NikoleV

Overall health becomes a major priority when undergoing lung cancer treatment, and staying active is one way to include healthy behaviors in your life. Talking with your doctor about exercise and lung cancer is important to remain safe and do activities your body and lungs can handle. If you feel chest or lung pain during any workouts, stop immediately and tell your doctor. 
The purpose of low-impact workouts is to lightly work muscles and keep them strong. It’s a specific exercise plan to limit the amount of stress put on your body. Adding exercise to your lung cancer treatment plan is about maintaining your health so your body continues to have the strength to go through treatment and keep the quality of life important to you. 
Nobody needs to do all the exercises listed below. These ideas are meant to show the range of options available for you and your doctor to talk about for a safe and fun low-impact exercise plan. 
Read more here: https://www.lungevity.org/blogs/exercise-and-lung-cancer-low-impact-workouts

Being a Caregiver for a Parent
https://www.lungevity.org/blogs/being-caregiver-for-parent
Posted on October 25, 2022
Nick Baker, Website Content Manager
Being a caregiver for a parent means helping in different ways and playing different roles. For Aimee Yairi, it started when her dad told her that he was having a lingering cough in early 2021.  The fear was that he had caught COVID. His primary care physician continued ordering x-rays for her father and prescribing different medications for pneumonia, asthma, and GERD—but resisted sending him to a specialist. Aimee advocated for her father to get a CT scan. And that was when the 7 cm tumor was discovered. 
Despite her father living in the major metropolitan area of Honolulu, Aimee knew that he had to seek specialized care and time was of the essence. Within one week of the CT scan results, Aimee’s father was on a plane from Hawaii to seek care in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Aimee and her siblings lived. It was May of 2021 when he was officially diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).   
Aimee’s First Steps in Being a Caregiver for a Parent 
Upon arriving in the San Francisco Bay Area, Aimee encouraged her father to seek care at a local academic center and then subsequently, a second opinion at a different nearby academic center. This was the first step in her caregiving journey, and she became the primary caregiver and advocate for her parent. 
“The first few months after the diagnosis were taxing and so intense. I was very overwhelmed but incredibly grateful for the support network I found,” says Aimee. 
Never did Aimee expect her professional background in the biotech and pharmaceutical area, focused on oncology, would help her with the medically focused role she would take on in her father’s care. She knew that connecting with lung cancer organizations like LUNGevity would help her learn how to support her dad in many additional ways. 
Her key responsibilities were finding the right doctors, communicating with medical staff because her father is a non-native English speaker, researching treatment options and clinical trials, joining support groups, finding patient resources, managing doctor’s visits, and helping her dad understand treatment options, risks, and possible outcomes, including the role of comprehensive biomarker testing. 
This is how they found the EGFR-mutation, specifically exon deletion 19, in his lung cancer tissue. And with this new information, they could offer him a more tailored plan including targeted treatment, rather than traditional chemotherapy, with or without radiation.  
“One thing I want to get across about treatment today is that lung cancer is diverse and heterogeneous. There are many types of lung cancer and many treatment options. But, you need to know the type of lung cancer you’re dealing with. Comprehensive biomarker testing gives you that information so that you may have the option of a treatment designed to treat your type of lung cancer,” says Aimee. 
Changing Roles as Treatment Changes 
At this point, Aimee’s role of being a caregiver for a patient expanded. She went from managing her father’s doctor appointments to learning about the treatment options he had moving forward. 
“It’s important people make the decisions that are best for them and their families. At the time of diagnosis, my father was 78 years old, and quality of life was important to him as well as to our family. At the same time, I wanted to know as much as possible about treatment options for this type of lung cancer, including what was not yet standard of care and specifically what clinical trial options were there for my dad. I knew my dad had choices. I just had to figure out what choices he had and to share them with him so that he could make an informed decision,” says Aimee. 
This is an example of how being a caregiver for a parent is different for everyone. It’s about working as a team where each person takes on different roles to form a strong unit. Aimee knew her strengths, such as understanding and being able to navigate a complicated healthcare system and the complexities of oncology care in the community vs. academic settings.   
She also knew to ask his healthcare teams about clinical trials and learned of a local one for patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer. The rationale for the trial sounded reasonable and other data appeared promising. And it would be significantly more convenient if he stayed with her in the San Francisco Bay Area while undergoing treatment. 
Caregivers Need Support Too 
But no caregiver journey is easy. While Aimee focused on helping her father with his cancer treatment, she also had a young daughter who needed support with remote learning due to COVID. Additionally, Aimee went through her own medical issues at the same time, including abdominal surgery and a broken foot.  
No caregiver can give 100% of themselves to someone else. And that’s okay. 
“You will feel like you’re giving 200% and you’re not alone. But know that life is not static. This too shall pass. One of my father’s “cancer buddies” told me that the first 6 months after diagnosis is the hardest. That was certainly our experience,” says Aimee. 
Today, Aimee’s dad is over a year out from his open thoracotomy and continues to stay on a targeted treatment as maintenance therapy plan. He is now home in Honolulu and continues to rake the leaves under his mango trees and look forward to visits with his grandchildren.   
Aimee has stayed in contact with the lung cancer community, and she continues to support her father by managing his healthcare team appointments and other needs. As her dad continues his lung cancer journey, Aimee continues her journey by giving back to the lung cancer community through outreach programs, like the LifeLine Support Partner program, that help connect her to other newly diagnosed patients and caregivers.   
“The journey, especially at the beginning, can be so scary and disorienting. I hope to be able to lend an ear and share some of the wisdom others kindly gave to us during our darkest times.”
 
Related Links:
Visit the LUNGevity Calendar to join upcoming caregiver events 
The Caregiver Resource Center has more helpful tips and information 

Contact Katie Tith with any questions about this study: ktith@bdtx.com
BDTX-1535 is an orally available, highly potent, selective, irreversible inhibitor of allosteric epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) alterations, including amplification, mutations, and splice variants which have been identified in glioblastoma (GBM) and mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) associated with intrinsic or acquired resistance. The open label, multicenter will assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of BDTX-1535 in patients with GBM harboring EGFR alterations and NSCLC with EGFR mutations of intrinsic or acquired resistance who have failed standard treatment. Dose escalation cohorts will be used to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase 2 dose of BDTX-1535 oral administration.
Patients with NSCLC must meet all of the following inclusion criteria, in addition to the common inclusion criteria applicable for all patients:
•    Histologically or cytologically confirmed NSCLC, without small cell lung cancer transformation.
•    Locally advanced or metastatic disease, with or without CNS metastases.
•    Disease may be evaluable or measurable for dose escalation cohorts but must be measurable by RECIST v1.1 criteria for enrollment on the disease specific expansion cohorts.
•    Disease progression following or intolerance of standard of care:
-    NSCLC with uncommon EGFR mutations (eg, G719X), following standard of care therapy with an EGFR inhibitor.
-    NSCLC with acquired resistance EGFR mutation (eg, C797S), following a 3rd generation EGFR inhibitor in the 1st line setting (in the absence of concurrent T790M).
•    EGFR mutations identified by NGS in the absence of other known resistance mutations (eg, T790M, MET)
 

The holiday season can feel overwhelming. Especially if you are living with or caring for someone with lung cancer. Ask questions, get support, and hear what others are doing to de-stress this season during our special virtual meetup on December 20th. Expert Sarah Bechard, LSCSW, will be on to help you cope this holiday season.
Register here: https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services/virtual-meetups

We are proud to announce the 2022 recipients of the ALK Positive/LUNGevity ALK-Positive Lung Cancer Research Awards. 
The grant monies, totaling $1.75 million, were raised by ALK Positive and represent patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer themselves directly influencing the direction and focus of the research that affects their lives. This year’s awardees are the third cohort to receive these awards.

The selected research projects will address unanswered questions in the ALK space and seek to quickly improve outcomes for the approximately 5% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer whose cancers have tested positive for an alteration in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene.

The recipients of the 2022 ALK Positive/LUNGevity ALK-Positive Lung Cancer Research Awards are:   
Trever Bivona, MD, PhD, University of California, San Francisco—Defining and novel therapeutic targeting of ALK fusion protein granules
Roberto Chiarle, MD, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School—Development of ALK-specific TCR-T cells for the eradication of ALK+ NSCLC
Angel Qin, MD, University of Michigan—Gilteritinib for lorlatinib-resistant ALK NSCLC

"We are delighted to continue our partnership on translational and clinical trial research with LUNGevity Foundation. The three scientists selected for the 2022 ALK Positive/LUNGevity ALK-Positive Lung Cancer Research Awards are international experts in the field. Their projects will expand ALK Positive’s strategic investment in funding research that will add new treatment options to the current arsenal of tyrosine kinase inhibitor-based treatment regimens,” said Ken Culver, MD, Director of Research & Clinical Affairs of the ALK Positive patient-driven organization.

To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3BeHMTN
 

Would you like access to the latest #lungcancer information from your living room?
Register for Learn with LUNGevity and Sentara Cancer Network for our December 1st webinar. Hear from experts about new therapies, updates, and ways to live well after a lung cancer diagnosis. Learn about vital support programs and resources offered by LUNGevity Foundation and Sentara Cancer Network. This free virtual event will be held via Zoom. Registration is required: https://bit.ly/3W8FGxQ #LCAM

Take a behind-the-scenes look at how researchers study lung cancer during our December 2nd Facebook Live. Join lung cancer researcher Dr. Triparna Sen as she digs into what’s known about how EGFR-positive NSCLC cells transform into SCLC to escape targeted therapy treatment.
Get more information and RSVP here: https://fb.me/e/2V0nrioco
 

LUNGevity Foundation Welcomes Ann Fish-Steagall, BSN, RN, as Senior Vice President of Patient Services
https://www.lungevity.org/news/media-releases/lungevity-foundation-welcomes-ann-fish-steagall-bsn-rn-as-senior-vice-president
With 40 years of expertise as an oncology nurse navigator and leader in clinical operations, Ann provides insight and value to LUNGevity’s Support and Survivorship programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Linda Wenger
lwenger@LUNGevity.org
(973) 449-3214
WASHINGTON, DC (October 7, 2022) — LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, welcomes Ann Fish-Steagall, BSN, RN, as its Senior Vice President of Patient Services. In her new role, Ann will be responsible for developing the organization’s blueprint for patient services and overseeing its execution.
LUNGevity provides services to both the patient and their caregiver, irrespective of where the patient is in their journey – newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with the disease, or a long-term survivor. Materials are created to provide the healthcare team, including healthcare providers, nurses, and nurse navigators, with the tools they need to help inform their patients. As Senior Vice President of Patient Services, Ann will be ensuring that LUNGevity’s offerings prioritize and address needs across the lung cancer continuum of care.
“Advances in early detection, treatment, and overall understanding of disease progression mean that people are living longer and better with lung cancer. LUNGevity is committed to providing services that address the unique needs of all people impacted by the disease, including long-term survivors and their caregivers,” said Andrea Ferris, president and CEO of LUNGevity Foundation. “Expanding the breadth and efficacy of our patient services ensures that the lung cancer survivors of today and tomorrow have the resources they need to thrive.”
Ann Fish-Steagall received her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Bachelor of Social Work from Mars Hill College (University) in Mars Hill, NC. Prior to joining LUNGevity, Ann served as a research nurse and thoracic nurse navigator at the University of North Carolina. She is attuned to patients' needs; as the former director of clinical operations at Biologics by McKesson, Ann directed and implemented significant patient management programs. Ann shares that her life’s passion has been to improve the lives of patients, and we are grateful that she will continue this work at LUNGevity Foundation.
About LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. The foundation works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, and to ensure that patients have access to these advances. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease—while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity provides information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivors—and those who help them live better and longer lives.
Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our vision—a world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization.
About Lung Cancer in the US
About 1 in 17 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.
More than 236,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.
Lung cancer takes more lives in the United States than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined.
Only about 23% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it is caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically.
Please visit LUNGevity.org to learn more.

LUNGevity Foundation Grants Two Research Awards for Lung Cancer Studies Within the VA System
LUNGevity strategically supports lung cancer researchers to continue progress in early detection and treatment
https://www.lungevity.org/news/media-releases/lungevity-foundation-grants-two-research-awards-for-lung-cancer-studies-within
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Linda Wenger
lwenger@LUNGevity.org
(973) 449-3214
WASHINGTON, DC (October 4, 2022)— LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2022 VA Research Scholar Awards.
“LUNGevity Foundation is committed to supporting America’s veterans and veteran-focused healthcare,” said Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, Executive Director of Research at LUNGevity. “These awards fund critical lung cancer research while supporting lung cancer researchers who are interested in continuing their careers within the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its affiliated medical centers.”  
LUNGevity uses a rigorous approach to select awardees. Each research project is evaluated by a multidisciplinary review committee of thoracic oncology leaders who are passionate about serving the US veteran population.
This year, the recipients of LUNGevity’s VA Research Scholar Awards are:  
Alex Bryant, MD
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Project: Predicting clinical benefit of immunotherapy in veterans
Dr. Bryant will use data from the Veterans Affairs system to develop statistical models to predict response to immunotherapy in patients with lung cancer. While immunotherapy has improved outcomes for many patients, scientists are still trying to understand why some people respond well to the treatment and others do not. If successful, this work will create a prototype to predict the benefit of choosing immunotherapy for individual patients. This tool could be used to counsel patients and inform patient-physician decision-making.
Lucas Vitzthum, MD
Stanford University School of Medicine / VA Palo Alto
Project: Isotoxic hypofractionation to personalize radiation for NSCLC
Dr. Vitzthum will develop and evaluate a method for personalized radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients will be assessed regarding their expected risk of treatment toxicity, and those at lower risk will be treated in a fewer number of treatments with a more intense dose of radiation. If successful, this could result in optimized radiation treatment protocols that reduce barriers to treatment – such as financial burden and travel hardships – for patients.
“LUNGevity’s VA Research Scholar Awards fulfill a critical need by providing grants to junior investigators who are interested in pursuing research careers that will impact the lives of people facing a lung cancer diagnosis,” said Robert Keith, MD, Professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology at the University of Colorado Denver, Associate Chief of Staff of Research at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, and member of LUNGevity’s Scientific Advisory Board. “These grants are critical stepping stones in the careers of these researchers. With this support, the researchers conduct initial experiments and collect initial data to lay the groundwork for an impactful career focused on lung cancer research within the VA.”
 
About LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. The foundation works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, and to ensure that patients have access to these advances. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease—while promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity provides information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivors—and those who help them live better and longer lives.
Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our vision—a world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization.
About Lung Cancer in the US
About 1 in 17 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.
More than 236,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.
About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.
Lung cancer takes more lives in the United States than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined.
Only about 23% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it is caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically.
Please visit LUNGevity.org to learn more.

Being a Caregiver for a Parent
https://www.lungevity.org/blogs/being-caregiver-for-parent
Posted on October 25, 2022
Nick Baker, Website Content Manager
Being a caregiver for a parent means helping in different ways and playing different roles. For Aimee Yairi, it started when her dad told her that he was having a lingering cough in early 2021.  The fear was that he had caught COVID. His primary care physician continued ordering x-rays for her father and prescribing different medications for pneumonia, asthma, and GERD—but resisted sending him to a specialist. Aimee advocated for her father to get a CT scan. And that was when the 7 cm tumor was discovered. 
Despite her father living in the major metropolitan area of Honolulu, Aimee knew that he had to seek specialized care and time was of the essence. Within one week of the CT scan results, Aimee’s father was on a plane from Hawaii to seek care in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Aimee and her siblings lived. It was May of 2021 when he was officially diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).   
Aimee’s First Steps in Being a Caregiver for a Parent 
Upon arriving in the San Francisco Bay Area, Aimee encouraged her father to seek care at a local academic center and then subsequently, a second opinion at a different nearby academic center. This was the first step in her caregiving journey, and she became the primary caregiver and advocate for her parent. 
“The first few months after the diagnosis were taxing and so intense. I was very overwhelmed but incredibly grateful for the support network I found,” says Aimee. 
Never did Aimee expect her professional background in the biotech and pharmaceutical area, focused on oncology, would help her with the medically focused role she would take on in her father’s care. She knew that connecting with lung cancer organizations like LUNGevity would help her learn how to support her dad in many additional ways. 
Her key responsibilities were finding the right doctors, communicating with medical staff because her father is a non-native English speaker, researching treatment options and clinical trials, joining support groups, finding patient resources, managing doctor’s visits, and helping her dad understand treatment options, risks, and possible outcomes, including the role of comprehensive biomarker testing. 
This is how they found the EGFR-mutation, specifically exon deletion 19, in his lung cancer tissue. And with this new information, they could offer him a more tailored plan including targeted treatment, rather than traditional chemotherapy, with or without radiation.  
“One thing I want to get across about treatment today is that lung cancer is diverse and heterogeneous. There are many types of lung cancer and many treatment options. But, you need to know the type of lung cancer you’re dealing with. Comprehensive biomarker testing gives you that information so that you may have the option of a treatment designed to treat your type of lung cancer,” says Aimee. 
Changing Roles as Treatment Changes 
At this point, Aimee’s role of being a caregiver for a patient expanded. She went from managing her father’s doctor appointments to learning about the treatment options he had moving forward. 
“It’s important people make the decisions that are best for them and their families. At the time of diagnosis, my father was 78 years old, and quality of life was important to him as well as to our family. At the same time, I wanted to know as much as possible about treatment options for this type of lung cancer, including what was not yet standard of care and specifically what clinical trial options were there for my dad. I knew my dad had choices. I just had to figure out what choices he had and to share them with him so that he could make an informed decision,” says Aimee. 
This is an example of how being a caregiver for a parent is different for everyone. It’s about working as a team where each person takes on different roles to form a strong unit. Aimee knew her strengths, such as understanding and being able to navigate a complicated healthcare system and the complexities of oncology care in the community vs. academic settings.   
She also knew to ask his healthcare teams about clinical trials and learned of a local one for patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer. The rationale for the trial sounded reasonable and other data appeared promising. And it would be significantly more convenient if he stayed with her in the San Francisco Bay Area while undergoing treatment. 
Caregivers Need Support Too 
But no caregiver journey is easy. While Aimee focused on helping her father with his cancer treatment, she also had a young daughter who needed support with remote learning due to COVID. Additionally, Aimee went through her own medical issues at the same time, including abdominal surgery and a broken foot.  
No caregiver can give 100% of themselves to someone else. And that’s okay. 
“You will feel like you’re giving 200% and you’re not alone. But know that life is not static. This too shall pass. One of my father’s “cancer buddies” told me that the first 6 months after diagnosis is the hardest. That was certainly our experience,” says Aimee. 
Today, Aimee’s dad is over a year out from his open thoracotomy and continues to stay on a targeted treatment as maintenance therapy plan. He is now home in Honolulu and continues to rake the leaves under his mango trees and look forward to visits with his grandchildren.   
Aimee has stayed in contact with the lung cancer community, and she continues to support her father by managing his healthcare team appointments and other needs. As her dad continues his lung cancer journey, Aimee continues her journey by giving back to the lung cancer community through outreach programs, like the LifeLine Support Partner program, that help connect her to other newly diagnosed patients and caregivers.   
“The journey, especially at the beginning, can be so scary and disorienting. I hope to be able to lend an ear and share some of the wisdom others kindly gave to us during our darkest times.”
 
Related Links:
Visit the LUNGevity Calendar to join upcoming caregiver events 
The Caregiver Resource Center has more helpful tips and information 

Did you know about 25% of lung cancer patients also develop brain metastases? 

Learn what this means for your care during a free American Brain Tumor Association webinar on 11/10, in partnership with LUNGevity Foundation. Register here: bit.ly/NovWebinar22

#btsm #lcsm #LCAM #lungcancerawarenessmonth

November is #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth! Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the lung cancer community. From emotional support to managing appointments, caregivers are there every step of the way. 

In addition to appreciation, caregivers need support, too. Visit the caregiver resource center to learn about services and support available: https://bit.ly/3Tt1HWh

Just THREE DAYS until the lung cancer community is coming TOGETHER to walk to stop lung cancer. You can still join us! Register to walk in one of our five locations or in your neighborhood this Saturday, November 5th! Details here: www.lungevity.org/TOGETHER 
#lungcancerawarenessmonth #LCAM #lcsm
GET CONNECTED
Download the iHeartRadio mobile app and search for “Community Cares Radio | Music That Gives Back” or visit https://ihr.fm/3TWO8OA to listen easily from any web browser!
TUNE IN
Tune in Saturday, November 5th, for a broadcast from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST, brought to you by DC101’s Mike Jones. Hear about LUNGevity's commitment to advancing lung cancer research, education, and support, listen to messages from our sponsors, and most importantly- walk as one with the lung cancer community connected TOGETHER.

Join Johns Hopkins Medicine for this informative webinar on lung cancer.
Medical Oncologist Dr. Susan Scott will discuss targeted therapies for early stage and metastatic lung cancer, the ADC trial, and outcomes from Johns Hopkins lung cancer research. Nurse Practitioner Rasheda Persinger will present information on managing the social, emotional, and physical side effects of cancer treatment.
Learn about resources that can support you during and after treatment from LUNGevity Care Navigator Angela James and Survivorship Navigator Kristi Griffith. This event is hosted by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Greater Washington Area and LUNGevity Foundation.
This virtual event is open to the community and free to attend. Register here: https://lungcancerwebinar.events.sibley.org/

November is #LungCancerAwarenessMonth. At LUNGevity, we are committed year-round to supporting lung cancer patients and their loved ones. This #LCAM, we are increasing awareness about lung cancer and highlighting the progress in research.  

Join us along with the entire lung cancer community to take action and spread awareness this November. Get your social media toolkit here: https://bit.ly/3eTkStb or visit www.lungevity.org for more information about lung cancer.

There is so much happening at LUNGevity this week! Visit the calendar to sign up for all of the free virtual events that you would like to join. https://www.lungevity.org/calendar

Join us for the ALK virtual meetup tomorrow (Wednesday, October 26) 12 pm ET / 11 am CT / 9 am PT! Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcOCprzsqG9eI8C5iW0YHbAGgYYsmMqJO#/registration

Saturday, November 12th, is your opportunity to learn from internationally recognized experts about the latest in lung cancer treatment and ways to navigate your diagnosis during a free webinar with UChicago Medicine.

Get information about vital support programs and resources offered by UChicago Medicine and LUNGevity Foundation . This virtual event will be held via Zoom, registration is required.

For more information, visit: www.lungevity.org/learn-uchicago
 
 

It's a full week of virtual events! Mindful Mondays return, virtual meetups, a RET Facebook Live and a Policy webinar. Register for all of these free events at the following links.

Mindful Mondays, Virtual Meetups: https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services/virtual-meetups

RET Facebook Live: https://fb.me/e/3IeB3DtNe

Policy 101 Webinar: https://bit.ly/3Slo3Z2
 

Brief Summary:
This phase II trial studies the effect of atezolizumab given with usual chemotherapy during radiation therapy in treating patients with superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as atezolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, carboplatin, etoposide, paclitaxel and pemetrexed, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Giving atezolizumab with usual chemotherapy and radiation therapy may lower the chance of the tumor from growing or spreading.
 
Here is a link to a patient-friendly summary from SWOG’s website:
http://swog.org/S1934
 
Here is a link to the clinical trial on NCI’s website, including study sites:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04989283
 
If you want more information, please contact the study investigator, Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon, at rosarogi@bmhcc.org.

Could harnessing the immune system be the key to tackling RET-positive lung cancer?
On October 18th, Dr. Upal Basu-Roy interviews Hilary Hammell, RETpositive and Dr. Alexandre Reuben, MD Anderson Cancer Center on this exciting project funded by the RETPositive patient group. RSVP here: https://fb.me/e/3IeB3DtNe
 

The lung cancer community is uniting for Breathe Deep TOGETHER, the nationwide walk to stop lung cancer, happening Saturday, November 5th.
Join us in Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Northeastern PA, or your own neighborhood, to walk and celebrate the progress that has been made in lung cancer research, honor loved ones, and come together as a community.
Lung cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family, and friends of all ages are welcome to attend. Learn more and register at www.lungevity.org/TOGETHER
 

Hi everyone! Great conversation and much to think about. Here's another article from IASLC that talks about air pollution and lung cancer. I hope you find it helpful.
https://www.iaslc.org/iaslc-news/press-release/air-pollution-and-lung-cancer-iaslc-position-statement

Have you heard of Project PEER?
Project PEER: Understanding the lung cancer Patient ExperiEnce in the Real-world setting
Help LUNGevity and the U.S. FDA better understand how you (or a loved one) is living with lung cancer. By sharing your story, you can help direct policy, create better treatment options, and improve outcomes for people living with lung cancer. Compensation will be provided once you’ve completed the study. https://bit.ly/34hOtDk

Update:
Completed the radiation treatment,  10 fractions on supraclavicular region rigth side.
No adverse effects so far.
Control CT scans, neck, lungs and abdomen in 2 months.
Brother is feeling just fine, driving and other daily tasks on his own.
Eating is back to normal and even weight is back again to pre-cancer levels, which might be slightly overweight actually .
He still takes some meds for the stomach, nolpasa, sometimes valium and now second time this year royal jelly as imunity booster.
Hoping for some good news in two months.