My father has been diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer with bone involvement. It's been 8 wks form diagnosis and to date he has had one targeted radiotherapy treatment to reduce bone pain. He has been almost bed bound for 3 wks after the radio with fatigue etc. I spoke with the oncologist after researching Tarceva. He told me he would not prescribe Tarceva as its only used in 2/3nd line treatment. NICE say you have to have chemo first. My worry is that my father is too ill to tolerate traditional chemo and that his best chance is to take a targeted drug which will be more tolerable. As my father has had treatment (radiotherapy) surely additional treatment could be called 2nd line, therefore Tarceva would be justified. It's ludicrous to know that a drug exists that could improve quality of life and prolong it, yet because of guidelines (politics) you have to endure harsh chemo (which has shown limited results) first.
Has anyone been succesful in gaining Tarceva on a 1st line treatment basis or similar?
Regards
Craig
