#LCSM Chat Topic 1/15 at 8PM ET: “Should the FDA Regulate Which Cancer Tests You Can Have?”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to regulate laboratory developed tests.  Under the FDA’s proposed Framework for Regulatory Oversight of Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) — which treats LDTs as medical devices and healthcare providers as manufacturers — laboratories would have to submit applications for expensive premarket review for thousands of LDTs if they wish to continue offering them to patients.  This could limit access to life-saving genomic testing for patients who have cancer and other conditions treatable with targeted drugs. This Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 8 PM… Read More

Special #LCSM Chat Topic 11/05 1 PM ET: @TheNCI hosts chat on precision medicine in lung cancer

#LCSM Chat is pleased to announce a special #LCSM Chat for Lung Cancer Awareness Month will be held on WEDNESDAY, November 5 at 1 PM Eastern Time (NOT our usual day and time). The National Cancer Institute (@theNCI) and a panel of experts will be using the #LCSM hashtag to talk about exciting new lung cancer treatment options! This chat will be in question-and-answer format, with a panel of experts addressing specific topics posed by @theNCI as well as fielding audience questions related to those topics. This format is great for patients, caregivers, medical… Read More

#LCSM Chat Topic 10/23: How can we help new stage IV #lungcancer patients consider 2nd opinions, mutation testing and clinical trials?

Most patients experience a period of stunned disbelief or shock when they hear a diagnosis of “metastatic lung cancer.”  For those who are offered treatment options, the first few months revolve around medical appointments.  Others may only be told to go home and get their affairs in order.  Patients and family members may be in denial, or trying to process what all those dismal survival statistics mean for their future. It might be the first time the patient or a family member has had to confront the possibility of death for themselves… Read More