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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Targeted Toxicities: Protocols for Monitoring the Adverse Events of Targeted Therapies Used in the Treatment of
Jacobi B Hines1, Benjamin Bowar1, Emma Levine2
1Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Abstract:
Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment for many patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Multiple new oral targeted therapies have been approved in the last decade; however, their overall efficacy may be reduced by poor adherence, treatment interruptions, or dose reductions due to adverse events. Most institutions lack standard monitoring protocols for toxicities from these targeted agents. This review describes important adverse events observed in clinical trials and reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both currently approved and upcoming promising therapies in the treatment of NSCLC. These agents cause a range of toxicities, including dermatologic, gastroenteric, pulmonary, and cardiac toxicities. This review proposes protocols for routine monitoring of these adverse events, both prior to initiation of therapy and while on treatment.
Insights
New targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) show promise, but adverse events can hinder efficacy. This review proposes monitoring protocols to manage these toxicities effectively.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Targeted therapies have transformed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
- Adverse events from oral targeted therapies can reduce treatment efficacy due to poor adherence, interruptions, or dose reductions.
- Current institutional protocols for monitoring toxicities from these agents are often lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant adverse events associated with approved and emerging targeted therapies for NSCLC.
- To propose standardized monitoring protocols for these adverse events.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for targeted NSCLC therapies.
- Analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse event reports.
- Identification of common and serious toxicities.
Main Results:
- Targeted agents for NSCLC can cause various toxicities, including dermatologic, gastroenteric, pulmonary, and cardiac.
- A range of adverse events are documented for both current and investigational therapies.
Conclusions:
- Standardized monitoring protocols are needed to manage adverse events from targeted NSCLC therapies.
- Proactive monitoring before and during treatment can help maintain efficacy and patient safety.
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