibitors for specific resistance mutations; CNS-optimized ALK TKIs.
  • ROS1/RET solvent-front mutation inhibitors.
  • MET exon 14 skipping inhibitors (first-line and resistance settings).
  • BRAF V600E + MEK inhibitor combinations in NSCLC.
  • HER2-mutant (ERBB2) ADCs/TKIs (exon 20 insertions and others).
  • NTRK fusion TRK inhibitors (tumor-agnostic).
  • KRAS G12C inhibitor combinations (SHP2/MEK/IO).
  • STK11/KEAP1-co-mutated IO-combination strategies.
  • Perioperative immunotherapy ± chemotherapy for resectable NSCLC.
  • Oligometastatic consolidation (SBRT/SRS/metastasectomy) after systemic response.
  • ctDNA-guided MRD/relapse-interception protocols.

Monitoring Details

Active systemic therapy: CT chest/abdomen every 8–12 weeks (6–8 weeks for aggressive biology, heavy symptom burden, or early post-switch checks). Brain MRI baseline for stage II–IV or neuro symptoms; repeat per symptoms or high CNS-risk biology. Early objective response check after 2–3 cycles (or ~6–8 weeks on TKIs) to trigger escalation/switch if inadequate. IO monitoring: exam each cycle; TSH/free T4 every 6–12 weeks; watch for pneumonitis/colitis/hepatitis/endocrinopathies. TKI monitoring: LFTs and AE check at 2–4 weeks after start/change, then each visit; ILD vigilance. Stable disease/response: extend to every 3–4 months; faster if new symptoms. Post-local consolidation (SBRT/SRS/metastasectomy): site-directed imaging at ~6–8 weeks, then rejoin routine cadence.

Markers (if baseline elevated)

  • No validated serum markers for LUAD decision-making; imaging drives care.
  • Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): optional trend if elevated at baseline; interpret cautiously.
  • CA 19-9/CA 125: occasionally elevated in mucinous/pleural disease; nonspecific—use only as supportive context.
  • LDH and alkaline phosphatase: nonspecific disease-burden markers; correlate with imaging.
  • Bespoke ctDNA: useful adjunct for resistance tracking and trend confirmation; radiology remains decisive.

Calendar Hints

  • Pemetrexed: start folic acid and vitamin B12 ≥7 days before first dose; continue through treatment; steroid premed as labeled.
  • Plan immunotherapy labs (TSH/T4, LFTs) every 6–12 weeks; educate on irAE symptom timing (often weeks 6–12 but can be earlier/later).
  • Space TKI initiation several weeks after checkpoint inhibitor when switching sequences that raise pneumonitis/hepatitis risk.
  • Coordinate dental/invasive procedures away from bevacizumab/VEGF-TKI windows (hold pre/post per label) and away from neutropenia nadirs.
  • Book brain MRI slots early for driver-positive disease with CNS risk to prevent delays in stereotactic radiotherapy.
  • If using contrast CT close to cisplatin or ifosfamide days (mixed histologies), separate by ≥48–72h and hydrate.
  • Map nadirs (days 7–14) for cytotoxics; schedule travel/procedures outside nadirs; plan G-CSF 24–72h post-chemo when indicated.
  • For smoking cessation pharmacotherapy starts, align quit date before thoracic surgery/RT to improve outcomes.

Do Not Mix

  • High-dose antioxidants on chemo/RT days—may blunt ROS-dependent efficacy.
  • Bevacizumab/VEGF TKIs with recent major surgery, uncontrolled hypertension, or significant hemoptysis—hold/avoid per label.
  • Strong CYP3A4/P-gp modulators with TKIs (azole antifungals, macrolides, rifampin, St. John’s wort) without pharmacist review.
  • Acid suppressants with acid-dependent TKIs (erlotinib/gefitinib): separate or avoid PPI; prefer H2 blocker timed apart.
  • Grapefruit/Seville orange products with many TKIs—CYP3A4 effects.
  • Chronic high-dose steroids started just before IO—can blunt efficacy; taper to physiologic if possible.
  • Live vaccines during active cytotoxic therapy or high-dose steroids; coordinate household vaccine plans.

Nutrition Flags

  • Early dietitian referral; protein target ~1.2–1.5 g/kg/day when feasible; track weight and lean mass.
  • Small, frequent, energy-dense meals for early satiety; oral nutrition supplements if intake falls.
  • Hydration focus with diarrhea-prominent TKIs; loperamide protocol and electrolyte replacement.
  • Manage reflux and dysgeusia that suppress intake; zinc and oral care bundles as appropriate.
  • Avoid restrictive diets in frail/underweight patients; any fasting/ketogenic approach must be supervised to preserve dose intensity.
  • Food-safety counseling during neutropenia (no unpasteurized dairy, raw sprouts, undercooked meats).
  • Bone health: vitamin D/calcium sufficiency; weight-bearing activity; consider DEXA with steroids or hypogonadism.

Device Interactions

  • Indwelling pleural catheter: infection prevention, drainage schedule, skin protection; know when to attempt pleurodesis.
  • Central venous port: watch for erythema, tenderness, or arm swelling—evaluate for catheter-associated DVT when symptomatic.
  • Airway stents: coordinate with interventional pulmonology; humidification and secretion management.
  • Pacemaker/ICD: confirm MRI compatibility; respect RT dose constraints and magnet precautions in the vault.
  • Orthopedic hardware/spine instrumentation: anticipate imaging artifacts; collaborate for RT planning and positioning.
  • Home oxygen: safety counseling (fire risks), humidification to reduce mucosal dryness; arrange portable tanks for rehab.

Lab Alerts

  • Platinum/pemetrexed: myelosuppression—CBC nadir planning; renal function for cisplatin; folate/B12 adherence.
  • Docetaxel (± ramucirumab): neutropenia, mucositis, edema—CBC and LFT surveillance; VEGF-related hypertension/proteinuria with ramucirumab.
  • EGFR TKIs: LFTs, rash/diarrhea monitoring; watch for ILD/pneumonitis—new dyspnea warrants urgent evaluation.
  • ALK/ROS1/RET TKIs: LFTs, CPK (some agents), bradycardia/QT; ocular/neurologic AEs with select agents.
  • MET inhibitors: edema, LFTs; interstitial lung disease vigilance.
  • KRAS G12C inhibitors: LFTs, GI AEs; drug–drug interaction review.
  • HER2-directed ADCs (e.g., T-DXd): ILD/pneumonitis risk—promptly evaluate cough/dyspnea; baseline and periodic imaging review.
  • Immunotherapy: TSH/free T4 q6–12w; LFTs; cortisol/ACTH if symptomatic; monitor for colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, endocrinopathies.
  • Bevacizumab/VEGF TKIs: BP each visit; urine protein/creatinine ratio; hematuria/bleeding review.
  • Corticosteroids (supportive or for brain mets): glucose, mood, infection risk; taper thoughtfully.

Shared Decision Tags

  • driver-status
  • pd-l1-strategy
  • tki-sequencing
  • cns-plan
  • oligomet-consolidation
  • io-toxicity-plan
  • bev-eligibility
  • dose-intensity
  • gcsf-plan
  • nutrition-plan
  • rehab/prehab
  • ctdna-trending
  • re-biopsy-at-progression
  • trial-eligibility
  • expanded-access

Data Gaps

  • Optimal sequencing/combination of TKIs after complex resistance (e.g., EGFR C797S cis/trans, polyclonal MET/HER2 amp).
  • Best IO strategies for STK11/KEAP1 co-mutated tumors.
  • ctDNA-guided perioperative/MRD strategies—prospective validation pending.
  • Durable strategies for invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma with aerogenous spread.
  • Integrative approaches (nutrition/exercise/fasting) with hard clinical endpoints in NSCLC.

Patient Questions

  • Do I have a targetable driver (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, METex14, BRAF V600E, NTRK, HER2, KRAS G12C)?
  • If no driver, what is my PD-L1 and best IO±chemo plan?
  • Is surgery or SBRT an option for my stage? Could oligomet sites be consolidated after response?
  • What is our plan if first-line therapy stops working—when and how will we test for resistance?
  • Do my co-mutations (STK11/KEAP1/TP53) affect treatment choice?
  • How will we monitor and manage IO irAEs and TKI toxicities?
  • Would I benefit from pulmonary rehab, nutrition support, or prehab before treatment?
  • Am I eligible for clinical trials now or at progression?
  • What is the plan for brain surveillance and treatment if needed?
  • How will we coordinate supplements/OTC meds to avoid interactions?

Clinical Trial Registries

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FAQs

Which tests should every lung adenocarcinoma get at diagnosis?
  • Comprehensive molecular profiling (DNA+RNA NGS) for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, MET exon 14 skipping, BRAF V600E, NTRK, ERBB2/HER2, and KRAS (esp. G12C) plus PD-L1 IHC. Use plasma ctDNA when tissue is limited; confirm negatives on tissue if feasible.
How do targeted therapies compare with chemo or immunotherapy?
  • With a druggable driver, first-line TKI usually outperforms chemo/IO for response and control. If no driver is found, PD-L1 guides IO±chemo. Combining TKIs with IO up front is generally avoided due to added toxicity.
If PD-L1 is high but I have EGFR or ALK, should I get immunotherapy first?
  • No. Targeted therapy comes first for classic drivers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, etc.) regardless of PD-L1, as single-agent IO has low efficacy and can increase toxicity if given before some TKIs.
When is surgery or SBRT possible?
  • Early-stage disease is treated with surgery or SBRT for cure. In selected oligometastatic cases, consolidative SBRT or limited metastasectomy after good systemic response may extend control.
What happens when targeted therapy stops working?
  • Re-biopsy or ctDNA looks for resistance mechanisms (e.g., EGFR C797S, MET amplification, ALK mutations). Findings drive next-line therapy or clinical trial selection.
How are brain metastases handled?
  • Many modern TKIs have strong CNS activity. Stereotactic radiosurgery treats limited lesions; whole-brain RT is reserved for diffuse disease. Multidisciplinary review tailors the plan.
Do lifestyle changes matter?
  • Yes—smoking cessation, exercise/prehab, vaccination (flu/COVID/pneumococcal), nutrition, and symptom-triggered rapid access reduce complications and help maintain dose intensity.
Are fasting or supplements helpful?
  • Supervised fasting-mimicking diets around chemo can reduce side effects in small studies; evidence is early. Avoid high-dose antioxidants on infusion/RT days. Always review supplements for TKI/IO interactions.
Is ctDNA useful for monitoring?
  • Yes as an adjunct—helps detect resistance mutations and sometimes track response. Imaging remains the primary tool for decisions.
Which symptoms should trigger urgent contact?
  • New/worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, fever ≥100.4°F, hemoptysis, severe diarrhea, severe rash, new weakness/numbness, or confusion. See ‘Emergency Thresholds’ and ‘When to Call.’

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Editorial Notes

  • Educational resource; not medical advice. Coordinate decisions with thoracic oncology, radiation oncology, interventional pulmonology, and palliative care.
  • Highlight clinical trials at baseline and every progression—driver status and resistance mechanisms change options.