Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Foundation of America
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Monthly

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.

  1. PD-L1 Testing for Lung Cancer: How Your Score Determines Treatment

    May 21

    PD-L1 Testing for Lung Cancer: How Your Score Determines Treatment

    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.

    23 min
  2. Beyond the Basics: How SCLC Clinical Trials are Changing the Long-Term Outlook

    May 7

    Beyond the Basics: How SCLC Clinical Trials are Changing the Long-Term Outlook

    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.

    19 min
  3. EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer: New Treatments, Real Answers, Real Hope

    Apr 23

    EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer: New Treatments, Real Answers, Real Hope

    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 Advocate Dr. 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

    8 min
  4. Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer: What They Are and Why You Should Ask Early

    Apr 2

    Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer: What They Are and Why You Should Ask Early

    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.

    19 min
  5. What Is SubQ? How Subcutaneous Treatment Is Changing Life With Lung Cancer

    Mar 26

    What Is SubQ? How Subcutaneous Treatment Is Changing Life With Lung Cancer

    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. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | YouTube

    18 min
  6. VA Lung Cancer Screening: What Veterans Need to Know About Early Detection

    12/21/2025

    VA Lung Cancer Screening: What Veterans Need to Know About Early Detection

    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 advanced Why Veterans may face higher risk from airborne hazards and toxic exposures What screening is like and why it takes less than three minutes Why annual screening matters, not just one scan How early detection expands treatment options and improves outcomes How to access screening through the VA or through civilian healthcare Why screening is covered and cost should not stop you Featured Guests: Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 20 plus Year Lung Cancer Survivor Dr. 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.asp Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp LCFA Screening Information: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/detection/screening/  Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video Hashtags: #LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA

    26 min
  7. Veterans on the Front Lines: How Screening Saved One Life and Powers Tomorrow's Cures

    11/09/2025

    Veterans on the Front Lines: How Screening Saved One Life and Powers Tomorrow's Cures

    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 Subscribe to Hope With Answers Living With Lung Cancer for more inspiring stories and breakthrough research updates. Apple Podcast | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Join LCFA's social media communities for support and information. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube #LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #ClinicalTrials #BiomarkerTesting #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA

    33 min
  8. Breakthrough Treatments for Small Cell Lung Cancer: Hope Through Clinical Trials

    08/28/2025

    Breakthrough Treatments for Small Cell Lung Cancer: Hope Through Clinical Trials

    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

    34 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lung Cancer Foundation of America
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019-2025 Lung Cancer Foundation of America All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer

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