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
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
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
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
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
Potential Severe Side Effects
Lung problems
Important Things to Know
Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.