How Is Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated?
The treatment of advanced lung adenocarcinoma aims to control the disease, prolong life, and improve quality of life. The main treatment options include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and personalized chemotherapy, combined with supportive therapy to improve the patient's overall condition.
1. Targeted Therapy: A Precise and Effective Treatment Option
If patients have genetic mutations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, targeted therapy can be the preferred choice. Targeted drugs can block specific signaling pathways in cancer cells, thereby controlling disease progression. For example, commonly used drugs for EGFR mutations include osimertinib and gefitinib; patients with ALK mutations can choose crizotinib. The continuous development of new-generation drugs provides more precise treatment options for patients with different mutation types. During treatment, regular genetic testing is required to understand drug resistance and adjust the treatment plan.
2. Immunotherapy: Activating the Autologous Immune System
Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, like pembrolizumab, have become a breakthrough in the treatment of advanced lung adenocarcinoma in recent years by restoring the recognition and attack functions of the patient's immune system. They are particularly suitable for patients without driver gene mutations or those who have failed targeted therapy. This treatment can extend patients' survival but may cause immune-related side effects such as rash and colitis, which require close monitoring during treatment.
3. Combined Chemotherapy: Comprehensive Coverage of Lesions
For patients lacking indications for targeted or immunotherapy, chemotherapy remains an important treatment option. Commonly used drugs include pemetrexed combined with platinum-based chemotherapy, which can effectively slow down disease progression. Some patients may also combine immunotherapy to enhance treatment effectiveness. During chemotherapy, attention should be paid to side effects such as bone marrow suppression and alopecia, and drugs can be used to alleviate nausea and anemia to improve tolerance.
4. Supportive Therapy: Improving Quality of Life
Advanced cancer patients often experience symptoms and complications such as tumor-induced pain or dyspnea. Supportive therapy improves the patient's condition through symptomatic treatment, nutritional support, and psychological intervention. For example, oral morphine can relieve pain; oxygen therapy can alleviate dyspnea; psychological counseling can alleviate anxiety and depression. Reasonable diet and moderate activity should also be maintained to sustain physical energy. Scientific and rational selection of treatment options can help patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma prolong life and improve quality of life.
Patients should undergo individualized treatment under the guidance of professional oncologists, maintain close communication with doctors, and pay attention to treatment effects and side effects. Additionally, family and social support can provide strong psychological and emotional support for patients.
