Chemotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to destroy or damage fast-growing cells like cancer cells. It is used to shrink tumors, slow cancer’s growth, relieve symptoms, or help people live longer. Chemotherapy drugs are given in different ways (intravenously, orally by a pill, or by injection). 

These are the chemotherapy drugs that are used most often to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list. 

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.

All Available Treatments

Intravenous =
Pill =

Treatment Type

Alkylating Agents

Drug Names
Paraplat® (carboplatin) (IV)
Paraplatin® (carboplatin) (IV)
Platinol-AQ® (cisplatin) (IV)
Platinol® (cisplatin) (IV)
Potential Side Effects
Weight/appetite changes Constipation Cough Diarrhea Fatigue/weakness Hair thinning/loss Headache Hearing changes Blood sugar changes Joint pain/stiffness Low blood counts Muscle pain Nausea/vomiting Taste changes Urinary, kidney, or bladder changes
Important Things to Know
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding. 
  • Kidney problems are a possible side effect.

Treatment Type

Taxanes

Drug Names
Abraxane® (paclitaxel albumin, albumin-bound paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel) (IV)
Taxol® (paclitaxel) (IV)
Taxotere® (docetaxel) (IV)
Potential Side Effects
Weight/appetite changes Diarrhea Fatigue/weakness Fever Swelling Hair thinning/loss Hearing changes Joint pain/stiffness Low blood counts Mouth sores Muscle pain Nausea/vomiting Neuropathy Skin/nail changes Adverse drug reaction Urinary, kidney, or bladder changes
Important Things to Know
  • Taxol is given with cisplatin for NSCLC.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding. 
  • Kidney problems are a possible side effect.
  • Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.

Treatment Type

Topoisomerase Inhibitors

Drug Names
Toposar® (etoposide) (Pill,IV)
VePesid® (etoposide) (Pill,IV)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Secondary cancer
Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea Fertility issues Hair thinning/loss Low blood counts Blood pressure changes Menopausal symptoms Nausea/vomiting Adverse drug reaction
Important Things to Know
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding. 
  • Leukemia is a rare side effect.

Treatment Type

Anti-metabolites

Drug Names
Alimta® (pemetrexed disodium) (IV)
Gemzar® (gemcitabine hydrochloride) (IV)
Potential Side Effects
Blood in the urine Fatigue/weakness Fever Headache Joint pain/stiffness Low blood counts Muscle pain Nausea/vomiting Skin/nail changes Weight/appetite changes
Important Things to Know
  • Gemzar is given with cisplatin.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding. 

Treatment Type

Vinca Alkaloid

Drug Name
Navelbine® (vinorelbine tartrate) (IV)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Lung problems
Potential Side Effects
Constipation Low blood counts Fatigue/weakness Nausea/vomiting Neuropathy
Important Things to Know

Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.