Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 Registry Document deployment exposures and stay informed about related health concerns. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp

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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 Institute Courtney Mantz, Program Manager II, SCLC Program, Dr. Sands’ Assistant. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology Wendy Brooks, Patient Advocate

Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

Join host Mitch Jelniker as we revisit our most popular Hope With Answers episode featuring Annabelle Gurwitch - actress, author, and unexpected lung cancer advocate. What started as a routine COVID test in 2020 led to a shocking stage IV lung cancer diagnosis for this never-smoker.

With her signature wit, Annabelle shares how her tumor ("the size of a Clementine") changed everything. Despite being physically active and healthy except for a slight cough, she joined the growing number of never-smoker women facing lung cancer. Thanks to advances in targeted therapy for her EGFR mutation, Annabelle maintains an active life while advocating for crucial lung cancer research.

"I get to have the life I'm having right now because of the drugs that were developed in the last five years," she says, highlighting how research funding directly impacts patient survival and quality of life.

Listen as Annabelle brings humor and hope to a serious subject, demonstrating why this episode resonates with so many in the lung cancer community.

View Show Notes | Transcription

Delve into the world of adjuvant therapy for lung cancer patients through insightful discussions with Dr. Jonathan Villena-Vargas, an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery, and Lisa Goldman, a long-term lung cancer survivor and advocate.

Dr. Villena-Vargas provides a comprehensive overview of adjuvant therapy, explaining its role in preventing cancer recurrence after primary treatment. He clarifies the differences between neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and peri-adjuvant therapies, and discusses how treatment decisions are made based on cancer stage and type. The doctor emphasizes the importance of understanding one's specific diagnosis and asking the right questions about biomarkers and treatment options.

Lisa Goldman shares her personal journey with stage 4 lung cancer, diagnosed in 2014. Her story highlights the rapid advancements in lung cancer treatment over the past decade, from her initial aggressive chemotherapy to long-term targeted therapy. Lisa's experience underscores the critical role of research in extending and improving the lives of lung cancer patients.

This episode offers a balanced mix of expert medical insight and personal experience, making complex medical concepts accessible to a general audience. It serves as an invaluable resource for those navigating the challenges of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the significant progress made in recent years and the reasons for hope in the fight against this disease.

Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD

Dr. Villena-Vargas is a clinician at Weill Cornell Medical Center, with particular expertise in the surgical management of lung cancer. He has written numerous clinical publications about screening, staging, and the management of thoracic cancers.

Lisa Goldman, Patient-Advocate

Diagnosed in 2014 with urgent stage 4 lung cancer, Lisa received immediate chemotherapy. She later co-founded The ROS1ders, a Facebook advocacy group for lung cancer patients.

Show Notes | Transcript | Watch video

Explore the remarkable small cell lung cancer treatment advancements that offer renewed hope to patients and their loved ones. Dr. Jacob Sands, a leading oncologist from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Maida Mangiameli, a small cell lung cancer survivor, share their expertise and experiences, providing a unique perspective on the latest breakthroughs in small cell lung cancer treatment.

Dr. Sands explains the differences between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, emphasizing the aggressive nature of small cell lung cancer and the importance of early detection through lung screening. He highlights the significant progress made in lung cancer treatments, particularly the introduction of immunotherapy drugs as a standard of care in the first-line setting, leading to long-term disease control and potential cures for some patients.

The conversation shifts to the promising T-cell engager therapy, a novel approach that harnesses the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Dr. Sands uses a baseball analogy to illustrate the effectiveness of different treatments, suggesting that T-cell engagers may be hitting home runs more frequently, offering hope for longer-lasting responses with fewer side effects.

Maida Mangiameli shares her personal journey with small cell lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of a supportive oncology team and not blaming oneself for the disease. She addresses the stigma associated with lung cancer and the need for increased awareness and empathy.

Both Dr. Sands and Maida stress the significance of clinical trials in advancing small cell lung cancer treatment and encourage patients to discuss trial options with their doctors. They also touch on the importance of lung cancer screening for early detection, with Maida offering practical advice for newly diagnosed patients.

The small cell lung cancer treatment advancements, particularly the emergence of T-cell engager therapy, provide tangible reasons for patients and their loved ones to remain hopeful, offering the promise of longer, healthier lives for those affected by this challenging disease.

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Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illness. A team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists work with a patient’s existing physicians to provide an extra layer of support and specialized care. Palliative care aims to alleviate suffering, nurture comfort, and promote understanding for people living with lung cancer. It is a holistic and compassionate care designed to relieve symptoms, pain, and stress.

Guests

Sherri Cervantez, MD, Director of Palliative Oncology, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center

Sally Cain was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in May 2022 after experiencing a nagging pain in her right side. Sally has experienced great support from her Palliative Care team in Texas. Her husband died a year before, and regrettably, he did not have a palliative care team.

Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video 

Resources

Understanding Palliative Care

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative Care & Lung Cancer

Cada año, alrededor de 6.000 hombres hispanos y 5.800 mujeres hispanas serán diagnosticados con cáncer de pulmón. El cáncer de pulmón es la principal causa de muerte por cáncer entre los hombres hispanos y la segunda causa entre las mujeres hispanas. Por eso la detección temprana es fundamental.

El Dr. Jonathan Villena-Vargas, un reconocido experto en cáncer de pulmón, y Yovana María Portillo, una sobreviviente de cáncer de pulmón, se reúnen en este podcast informativo para compartir sus ideas y experiencias, ofreciendo esperanza y orientación a los pacientes y sus familias, en particular a aquellos en el Comunidad hispana. Discuten la definición y los tipos de cáncer de pulmón, enfatizando que cualquier persona con pulmones puede desarrollar la enfermedad, no solo los fumadores.

La historia personal de Yovana como nunca fumadora diagnosticada a los 35 años resalta la importancia de la detección temprana y una mayor conciencia de los factores de riesgo más allá del tabaquismo. El podcast explora los últimos avances en opciones de tratamiento, incluida la cirugía, la quimioterapia, la radiación, las terapias dirigidas, la inmunoterapia y la terapia combinada, que se adaptan al tipo y estadio específico del cáncer de pulmón de cada paciente. Yovana comparte su viaje a través de la abrumadora experiencia de un diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón, aprendiendo nueva terminología médica y tomando decisiones de tratamiento con su equipo médico, al mismo tiempo que arroja luz sobre los factores culturales que impactan la experiencia del cáncer de pulmón en las comunidades hispanas.

Tanto la Dra. Villena-Vargas como Yovana enfatizan la importancia de desestigmatizar el cáncer de pulmón, promover la detección temprana mediante pruebas de detección y fomentar la comunicación abierta con los proveedores de atención médica. A lo largo del podcast, ofrecen una poderosa combinación de conocimientos médicos y experiencia personal, brindando a los pacientes conocimiento y esperanza, y trabajando incansablemente para mejorar los resultados y la calidad de vida de los afectados por el cáncer de pulmón.

Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD; Profesor asistente de cirugía cardiotorácica en el Hospital Presbiteriano de Nueva York, Weill Cornell Medicine Yovana María Portillo, defensora del paciente y Voz de la Esperanza: miembro de la Oficina de Oradores de la LCFA

Mostrar notas | Transcripción | Ver video

• El impacto del cáncer de pulmón en la comunidad hispana | Instituto del Cáncer Rutgers de Nueva Jersey
• ¿Cómo afecta el cáncer de pulmón a los latinos?
• Cómo detectar el cáncer de pulmón: detección temprana y más | LCFA
• El cáncer y los hispanoamericanos | Oficina de Salud de las Minorías
• Historia del consumidor - Yovana Portillo – Accidentalmente libre de cáncer, programa de investigación del cáncer de pulmón, programas de investigación médica dirigidos por el Congreso

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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.

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