How do stage IV lung cancer treatment options differ from earlier stages?

Thank you for sharing such thoughtful insights about how treatment approaches vary by stage - this knowledge can really help others in the community understand their own treatment paths better. Stage IV lung cancer treatment typically does involve different initial approaches compared to earlier stages, often focusing on systemic therapies like targeted therapy or immunotherapy from the start, while earlier stages may use the sequential approach with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy that the study mentioned. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable perspective as everyone navigates these important treatment decisions with their care teams.

I have Stage 3 ALK+ NSC lung cancer. I was told that ALK+ NSCLC do not respond well to immunotherapy but are sensitive to targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The genetic studies directed my treatment. I hope you find something that works for you Duane. Good luck.

I was d diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer last April and had four sessions of chemotherapy (carboplatin plus) and immunotherapy which I tolerated really well and shrank tumors about 30%, but now seem to be in a maintenance pattern. Has anyone had experience with the sonic treatment to emolusify the spot on the liver? Any other treatments or advice? Respectfully, Duane BigEagle Petaluma CA

Hello,, Biomarkers: PD-L1 pos TPS 10% MET- exon 18 (lack of benefit capmatinib, tepotinib) KRAS-exon 2 (pG12V) TP 53 - exon 8 (p.R280K) MSI-stable TMB low, 6mut/Mb Diagnosed last April with Stage IV lung cancer (with spot on liver and central lymph node) had four sessions of chemotherapy (carboplatin plus) and immunotherapy which I tolerated really well and shrank tumors about 30%,but now seem to be in maintenance pattern. Any advice or suggestions. Duane B in Petaluma, CA

I have NSCLC and I had 3 treatments of chemo/immuno and I tolerated it well. Surgery is not an option. I’m fixing to start targeted radiation for 6 weeks 5 days a week for 15 minutes a day and low dose of chemo once a week to help enhance the radiation. My cancer is in the top left lobe and it shrunk almost half. I was also taking 3 mg ivermectin the day before the day of and the day after my treatment and it helped my side effects. Here’s praying that it will help me through this process too. I give my healing process to God because prayers truly work. I felt Jesus beside me every step of the way.

Brenda: i am stage IV NSCLC for 2 yrs and have had 32 chemos and Inmuno (Alimtaand Keytruda were my maintenance protocol. Now metastasis to C2 and radiation followed. Awaiting for A new protocol. Did your Dr approve the invermectin parallel treatment? I have been reading about it but because data is anecdotal, my doctors dont even get in the conversation.