Targeted DrugsTargeted drugs are designed to target proteins in cancer cells that may help cancer cells grow.They include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, ROS1 inhibitors, MET inhibitors, RET inhibitors, and HER2 inhibitors. Our researchers study newer targets in clinical trials.Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor InhibitorsVascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) are proteins that promote blood vessel growth. Tumors feed from these proteins to grow. VEGF-receptor inhibitors are medications that can block new blood vessel growth. They are sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy drugs.Dr. Daniel H. Sterman discusses treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer with a patient.ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy targets the immune cells, rather than cancer cells, to help boost the body’s immune response against cancer. PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab, can block immune suppression, reactivating immune cells to attack cancer.Our pathologists test biopsy tissue for the presence of PD-L1 to determine if immunotherapy should be prescribed. Sometimes, PD-1 inhibitors are used instead of chemotherapy, while other times they may be used after or in combination with chemotherapy. For a small group of people with non-small cell lung cancer, PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors can lead to much longer-lasting cancer control.Our clinical trials evaluate new immunotherapies and new combinations of therapies using PD-1 inhibitors., For more on this, see Treatment Choices for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, by Stage. How is chemotherapy given? Chemo drugs for lung cancer are typically given into a vein (IV), either as an injection over a few minutes or as an infusion over a longer period of time. This can be done in a doctor’s office, chemotherapy clinic, or in a hospital , Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery, and electrocautery may be used. Learn more about NSCLC in this expert-reviewed summary..