Hello-newly diagnosed Stage 4 NSCLC from GA

[Martin]

Hello- I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma about 5 weeks ago.  Initially diagnosed as Stage 1/2 based on PET scan that showed no spread.  During lobectomy surgery, surgeon discovered numerous spots on another lobe and also on both sides of the pleura.  Surgery was discontinued at that point and am now considered Stage 4.  Waiting on genetics of tumor to come back to see if targeted therapy would work for me.  Otherwise, I need to make choice between chemo (carboplatin, pemetrexed) or enroll in clinical trial involving combo of immune therapy meds.  Any information or experience anyone would be willing to share would be very much appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

[Tom Galli]

Martin,

Welcome here. 

I think your treatment decision should be made after the tumor genetics are determined.  There are so many advances in targeted therapies for adenocarcinoma that can have a dramatic effect on your cancer.  Some of these are so effective, they've moved to first line (standard of care) treatment.  Moreover, many targeted therapies are are also effective after conventional chemotherapy (carboplatin or pemetrexed) so that option remains open to you.  I'd make the treatment decision after learning the genetic information about your tumors.

Immunotherapy discoveries are also exciting but I'd hold the clinical trial in reserve until the genetic makeup of your adenocarcinoma is revealed.

You'll have many more questions and this is a good place to ask them.  We are the cancer experts, at least in terms of experience.

Stay the course.

Tom

[LaurenH]

Hi, Martin,

Welcome to LCSC! I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I'm glad you found us. Tom is right, there are many reasons to be hopeful with so many recent advancements in treatment. If you'd like to learn more about adenocarcinoma or immunotherapy, LUNGevity has free resources available for download

Adenocarcinoma Education Booklet

Immunotherapy Education Booklet

Please keep us posted on the results of your tumor genetics and feel free to post additional questions and participate in the discussion boards.

Regards,

Lauren
--
Digital Community Manager
LUNGevity Foundation

[Susan Cornett]

Hi, Martin.  I was diagnosed with Stage III adenocarcinoma in February after a lobectomy to remove a significant mass.  Additional scans prior to chemo found mets in my thyroid and I was reclassified as Stage IV.  I had four rounds of chemo (cisplatin, pemetrexed) and tolerated the side effects fairly well.  For better or worse, my adeno cells did not have any genetic markers that would make me a candidate for targeted therapy.  Apparenly I had plain old cancer cells.  That said, it's my understanding that the targeted therapy, if you are a candidate, is successful for many people.  

I wish you luck on this journey.