53 episodes

Find out what you need to know for your personal lung cancer journey through stories and interviews with patients, lung cancer specialists, and key participants in the quest for a cure.

Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer Lung Cancer Foundation of America

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 15 Ratings

Find out what you need to know for your personal lung cancer journey through stories and interviews with patients, lung cancer specialists, and key participants in the quest for a cure.

    Decoding STK11 in Lung Cancer Therapy

    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.

    • 25 min
    ROS1 Positive Lung Cancer: Managing Resistance and Advancing Research

    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

    • 25 min
    Navigating Intimacy Challenges in Lung Cancer

    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

    • 38 min
    You Don’t Look Like You Have 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.

    • 30 min
    The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans

    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?

    • 26 min
    Donor-Led Lung Cancer Research Makes Living With Lung Cancer A Reality

    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

    • 20 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

Gddhdhhebx ,

Best lung cancer podcast!

Fantastic podcast! Everyone diagnosed with lung cancer should listen to this!

linno11 ,

Hope with answers

Excellent resource for those with lung cancer—whether recently diagnosed or a long term survivor.

COpodcastor ,

A must listen podcast!

This podcast is the perfect combination of patient advocates working with doctors to explain what it’s like to truly live with lung cancer. I highly recommend for patients who were recently diagnosed or who’ve been searching for new platforms for their advocacy.

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