Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer

Your oncologist says your IV treatment now comes as a SubQ injection. Is it really the same medicine? Will it hurt? Can you switch mid-treatment, and what if you want to switch back?
Patient host Jeanne Szurek, who switched from IV to SubQ herself, talks with Dr. Coral Olazagasti, assistant professor of thoracic oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. They go beyond the basics on what patients actually face once SubQ is on the table.
Topics discussed in this episode:
• Whether a SubQ injection works as well as an IV infusion• What a SubQ injection feels like, and where it's given• Which side effects change with SubQ, and which stay the same• Who may be eligible to switch mid-treatment• Insurance coverage, denials, and peer-to-peer review• How much clinic time SubQ can realistically give back• What to ask your oncologist about SubQ options• Where subcutaneous treatment research is heading
Learn more at LCFAmerica.org.
Guests: Dr. Coral Olazagasti (Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami) and Jeanne Szurek (LCFA patient host, living with lung cancer)
Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/HWA-Fall-2026-Switch-IV-to-SubQ-Show-Notes.pdf
Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/HWA-Fall-2026-Switch-IV-to-SubQ-Transcript.pdf 
Watch Video: https://youtu.be/A1-pkDfsHgM 
 
Catch the conversation that started it all. Stephanie Williams and Dr. Olazagasti cover the fundamentals in What Is SubQ? How Subcutaneous Treatment Is Changing Life With Lung Cancer.

Small cell lung cancer has historically had few treatment options — but that's changing fast. In this episode, thoracic oncologist Dr. Ashish Saxena (Weill Cornell Medicine) joins host and SCLC survivor Wendy Brooks to discuss why asking about clinical trials early matters, how patient-reported outcomes are reshaping what "success" means in treatment, the newest immunotherapy and antibody drug conjugate approaches, and why speaking up about side effects helps both patients and future research. Visit lcfamerica.org to learn more.
Guests: 
Dr. Ashish Saxena, MD, PhD — Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine
Wendy Brooks, Voices of Hope Speakers Bureau member living with SCLC
 
Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/HWA-SCLC-Research-Innovation-Show-Notes.pdf
 Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/HWA-SCLC-Research-Innovation-Transcript.pdf 
Watch Video - https://youtu.be/SYMHnFezSJI 
 
Subscribe to Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform. Apple Podcast | Spotify | Amazon Play | iHeart
 
Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has historically lagged behind other cancers in treatment innovation — but that's changing fast. In this Hope With Answers episode, 8-year SCLC survivor and LCFA patient host Maida Mangiameli talks with Dr. Jacob Sands, Associate Chief of Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about the surge of new SCLC clinical trials, why immunotherapy has changed long-term outcomes, and what newly diagnosed patients need to know about acting quickly. Learn more at LCFAmerica.org.
Guests:
Dr. Jacob Sands (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
Maida Mangiameli (LCFA Patient Host, SCLC Survivor)
Resources
Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HWA-Fall-2026-SCLC-Advances-Deeper-Dive-Show-Notes.pdf
 Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HWA-Fall-2026-SCLC-Deeper-Dive-Transcript.pdf
Watch Video - https://youtu.be/wxLk2OqKuB4
 

What happens after first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC)?
Patient advocate Jill Feldman sits down with Dr. Martin Edelman, Chair of Hematology-Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, to discuss maintenance therapy—also known as continuation therapy—and how it may help keep small cell lung cancer under control after initial treatment.
Dr. Edelman explains why small cell lung cancer is so difficult to treat, how immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape, and why clinical trials remain critical to improving outcomes. He also shares practical advice for patients navigating treatment decisions, managing side effects, and balancing quality of life with ongoing care.
You'll learn:
What maintenance therapy (continuation therapy) means in small cell lung cancer
Why small cell lung cancer often returns after an initial response
How immunotherapy is used after first-line treatment
Which patients may benefit most from continuation therapy
Why clinical trials should be discussed early in treatment
Important questions to ask your oncologist
The role of supportive and palliative care in improving quality of life
What gives experts hope for the future of small cell lung cancer treatment
Whether you're newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers practical guidance and hope from one of the leading experts in thoracic oncology.
Learn more about lung cancer research, treatment options, and patient resources at lcfamerica.org.
Guests
Dr. Martin Edelman, MD – Fox Chase Cancer Center
Dr. Martin Edelman is Chair of Hematology-Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center and a nationally recognized thoracic oncologist. Throughout his career, he has helped advance treatment options for lung cancer patients through clinical research, immunotherapy development, and patient-centered care.
Jill Feldman – Lung Cancer Patient Advocate and Host
Jill Feldman is a lung cancer survivor, advocate, and nationally recognized voice in the lung cancer community. Through education and advocacy, she helps patients and families navigate diagnosis, treatment decisions, and survivorship.
Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LCFA-HWA-Maintenance-Therapy-Show-Notes.pdfTranscript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LCFA-HWA-Maintenance-Therapy-Transcript.pdfYouTube: https://youtu.be/IRf6uF18tTQ 
Subscribe to Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform.
 

What is PD-L1, and why does it matter so much in your lung cancer treatment plan? Patient host Colette Smith talks with Dr. Julie Brahmer of Johns Hopkins University Hospital to demystify PD-L1 testing, immunotherapy decisions, and personalized lung cancer care.
You'll learn:
What PD-L1 is and how cancer cells use it as a "cloaking device"
How Tumor Proportion Scores (TPS) from 0 to 100 guide treatment choices
When immunotherapy alone works—and when chemotherapy should be added
Why repeat biopsies matter for long-term survivors
The most common side effects of immunotherapy and how they're managed
When immunotherapy may not be the right option
Key questions to ask your oncologist at every stage of treatment
Why every patient should ask about clinical trials
Whether you're newly diagnosed or navigating a treatment change, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and actionable guidance.
 Get the full PD-L1 guide and download free patient resources: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/diagnosis/understand-pd-l1/
Heading to a doctor's appointment? Download LCFA's "Questions to Ask Your Care Team about PD-L1" PDF at lcfamerica.org.
Learn more at lcfamerica.org.
Guests:
Dr. Julie Brahmer, Johns Hopkins University Hospital
Colette Smith, Patient Host
Show Notes - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LCFA-HWA-PD-L1-in-Lung-Cancer-Show-Notes.pdf Transcript - https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LCFA-HWA-PDL1-Transcript.pdf YouTube - https://youtu.be/Ymff6MwaJTc 
Subscribe to Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform.

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.

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.
Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information.Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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.

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 
 
Subscribe to the Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer podcast for future episodes on your favorite listening platform.
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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