Side Effects of Lung Cancer Treatment and How to Manage Them
Oct 30, 2024
Lung cancer treatment has changed dramatically in the last few years. In 2026, care is far more personalised—based on the type of lung cancer, stage, molecular mutations, and overall health—and many patients now benefit from newer approaches like perioperative immunotherapy (around surgery), precision targeted medicines, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and improved maintenance strategies, especially for advanced disease.
If you or your family is facing lung cancer, the most important first step is getting evaluated by an experienced oncologist who can guide the correct tests and an evidence-based treatment plan. In Faridabad, Dr Sumant Gupta is widely trusted as the best oncologist and lung cancer doctor, known for managing complex cancer cases with a patient-focused approach.
Dr Sumant Gupta (Best Oncologist & Lung Cancer Doctor in Faridabad)
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Call: +91 981 862 8242
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Today, “lung cancer” is treated as multiple different diseases. The big reason is molecular profiling—testing the tumour for genetic changes (mutations) and markers like PD-L1, which guide whether immunotherapy or targeted therapy will work best.
Two patients with the same stage may get completely different treatment plans depending on:
Type: Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) vs Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Stage: Early, locally advanced, or metastatic
Molecular markers: EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, MET, RET, BRAF, HER2, etc.
Fitness & co-morbidities (lung function, heart health, diabetes, etc.)
This is why 2026 protocols strongly emphasise biopsy + molecular testing before finalising treatment, especially in advanced cases.
One of the biggest changes in recent guidelines is expanding the use of immunotherapy given before surgery (neoadjuvant) and/or after surgery (adjuvant) for selected early and locally advanced NSCLC, often combined with chemotherapy.
Why it matters:
Helps reduce tumour burden before surgery
Lowers recurrence risk after surgery in appropriate patients
Aims to improve long-term survival outcomes in resectable disease
This is now a major focus in updated guideline discussions and clinical practice.
Who may benefit: Patients with resectable NSCLC (depending on stage, PD-L1, and overall evaluation by a thoracic oncology team).
Radiation has also evolved. In 2026, many centres use highly precise approaches such as:
SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) for early-stage patients who cannot undergo surgery
Consolidation strategies after chemoradiation in locally advanced cases, guided by tumour biology and treatment response
Modern guideline updates continue to refine when and how these strategies are used.
For metastatic NSCLC, targeted therapy remains a cornerstone when a driver mutation is present. In 2026, the “latest” is not just having a targeted drug—it’s choosing the right sequence and combining strategies when appropriate.
Notable recent changes include:
Amivantamab + lazertinib as a first-line option for EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC (a major shift beyond only single-agent EGFR TKIs for many patients).
Your oncologist will decide based on:
Exact mutation subtype
Previous treatments (if any)
Brain metastases risk/management
Tolerance and side-effect profile
ADCs are one of the most talked-about advancements going into 2026. These therapies act like a “smart delivery system”—an antibody targets the cancer cell and delivers a potent anti-cancer payload.
Recent regulatory updates highlight their growing role in NSCLC, including:
Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd / Datroway): FDA accelerated approval (June 2025) for previously treated EGFR-mutated NSCLC after EGFR therapy and platinum chemotherapy.
Reports also note additional ADC approvals in NSCLC during 2025.
Why this matters for patients in 2026:
ADCs are creating additional options after resistance develops to earlier targeted therapies and chemotherapy—especially in heavily pre-treated settings.
Important note: Availability and approvals can vary by country and hospital formulary. Your oncologist will guide the best available option.
Immunotherapy isn’t “new,” but its use in 2026 is more targeted and evidence-driven:
Used in combination with chemotherapy for many advanced NSCLC patients
Selected use based on PD-L1 and overall clinical scenario
Increasing focus on the right timing (before surgery, after surgery, with chemo, or as maintenance)
Recent reviews and guideline discussions continue to reflect how central immunotherapy has become.
SCLC is aggressive, and treatment historically had fewer breakthroughs compared with NSCLC. That is changing.
A key recent development was a new first-line maintenance combination approval for extensive-stage SCLC:
Reuters reported an FDA approval (Oct 2025) for a maintenance combination approach after initial chemotherapy response, expanding options in a setting with high relapse rates.
There’s also strong momentum around bispecific antibodies and newer immune-based approaches in SCLC, with experts discussing 2026 as an active period for additional progress.
Before deciding treatment, the most updated approach typically includes:
High-quality imaging (CT / PET-CT as advised)
Tissue diagnosis (biopsy)
Molecular profiling / mutation testing (especially for NSCLC)
PD-L1 testing to plan immunotherapy
Staging and multidisciplinary planning (oncology + pulmonology + thoracic surgery + radiation oncology as needed)
These steps help avoid delays and ensure the first treatment choice is the best one.
Because lung cancer treatment in 2026 is highly specialised, outcomes improve when care is:
Evidence-based and guideline-aligned
Personalised to tumour biology
Coordinated across specialties
Supported with side-effect management, nutrition, and follow-up planning
For patients in Faridabad and Delhi NCR, Dr Sumant Gupta is recognised for his expertise in oncology, and for guiding patients through diagnosis, staging, modern treatment options, and long-term follow-up with clarity and compassion.
Book an Appointment Today
Call: +91 981 862 8242
Visit: drsumantgupta.com
Is immunotherapy available for early-stage lung cancer in 2026?
In selected patients, yes—many protocols now use immunotherapy around surgery based on recent evidence and guideline updates.
Are targeted therapies only for smokers or non-smokers?
Targeted therapies depend on tumour mutations, not smoking status. Many non-smokers have actionable mutations, but smokers can also have them.
What’s the newest option after EGFR therapy stops working?
Newer approaches include ADCs like datopotamab deruxtecan in specific previously treated EGFR-mutated NSCLC settings (as per FDA accelerated approval).
Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024