Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer

Beyond the Basics: How SCLC Clinical Trials are Changing the Long-Term Outlook

Three years after her small cell lung cancer diagnosis, patient advocate Wendy Brooks sits down with Dr. Ashish Saxena, medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, to talk about the rapid changes transforming SCLC care. From immunotherapy and bispecific T-cell engagers to emerging targeted therapies, this episode unpacks what every patient should know about today's treatment landscape.
You'll learn why clinical trials are NOT a last resort, why you should ask about them at your very first appointment, and how to advocate for yourself through side effects and treatment decisions. Dr. Saxena also explains the evolving role of biomarker testing in small cell lung cancer and shares why he's more hopeful than ever about patient outcomes.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-term survivor, or a caregiver, this conversation delivers honest answers and real hope.
Guests:
Dr. Ashish Saxena, Medical Oncologist, Weill Cornell Medicine
Wendy Brooks, Patient Co-Host, Living with Small Cell Lung Cancer
Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LCFA-SCLC-Clinical-Trials-Long-Term-Outlook-Show-Notes.pdf 
Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LCFA-HWA-SCLC-Clinical-Trials-Transcript.pdf 
Video: https://youtu.be/RCwJvdcOS-4 
For more information, visit lcfamerica.org.

EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer: New Treatments, Real Answers, Real Hope

What is an EGFR mutation — and could you pass it down to your children? Patient advocate Lysa Buonanno asks the questions every EGFR-positive lung cancer patient wants answered. Dr. Alice Berger, a lung cancer researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, explains how EGFR mutations develop, why they are rarely inherited, and what targeted treatments — including exciting new FDA-approved options — mean for patients today.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, this conversation will help you understand your biomarker results, know what to ask your doctor, and feel empowered by the science moving forward on your behalf.
Topics covered:
· What EGFR mutations are and how they develop· Whether EGFR mutations can be passed to children· The role of family history and genetic testing· Risk factors including radon, pollution, and smoking· Targeted therapies like osimertinib (Tagrisso)· New FDA-approved treatments for EGFR exon 20 mutations· Ongoing research into hereditary lung cancer risk
Guests: 
Lysa Buonanno, Patient AdvocateDr. Alice Berger, Associate Professor, Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-EGFR-Positive-Lung-Cancer-Show-Notes.pdf 
Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-EGFR-Positive-Lung-Cancer-Transcript.pdf 
Watch Video - https://youtu.be/izHAxxwZVL4 
Subscribe to Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform.
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Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer: What They Are and Why You Should Ask Early

Clinical trials can feel intimidating, but they are one of the most important ways new lung cancer treatments become available to patients. In this episode of Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer, patient advocate Wendy Brooks sits down with Dr. Ashish Saxena, thoracic medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, to break down what clinical trials really are and why they matter.
Together, they discuss when patients should ask about clinical trials, what to expect when participating, and common misconceptions — including the fear of being a “guinea pig.” Dr. Saxena explains how clinical trials are carefully designed, closely monitored, and often provide access to promising new therapies earlier in the treatment journey.
You’ll learn:
What clinical trials are and how they work
Why timing matters and why you should ask early
What patients actually receive in a clinical trial
How clinical trials are improving outcomes in lung cancer
What questions to ask your doctor
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring your options, this conversation offers clear, practical insight to help you better understand clinical trials and your role in the decision-making process.
Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-Clinical-Trials-Show-Notes-2026Spring.pdf 
Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-Clinical-Trials-Transcript-2026Spring.pdf 
Watch Video: https://youtu.be/kBfh8EAGey8 
To learn more about clinical trials and download the free toolkit, visit https://lcfamerica.org/trials.

What Is SubQ? How Subcutaneous Treatment Is Changing Life With Lung Cancer

If you've heard the term "SubQ" at your oncology appointment and weren't sure what it meant, this episode is for you. Lung cancer patient and LCFA Speakers Bureau member Stephanie Williams sits down with Dr. Coral Olazagasti, medical oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, to break down what subcutaneous (SubQ) treatment really means — and why it's making a real difference in the daily lives of lung cancer patients.
Together, they explore how SubQ injections work, how they compare to traditional IV infusions, and the quality-of-life benefits patients are experiencing: shorter clinic visits, no IV access required, less anxiety, and more time back in their day. Dr. Olazagasti also shares the exact questions patients should be asking their doctors to find out if a SubQ option is available for their treatment.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into treatment, this conversation is a reminder that you have more options than you may realize — and that asking questions is always the right move.
To learn more about SubqQ and download the free toolkit, visit https://lcfamerica.org/subq.
Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-HWA-What-Is-SubQ_-Show-Notes.pdf  Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-HWA-Subq-Treatments-Transcript.pdf  Watch Video: https://youtu.be/aQwv_ODlXs4 
 
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VA Lung Cancer Screening: What Veterans Need to Know About Early Detection

Lung cancer screening is one of the simplest tools available in cancer care, yet it remains widely underused. A low-dose CT scan takes just a few minutes and can detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
Jim Pantelas is a Navy Veteran and a 20 plus year lung cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer at age 52, back when lung cancer screening was not available. Today, he is joining Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a thoracic oncology leader and VA physician, to deliver a clear message to Veterans and anyone with a smoking history.
Get screened. Every year.
Key Topics Discussed:How lung cancer can grow with no symptoms until it is advancedWhy Veterans may face higher risk from airborne hazards and toxic exposuresWhat screening is like and why it takes less than three minutesWhy annual screening matters, not just one scanHow early detection expands treatment options and improves outcomesHow to access screening through the VA or through civilian healthcareWhy screening is covered and cost should not stop you
Featured Guests:Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 20 plus Year Lung Cancer SurvivorDr. Drew Moghanaki, UCLA and VA Thoracic Oncology Leader
Key Takeaway:Lung cancer is curable when caught early. If you are eligible, start screening at 50 and go every year.
Resources mentioned in this episode:PACT Act Benefits and Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/VA Lung Cancer Screening: https://www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.aspAirborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.aspLCFA Screening Information: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/detection/screening/ 
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video
Hashtags:#LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA

Veterans on the Front Lines: How Screening Saved One Life and Powers Tomorrow's Cures

Our nation's Veterans are on the front lines of a new fight: advocating for lung cancer screening and powering the next wave of research using blood tests to screen for lung cancer.
Air Force and Navy Veteran Donnita Butler shares how a simple low-dose CT scan saved her life after she advocated for screening despite initial pushback. Alongside Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a leading expert in Veterans' lung cancer care, they reveal how today's VA screening programs are catching cancer early when it's most curable—and how thousands of Veterans are donating blood to help develop tomorrow's breakthrough detection methods.
Key Topics Discussed:
Why Veterans face higher lung cancer risk due to toxic exposures (asbestos, burn pits, Agent Orange)
How the VA's new screening policy is saving lives by systematically identifying at-risk Veterans
The simple 3-minute screening process that can catch lung cancer at its earliest, most curable stage
Exciting research on blood-based biomarker tests that could detect cancer even before it shows on scans
How Veterans can access screening through the PACT Act and VA healthcare
The importance of biomarker testing and clinical trials in personalized treatment
Featured Guests:
Donnita Butler: Air Force and Navy Veteran diagnosed with stage 1A lung cancer through screening, now thriving at 70
Dr. Drew Moghanaki: Veterans Health Administration lung cancer specialist leading screening initiatives and biomarker research
Key Takeaway:
Lung cancer is curable if caught early. If you're a Veteran over 50 with a smoking history, talk to your doctor about screening today. As Dr. Moghanaki says: "Leave no one behind."
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video
Veteran Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
PACT Act Benefits & Eligibility - Expanded VA health care & benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ 
VA Lung Cancer Screening (Free LDCT Screening for Eligible Veterans) Learn more and talk to your VA provider: https://www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.asp
Airborne Hazards & Burn Pit RegistryDocument deployment exposures and stay informed about related health concerns.https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp
Subscribe to Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer for more inspiring stories and breakthrough research updates.
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#LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #ClinicalTrials #BiomarkerTesting #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA

Breakthrough Treatments for Small Cell Lung Cancer: Hope Through Clinical Trials

Small cell lung cancer was once considered one of the most challenging diagnoses in oncology. But today, groundbreaking treatments are transforming patient outcomes and rewriting survival stories. Discover how immunotherapy, T-cell engagers, CAR T-cell therapy, and antibody drug conjugates are moving from clinical trials to standard care, offering patients years of disease control and genuine hope for the future. Featuring insights from Dr. Jacob Sands, thoracic oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and inspiring patient advocate Wendy Brooks, who shares her powerful journey from early detection through cutting-edge clinical trials, proving that advocacy and hope can change everything.
Guests:
Dr. Jacob Sands, Oncologist, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteCourtney Mantz, Program Manager II, SCLC Program, Dr. Sands’ Assistant. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Lowe Center for Thoracic OncologyWendy Brooks, Patient Advocate
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

Early Detection: The Key to Surviving Lung Cancer

Early detection of lung cancer can save lives. In this essential episode, two-time survivor and LCFA co-founder David Sturges shares how screening helped him beat lung cancer—twice. Joined by Dr. Denise Aberle and LCFA-funded researcher Dr. Kellie Smith, this episode dives into why lung cancer is often diagnosed late, what new screening methods can do to change that, and what the future of early treatment might look like.
Guests
David Sturges, Lung Cancer Survivor & LCFA Co-founder Dr. Denise Aberle, Thoracic Radiologist, UCLA Medical CenterKellie Smith, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University & LCFA Early Career Researcher
Show Notes | Transcript
 

Supporting Caregivers: Real Stories and Expert Advice on Lung Cancer Caregiving

Shining a light on the caregiving journey for lung cancer patients, Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregiver’s Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and caregiver Gail Fackler, along with her husband, Jim, speak candidly about the mental health challenges caregivers face, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The conversation covers the overwhelming realities of caregiving, from managing medical decisions to coping with guilt and loss of identity.
Gail and Jim share raw, honest stories about how caregiving has transformed their lives and relationships. Practical strategies for caregivers—such as task management, setting boundaries, and finding support networks—offer hope and guidance. Learn more about the  critical importance of mental health support for caregivers and the power of community in navigating this journey.
Guests
Dr. Allison Applebaum, Founding Director, Caregiver’s Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Gail and Jim Fackler, Lung Cancer Caregivers and Patient
 
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

The Hidden Battle: Lung Cancer Stigma and the Power of Speaking Up

In this special re-release of Hope With Answers, lung cancer advocate Jill Feldman tackles a challenge that most patients never see coming—stigma. Originally aired in January 2020, this candid and emotional episode sheds light on the damaging assumptions patients face and how words can wound, even when well-intentioned.
From doctors and friends to complete strangers, the first question many patients hear is: “Did you smoke?” It's a question that implies blame—and lung cancer survivors like Jill Feldman have heard it far too often. In this episode, Jill teams up with journalist Steven Petrow to unpack the emotional toll of these encounters and offer advice on how to respond with grace and strength.
You'll also hear from Dr. Alice Berger, a lung cancer researcher investigating why young, non-smoking women are increasingly being diagnosed with lung cancer. Her work helps shift public perception and challenges outdated assumptions about who gets lung cancer—and why.
This episode explores:
The real impact of stigma on lung cancer patients
How language shapes the patient experience
What not to say to someone with lung cancer
How empathy and civility can reshape conversations
Groundbreaking research on lung cancer in non-smokers
Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this episode will change the way you think—and talk—about lung cancer.
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video