#LCSM Chat 07/14: The Spectrum of Progression: What Would YOU Do?

The Many Faces of PD: Should We Consider Progression in a More Nuanced Way? Historically, cancer treatments have been graded in large part by the “response rate” they produce, the reflection of the proportion of patients whose cancers demonstrate significant tumor shrinkage on imaging scans. While stable disease, which at least reflects no disease growth, is considered a reasonable, relative victory compared to evidence of the cancer growing, we consider a treatment as failing when the cancer grows. At the same time, in patients who are being monitored off of therapy, evidence… 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

Does The Lung Cancer Community Risk Losing Unity By Breaking Into Subgroups – August 8

By Dr. H. Jack West A couple of weeks ago, I described the new concept of a “tweetchat” about lung cancer, and we’re about to have our second of these tomorrow: Thursday, August 8th, at 8 PM Eastern, 5 PM Pacific time. The topic for this one will be about the growing trend toward personalized cancer care, breaking what was previously one broad category of “lung cancer” into a federation of smaller subgroups — defined by tumor histology, molecular marker results, smoking status, etc.  But do we risk losing some hard fought unity… Read More