One Woman’s Journey from Hopelessness to Stability Thanks to Targeted Therapy

Amy Grove was just 48 when she received the life-shattering news that she had Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Doctors discovered a squamous cell carcinoma in her right lung, a type notoriously difficult to treat. Initially placed on a combined drug and radiation therapy—a standard approach at the time—Amy found the treatment intolerable. Worse, her cancer hyper-progressed, spreading to her skull, shoulder, adrenal glands, hips, ovaries, femur, and more.

The journey became physically excruciating: Amy was so weakened she relied on a wheelchair and even broke her femur and foot simply sitting down. Emotionally, she felt utterly defeated. Yet, her doctor decided to take a chance: genomic testing. Squamous cell tumors rarely have known biomarkers, but the results revealed that Amy’s cancer had a MET amplification—a mutation that could be specifically targeted.

Within just two weeks of starting MET-targeted therapy, Amy experienced a remarkable turnaround. She regained her mobility, shedding the wheelchair and feeling “90 percent better.” The targeted drug shrank most of the metastatic lesions, and further interventions like cryoablation and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) addressed the remaining spots on her adrenal gland and lung. Today, Amy remains on her targeted medication and is considered stable—a miracle she attributes entirely to genomic testing.

Alongside her medical victory, Amy discovered a vital support network through online lung cancer communities. She now co-administers a MET-specific Facebook group, helping others navigate their own treatment journeys. Her message is clear: advocate for yourself and ask about biomarker testing. Even if you worry about the cost, many testing companies offer financial assistance. Above all, Amy insists, “Don’t lose hope.” New advancements emerge continually, and you never know which breakthrough might save your life.