Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer

The Caregiver's Compass: Guiding Lung Cancer Support

Discover empowering strategies for lung cancer caregiving in the Hope with Answers podcast. Gain insights from experts and a survivor's story on balancing care with self-care. This episode is a must-watch for any caregiver seeking guidance, support, and the strength to navigate their vital role with grace and resilience.
Guests:Jenni Daniel, BSN, RN - Life Coach for lung cancer survivors and their partners, helping them to navigate their cancer journey. Jenni owns and operates the MyNurse At Home, a cancer and life coach center. 
Frank and Debbie McKenna, Lung Cancer survivor joined by his wife/caregiver.
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch video
Numerous resources are available to assist both lung cancer patients and their caregivers in this journey.
My Nurse At Home 
What is a Lung Cancer Caregiver?
Caring for Someone with Lung Cancer: What to Know
Taking Care of Yourself When You're a Cancer Caregiver | What You Need to Know
Lung Cancer: Being a Better Caregiver
 
LCFA’s mission is the improvement in survivorship of lung cancer patients through the funding of transformative science.
While raising funds to support lung cancer research, LCFA will raise the public’s awareness and serve as a resource for patients or anyone seeking answers, hope, and access to updated treatment information, scientific investigation, and clinical trials.
You can also join the conversation with LCFA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Decoding STK11 in Lung Cancer Therapy

Explore the critical role of biomarker testing in lung cancer treatment with Dr. Salman Punekar, Medical Oncologist at NYU Langone Health. Specializing in early-phase clinical development, Dr. Punekar explains the function of the biomarker STK11, a newer discovery shaping approaches to non-small cell lung cancer therapies. 
Guests
Salman R. Punekar, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine of Medical Oncology at NYU Langone Health. Specialization in early-phase clinical development and translational research.
Stephanie Williams, Lung Cancer survivor and clinical trial participant
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video
Unlocking Treatment Pathways for Lung Cancer
Highlighting the crucial role of biomarker testing in lung cancer, take an in-depth look at the function of STK11 as a tumor suppressor gene and its impact when mutated. Learn more about the latest research on the STK11 biomarker's influence on treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer from Dr. Salman Punekar. Dr. Punekar explains the function of STK11 as a tumor suppressor gene and its implications when mutated, affecting the efficacy of therapies like immunotherapy. STK11 is believed to negatively influence response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Then hear from Stephanie Williams, a lung cancer patient who underscores the life-changing impact of clinical trials, which informed her treatment and emphasized the importance of biomarker discovery. She shares why she advocates for patient education, the pursuit of clinical trials, and the need for ongoing research to improve lung cancer care.

ROS1 Positive Lung Cancer: Managing Resistance and Advancing Research

In this Hope With Answers episode, host Diane Mulligan interviews Dr. Tejas Patil, an oncologist specializing in lung cancer, about ROS1-positive lung cancer. As Dr. Patil explains, "ROS1 is a type of mutation that we see in patients who have lung cancer. It's one of many but it's an important one because there is targeted treatments available to these patients that really are not like chemotherapy."
A ROS1-positive lung cancer, also known as a ROS1 rearrangement in lung cancer, refers to any lung cancer that tests positive for a fusion in the ROS1 gene. ROS1 rearrangements occur in approximately 1-2% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. ROS1-positive lung cancer tends to be aggressive and can spread to the brain and the bones.
The hosts also speak with Lysa Buonanno, a 12-year lung cancer survivor and patient advocate living with ROS1-positive lung cancer. Lysa stresses the importance of self-advocacy. 
"You have to keep advocating for yourself. Throughout this entire process I think that is so critically important." 
She describes her excitement at being able to join a clinical trial for a new targeted therapy when her cancer progressed.
Overall, the episode provides critical information about this rare form of lung cancer, highlights new research and treatments, and offers inspiration through Lysa's story. As Diane says, not only do Dr. Patil and Lysa help us understand ROS1 lung cancer, but they also give hope to anyone living with lung cancer.
Guests
Tejas Patil, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine-Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus 
Lysa Buonanno, Lung Cancer survivor, a mother of two, who has ROS1 mutation and is being treated with the targeted therapy.
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch video

Navigating Intimacy Challenges in Lung Cancer

Sexual side effects of a lung cancer diagnosis can be physical, mental, and emotional. Sexuality is about emotional connection and the expression of intimacy. However, a lung cancer diagnosis can change the emotional needs of each partner. Further impacting the situation, sexual problems are not often discussed during oncology visits. And having a sex talk with your doctor may be intimidating. In this podcast, we undercover what lung cancer patients and their partners can expect and how to best discuss these issues with their health care professionals.
Questions like:
How does a lung cancer diagnosis impact intimacy in relationships?
What are some of the physical side effects of lung cancer treatment that can affect intimacy?
How does the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis affect sexual desire and communication in relationships?
Guests:
Jenni Daniel, BSN, RN, Life Coach for lung cancer survivors and their partners, helping them to navigate their cancer journey. Jenni owns and operates the MyNurse At Home, a cancer and life coach center.
Annabelle Gurwitch, Lung Cancer survivor, actress, activist, and best-selling author went for a Covid test and left with a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Annabelle’s story of an accidental lung cancer diagnosis is a very common story among lung cancer patients. In Annabelle’s case, getting an accurate diagnosis indicates her biomarker, EGFR Exon21.
Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

You Don’t Look Like You Have Cancer

This episode of Hope With Answers: Living with Lung Cancer Podcast tackles the common misperception that all cancer patients fit the stereotype of being older, frail, chain-smokers. 60% of people living with lung cancer are never-smokers – who work hard to convince others, including their primary care physician, that despite their rather “normal”, vibrant appearance, they face a devastating disease.
Host Diane Mulligan opens the episode by asking “What does someone living with lung cancer look like?” She and co-host Jordan Sherman go on to make the point that in reality, anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, including young people and never-smokers.
Guests
Dr. David Carbone, The Ohio State University
Aurora Lucas, a Lung Cancer survivor, was diagnosed with Stage 2A Lung Cancer at age 28.
Transcript | Show Notes | Watch Video
Doctors Need to Consider Lung Cancer Despite Patient's Age
They first interview Dr. David Carbone, an oncologist at The Ohio State University, about the stigma around what a typical lung cancer patient looks like. Dr. Carbone stresses that “if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer” and that doctors need to consider lung cancer as a potential diagnosis even in young, healthy never-smokers who present with respiratory symptoms.
Later in the episode, LCFA Speakers Bureau member Aurora Lucas shares her story of being diagnosed with lung cancer in her late twenties. She talks about the difficulty she initially had getting doctors to take her respiratory symptoms seriously:
“The first thing after I told the doctor my concerns about coughing, he said, ‘Everything is okay. Go boil some water and add some honey to it.” And I think I left that office like, what? I just didn’t feel heard.”
Fighting An Outdated Lung Cancer Stereotype
After months of delays, Lucas was finally diagnosed with lung cancer. She now works to educate people that her experience is what lung cancer can look like today - not just the outdated stereotype.
As Mulligan summarizes, appearance can be misleading when it comes to lung cancer. Modern targeted therapies allow many patients to live active lives and maintain normal appearances while battling the disease. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t facing challenges like side effects, scan anxiety, and other struggles behind the scenes.
The takeaway is that anyone with lungs is at risk for lung cancer, regardless of age or smoking status. And just because patients may look well on the outside, doesn’t mean they aren’t fighting a serious diagnosis. LCFA aims to break down misperceptions around what having lung cancer means today.

The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans

Gain valuable insights into the critical importance of lung cancer screening for veterans in this enlightening episode of Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer. Explore the unique risks faced by those who have selflessly served our nation. Learn about the occupational hazards, such as asbestos exposure and burn pits, that contribute to the alarming rates of lung cancer among veterans. Delve into the benefits of low-dose CT scans, which can detect lung cancer at earlier stages, potentially leading to more effective treatment options.
As LCFA’s Breath of Honor: Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans campaign kicks off, join a leading lung cancer specialist and a Navy veteran who is a lung cancer patient as they discuss the need for increased screening and the positive impact it can have on patient outcomes. Discover the curability of smaller tumors, less toxic treatment options, and the hope that lung cancer screening brings to veterans and their families.
Guests
Drew Moghanaki, MD, UCLA lung cancer specialist and Chief of Thoracic Oncology in the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology, Co-Director of VA Lung Precision Oncology Program at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System
Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 18-year lung cancer survivor, who has worked for 15 years to increase funding for lung cancer research, improve care for all lung cancer patients, and fight the stigma associated with lung cancer. He is often on Capitol Hill lobbying to increase funding for lung cancer screening and early detection programs.
Show Notes | Transcript | Video version
“What I would tell vets is that if you’re breathing, you can get lung cancer. If you increase the odds of getting lung cancer, which smoking does, then you should be screened. But because you were in the service, you were exposed to toxins, because you were in the service, you were exposed to living in different parts of the country or the world that may have had toxins that you’re not aware of. Getting screened is a no-brainer.” – Jim Pantelas
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the latest breakthroughs and the collaborative efforts being made to combat lung cancer among our nation’s heroes. Learn the answers to these questions:
Why are veterans at a heightened risk for lung cancer?
How many veterans are eligible for low-dose CT scans for lung cancer?
What are some reasons for hesitancy among veterans to get screened for lung cancer?

Donor-Led Lung Cancer Research Makes Living With Lung Cancer A Reality

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the therapy landscape of non-small cell lung cancer, significantly prolonging the overall survival of advanced-stage patients. We hear from both doctors and patients about the importance of Immunotherapy research. Dr. Smith will discuss her research advancements, thanks to LCFA funding, and what needs to be done for research in the future.
In this inspiring Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer episode, host Diane Mulligan sits down with Lysa Buonanno, a remarkable individual who has defied the odds and thrived while living with lung cancer. Lysa's story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, showcasing the power of research and the impact of donations in extending lives.
Lysa, who has been on chemotherapy for five years, candidly shares her journey, acknowledging the difficult days but emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest. She highlights the role of research in providing her with the opportunity to enjoy her life. And she encourages listeners to support lung cancer research, no matter the size of their donation. Lysa's message resonates deeply, reminding us that every dollar counts and contributes to future breakthroughs.
Guests:
Dr. Kellie Smith, Associate Professor of Oncology at the Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins. 
Lysa Buonanno is living with lung cancer and is a tireless advocate for Lung Cancer Foundation of America.
Resources:
Breakthroughs in Lung Cancer Detection & Treatment
Landscape of Immuno-Oncology Drug Development
Dr. Smith’s Research in Immunotherapy for lung cancer
Show Notes | Transcript | View Video

Donor-Driven Lung Cancer Research: Rocket Fuel for Increased Survival Rates

Every donation made to LCFA impacts people living with lung cancer. In other words, the benefits that you, as an LCFA donor, have made in lung cancer research and education by supporting LCFA are significant and meaningful. Hear from Dr. Triparna Sen, a dedicated researcher in the field of lung cancer who demonstrates LCFA’s commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of lung cancer.
According to Dr. Sen, “With the progress of research, we are seeing a lot of more effective drugs entering the clinic. We have some really long-term survivors. We have five years, 10 years out survivors, who are doing an outstanding job advocating for research, advocating for what research can really do, how they can shift the needle.
Guests:
Dr. Triparna Sen is an Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
James Hiter, LCFA Speaker’s Bureau member and the founder of a non-profit called Streak For a Cure.
Show Notes | Transcript | View the video
Why Donor-Driven Lung Cancer Research Matter
James Hiter shares his personal experience with lung cancer and his tireless advocacy work that has made him a powerful voice for the lung cancer community. Through his involvement with LCFA and Streak For a Cure, he has helped to raise critical funds for lung cancer research. He’s dedicated to spreading awareness about the need for improved treatment options and support for patients and their families.
James recognizes that he is the benefactor of people who had been there and done stuff before him. So it’s important to him to make sure that part of his legacy as a lung cancer survivor is that there will be advances that he may not even live to see that will benefit others that are diagnosed five or 10 years from now.
As a patient consumer reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program administered by the Department of Defense, James learned just how critical it is for young, smart scientists to get seed funding to open up doors that may otherwise stay shut.
“Young investigator awards are so critical because it helps these people who have great ideas but are developing that track record that then ultimately will help them get the really big awards down the road that will help them take somethin' all the way to clinical trial. But you don't just jump right into a clinical trial, you've gotta build your accomplishment list to be able to get into that space, and it's one of the cool things I love about funding the Young Investigators.”
James also learned that despite research mainly being government-funded or pharmaceutical company-funded, philanthropic funding is the rocket fuel for lung cancer research. It's one of the other reasons that James is very passionate about trying to raise money for lung cancer research.
Young Investigators Make A Difference in Lung Cancer Research
As Dr. Sen says so well, “If you want to make meaningful progress in the treatment landscape for lung cancer, we cannot do without research. And research cannot be done without your generous donations.”
It's donor-driven lung cancer research agencies like Lung Cancer Foundation of America, who are not only changing the life of Young Investigators, they're actually pushing the needle forward for research.
Donate to fund more Young Investigators

MTAP Deletion Biomarker: Changing Lung Cancer Treatment One Biomarker at a Time

Doctors and researchers have known about a biomarker known as MTAP deletion for many years. But now they’re learning what role this gene plays in lung cancer and other tumors. Long ago, this genetic alteration was thought to be just collateral damage in tumors, but now researchers are uncovering its influence on tumors. It turns out there are some advantages for a tumor to have this MTAP gene loss. This new understanding means new medications can likely be developed to open a new weak point in the cancer to allow for targeted therapy. 
Guest:
Jordi Rodon Ahnert, MD, PhD, medical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
 
Show Notes for this episode | Transcript | Watch the video podcast

Diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas: no corra a la silla de quimioterapia

El cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas (CPCP) es una forma rara y agresiva de cáncer de pulmón. Los tratamientos tradicionales son una combinación de quimioterapia y radiación. Pero, gracias a los avances en la investigación del cáncer de pulmón, nuevas posibilidades de tratamiento están disponibles. Estos nuevos tratamientos están diseñados para prolongar la vida y ayudar a los pacientes a tener una mejor calidad de vida. Como dice Mari Casanova, paciente de CPCP: "No te puedo decir cuánto tiempo voy a durar, pero lo que si te puedo decir es cuánto tiempo he estado sana. Y han pasado tres años".
Invitados:
Dr. Christian Rolfo, Profesor de Medicina y Director Asociado de Investigación Clínica en el Centro de Oncología Torácica del Instituto de Cáncer Tisch.
Mari Casanova, una mujer de Florida que vive con cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas, síguela en Twitter.
Notas del programa | Transcripción | Ver el vídeo
Recursos adicionales
Tratamientos para el cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas: novedades
Cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas: lo que necesita saber