Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer

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Fighting An Outdated Lung Cancer Stereotype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 She now works to educate people that her experience is what lung cancer can look like today - not just the outdated stereotype.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

¿Cómo ayuda un navegador de pacientes a un paciente con cáncer de pulmón?

Los navegadores de pacientes pueden ayudar a entender sus opciones de tratamiento para el cáncer de pulmónUn navegador de pacientes ayuda a los pacientes a entender sus opciones de tratamiento para el cáncer de pulmón y la importancia de las últimas investigaciones y ensayos clínicos. Esto incluye asistir al paciente a través de la detección, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento del cáncer de pulmón.
INVITADOS:Estelamari Rodríguez, co-directora de oncología médica torácica en el Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center de la Universidad de MiamiGrisel Fernández-Vega Martínez, enfermera de enlace
Grisel Fernández-Vega Martínez, enfermera de enlace
Notas del episodio | Transcripción | Versión de vídeo
 
“Primero hay que hacer un diagnóstico correcto para entender las células y entender cómo tratarlas mejor. Y creo que para cualquier paciente que tenga un diagnóstico de cáncer tan grave, que otro centro médico evalúe la patología y haga recomendaciones, abre más puertas de opciones para el paciente. ” – Dra. Estela Marks Rodriguez
 

Could CBD Oil Help Lung Cancer Patients?

In Part 2 of this Hope With Answers series on CBD, Cannabis, and Lung Cancer, we discuss the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil and what’s happening on the CBD clinical trials horizon. Once again, Jacquelyn Bainbridge, a clinical pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, joins us to talk about her clinical research, including work on cannabis clinical trials with hopes that CBD could help lung cancer patients.
“CBD potentially, or has a potential, to alter the immune environment and stimulate a response. So where that may be helpful is in patients with non-small cell lung cancer because it seems to be more responsive to immunotherapy. So it might be more likely to help that population.”
- Jacquelyn Brainbridge, PharmD, FCCP
Guest:
Jacquelyn Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP: Clinical Pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus
Show Notes | Watch the video | Transcript
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. 

CBD, Cannabis, and Lung Cancer: What Does the Latest Research Say?

Could CBD and/or cannabis help lung cancer patients? A clinical pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus talks about her work assisting neurology patients and her clinical research, including work on cannabis clinical trials.
In this episode, Jacci Bainbridge, clinical pharmacist, answers questions about symptomatology of CBD & cannabis, the basics about the different forms of CBD/THC, and the importance of quality clinical trials for potential improvement in lung cancer treatments involving CBD or cannabis.
Guest:Jacquelyn Bainbridge, Clinical Pharmacist at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus
Show Notes | Watch the Video Podcast | Transcript

Inmunoterapia para el tratamiento del cáncer de pulmón: un cambio de juego

Entendiendo los nuevos tratamientos para el cáncer de pulmón, incluyendo la inmunoterapia, que permite que su sistema inmunitario ataque las células cancerosas, es un gran avance para algunos pacientes. Sentirse seguro para pedirle a su médico que le haga pruebas para ver si la inmunoterapia o la terapia dirigida es un tratamiento apropiado es muy importante para todas las familias, pero especialmente para las familias latinas e hispanas que pueden sentirse incómodas al cuestionar a su médico. Considerando los ensayos clínicos en los que puede recibir el medicamento del mañana hoy también puede afectar significativamente los resultados del tratamiento de un paciente.
Aprenda sobre la inmunología para el cáncer de pulmón y cómo este tratamiento permite que el sistema inmunitario de un paciente ataque sus células cancerosas. La Dra. Estelamari Rodríguez y la paciente Matilde Quintana hablan sobre cómo este tratamiento innovador es un gran avance para muchos pacientes con cáncer de pulmón.
Invitadas
Dra. Estelamari Rodríguez, Co-Líder del Grupo de Enfermedades del Sitio Torácico en Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Matilde Quintana fue diagnosticada en 2016 con cáncer de pulmón en estadio IV. Su diagnóstico actual es No Evidencia de Enfermedad (NED).
Notas del Programa | Transcripción | Versión de vídeo
Agradecida por el gran apoyo familiar y la influencia de sus raíces, Matilde quiere compartir su experiencia y sobre estos tratamientos que dan esperanza para combatir el cáncer de pulmón. Este conocimiento es especialmente necesario en las comunidades latinas e hispanas cuando se trata de importantes decisiones de atención médica, como pruebas de biomarcadores, tratamientos para el cáncer de pulmón y ensayos clínicos.