Enter your search term above.
Link back to homepage
Link back to homepage

News

Kathryn A. O’Donnell, PhD to lead Scientific Advisory Board

NEW YORK, NY (July 1, 2024) – The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathryn A. O’Donnell, PhD as its new Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) chair, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. O’Donnell succeeds Katerina Politi, PhD, who has served as chair of LCRF’s SAB since 2019.

Kathryn (Kate) O’Donnell, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center and co-leader of the Development and Cancer Program in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. She received her B.S. in genetics from Cornell University and her PhD in human genetics from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, working with Chi Dang on the functions of the MYC oncogene, one of the most important drivers of human malignancy. Following graduate school, she joined Jef Boeke’s laboratory at Johns Hopkins and developed innovative approaches to identify genes that contribute to cancer and may represent new therapeutic targets.

In 2011, Kate was recruited to UT Southwestern Medical Center as an Assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Scholar. Since establishing her independent laboratory, Dr. O’Donnell has made important contributions to our understanding of cancer initiation and progression. She has discovered new cancer genes, including oncogenic cell surface proteins that may be targetable with therapeutic antibodies. Her current work is focused on understanding the mechanisms that contribute to lung tumor development, the regulation of immune checkpoint pathways, and applying insights from these studies towards the development of new therapies for lung cancer. Dr. O’Donnell has served as a member of LCRF’s SAB since 2022.

“I am thrilled and honored to chair LCRF’s Scientific Advisory Board and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Scientific Advisory Board, the Board of Directors, and the amazing staff and leadership at LCRF to continue funding exceptional lung cancer research,” said O’Donnell.

“We are excited for Dr. O’Donnell to take the reins of the SAB from Dr. Politi,” remarked Aubrey Rhodes, LCRF’s executive director. “Dr. Politi leaves big shoes to fill. Her leadership has made LCRF’s research program what it is today – funding innovative research with the greatest potential to address unmet need and improve outcomes for the lung cancer community. Her efforts were integral in developing several multi-year, multi-million-dollar research partnerships that have accelerated the pace of lung cancer research. Under her leadership, the SAB developed a long-term vision through strategic planning and its research roadmap, which guides the foundation’s research investments. She has also strived to increase the diversity of the SAB. We’re grateful for her service and are especially thankful that she will remain on our SAB and Board of Directors, assuring a smooth transition for Dr. O’Donnell into her new role.”

Katerina Politi, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, has led LCRF’s SAB for five years, overseeing the funding of more than $11 million in lung cancer research grants as well as the development of LCRF’s Research Roadmap and the founding of the organization’s Research Advocates volunteer group. She is a celebrated researcher herself, and a past beneficiary of LCRF’s early investigator grant awards, which provide her a unique perspective on both the process and the impact of early funding on a scientist’s career. Dr. Politi continues as a mentor to other researchers and a partner to LCRF’s board and staff.

“Dr. O’Donnell is an excellent scientist and will continue to build upon LCRF’s legacy of supporting lung cancer researchers and novel, innovative research ideas,” said Dr. Politi. “I’m confident that she will lead the SAB to achieve LCRF’s research priorities and improve outcomes for people with lung cancer.”

###

About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF)
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is the leading nonprofit organization focused on funding innovative, high-reward research with the potential to extend survival and improve quality of life for people with lung cancer. LCRF’s mission is to improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer. To date, LCRF has funded 419 research grants, totaling nearly $44 million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more information, visit LCRF.org.

Contact:
Sheila Sullivan
Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications, LCRF
ssullivan@lcrf.org

Posted in Announcements, Women & Lung CancerTagged , ,

Drs. Benjamin Levy, Antoinette (Toni) Wozniak, and Isabel Preeshagul discussed the news from this year’s ASCO Annual Meeting – a premier scientific event for oncology professionals, patient advocates, industry representatives, and the media.

ASCO, or American Society of Clinical Oncology, is a leading organization for health care professionals involved in the care of cancer patients. Watch the video below.

Posted in #TogetherSeparatelyTagged , ,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of an incredible member of our community, Ivy Elkins. The impact that Ivy has had on the lung cancer community cannot be adequately expressed in words. She touched so many people’s lives, both directly and indirectly, through her tireless advocacy for patients.

Whether through her official capacity as co-founder of the EGFR Resisters, or through her representation of lung cancer patients with the Department of Defense CDRMP, the NIH, and countless advocacy groups, Ivy was able to connect with others in a way that brought hope to the fore. She was instrumental in spearheading numerous fundraisers for lung cancer research. Ivy was also one of the people we counted on to host discussions that helped tie lung cancer research to its impact on people. She helped to forge connections between researchers and the beneficiaries of the research, always focused on the human element of advancements being made.

Her influence on lung cancer research and the lung cancer community will be felt for years to come. She will be sorely missed by us all.

Posted in RememberingTagged

Scalora Consulting Group‘s Helping Hand Fund golf tournament took place June 7, 2024, at the Red Tail Golf Club in Devens, MA and we are so excited to announce that they raised $55,000! Scalora Consulting Group’s Helping Hand Fund partnered with Related Beal to act as the lead sponsors for this event benefiting the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in loving memory of Jennifer Zannini-Cipriani.

Thank you so much to all the supporters, volunteers, Red Tail Golf Club staff, guests, players, and of course to the event sponsors without whom this event wouldn’t be possible: Scalora Consulting Group, Related Beal, Professional Electrical Contractors of CT, Inc., Consigli Construction Co., Inc., HGA, Suffolk Construction, Needham Bank, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Columbia, Lawson & Weitzen, LLP, BOND Building Construction, Sterling Construction, Inc., BLOCK Builders, Inc., Erland Construction, and Commodore Builders.

Below are some photos from the event.

Posted in Events, Fundraise Your Way, FundraisingTagged ,

The good news

The results of three lung cancer trials – LAURA, ADRIATIC, and REACH PC – were among the top five presentations at the plenary session of the annual ASCO meeting. This is very unusual and speaks for the advances that are being made in the treatment of lung cancer.

Why it’s important

LAURA trial: The standard of care (SOC) for treating stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that cannot be surgically removed and containing an epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (EGFRmut+) is chemotherapy and radiation, preferably given together. Despite aggressive treatment, most patients in this category are not cured. In the LAURA trial, over 200 patients with stage 3 EGFRmut+ NSCLC received either osimertinib or placebo after completing SOC chemoradiation. Patients who received osimertinib had control of their disease for a median of 39 months and 74% were alive and free of disease progression at 12 months, compared with 5.6 months and 22% for the placebo group. (Shun Lu et al, New England Journal of Medicine, DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa2402614)

ADRIATIC trial: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of lung cancer that represents 10-15% of lung cancers. The SOC for limited stage SCLC (limited to the chest) has been chemoradiation and there have been very few advances in treatment since the 1980s. In the ADRIATIC trial, patients with limited stage SCLC were treated with durvalumab (anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy) or placebo after SOC chemoradiation. Patients receiving durvalumab saw a significant improvement in median survival of 55.9 months, compared with 33.4 months for patients on placebo. At 2 years, 12% more patients who received immunotherapy were alive than those in the control group that just received SOC treatment.

REACH PC trial: Palliative care represents a number of services including but not limited to pain and symptom control, psychological and social support, and, when appropriate, end of life care. Palliative care is very important in the management of patients with lung cancer and is known to help them live longer and better. Telemedicine has become a frequently used tool in patient care, particularly as a result of the COVID pandemic. The REACH PC trial took place in multiple centers, led by the palliative care team from the Massachusetts General Hospital. Over 1,200 patients received palliative care through telemedicine or in-person visits. The primary outcome was patient-reported quality of life. Researchers found that the benefits of providing palliative care for patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer were not diminished when delivered via telemedicine as opposed to in-person visits.

What it means for patients

LAURA trial: Osimertinib is already being used in metastatic EGFRmut+ NSCLC and has also been approved for use as treatment after surgical removal of early-stage disease. It now has shown benefit for EGFRmut+ patients who have stage 3 NSCLC that is limited to the chest and is not able to be surgically removed. This represents a major advancement in treatment.  Side effects of treatment were as expected and there were no new concerns. Mature survival results are awaited but it is likely that the survival advantage for osimertinib treatment will be maintained.

ADRIATIC trial: Chemotherapy and immunotherapy (atezolizumab or durvalumab) are the standard of care for the treatment of patients with extensive stage SCLC. The results of the ADRIATIC trial establish the use of durvalumab in the treatment of patients with limited stage SCLC. This is of particular importance considering there have not been any treatment advances for these patients in many years. The side effects associated with immunotherapy are well known and there were no new problems seen when it was used with chemoradiotherapy. Of note, there was no increase in the occurrence of severe pneumonitis (lung inflammation) with the addition of immunotherapy.

REACH PC trial: Palliative care already has an important role in the care management for patients with advanced lung cancer. The findings from the REACH PC trial add critical evidence to support ongoing access to telehealth services and show that early palliative care can be delivered successfully via telemedicine. Telemedicine could be very important in providing access to palliative care for patients who otherwise may not be able to get it.

What to look for

All of these clinical trials will change oncology practice. Expect to see future updates for the LAURA and ADRIATIC trials.  Although the results of these trials represent significant advancements, there is more work to be done. More research with new agents will be conducted to try and further improve outcomes for these patients. The REACH PC trial will allow oncologists to provide palliative care to many more patients. The convenience of telemedicine will also allow patients to reap the benefits of these services without the hassle of traveling to appointments. Receiving palliative care remotely will be the norm for patients with advanced cancers of any type.

Posted in Research, Science Made SimpleTagged ,

The good news

The FDA recently granted accelerated approval to tarlatamab for the treatment of patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who have progression of their disease after chemotherapy.

Why it’s important

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of lung cancer that affects about 10-15% of lung cancer patients in the United States. Because SCLC has an aggressive nature, patients usually present with extensive stage disease. The standard initial treatment of ES-SCLC is chemotherapy, usually in combination with immunotherapy. The cancer initially is very sensitive to the therapy and patients often feel better very quickly. Unfortunately, the disease has a tendency to come back, and it is often resistant to further treatment. Tarlatamab is a unique bispecific T-cell engager. It works by using two antibodies to connect T-cells (immune cells) to a target on the cancer cell. In this case, the target is DLL3 (delta-like ligand 3). DLL3 is present on the surface of more than 85% of SCLC and is thought to be important in the development of SCLC. The FDA approval was based on the results of the DeLLphi-301 trial. Ninety-nine patients with ES-SCLC that progressed after initial treatment were given tarlatamab. The disease responded in 40% of the patients and was controlled for a median of 9.7 months (New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 389, Page 2063, 2023).

What it means for patients

Tarlatamab is a new, unique therapy for patients with ES-SCLC.  Its approval indicates that there is progress being made in the treatment of this disease. It is important to note that tarlatamab treatment carries with it some unique side effects. About 50% of patients developed Cytokine-Release Syndrome (CRS). CRS occurs when the immune system overreacts when exposed to a drug such as Tarlatamab which is a form of immunotherapy. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, rash, muscle aches, and fatigue. The CRS was usually mild and easily treated by the physician. An effect on the nervous system resulting in symptoms such as confusion, tremors, and weakness occurred in 8% of the patients. Again, the side effects were mild and managed by adjusting the dose of the drug. All potential side effects associated with tarlatamab should be discussed with your oncologist before treatment.

What to look for

Effective therapy for ES-SCLC is an area of urgent need and it is very important that new treatments are developed. Tarlatamab has received an accelerated FDA approval which means that its continued approval may depend on the results of additional clinical trials. Expect to see more clinical trials incorporating tarlatamab. Hopefully, this represents the beginning of more advancements in the treatment of SCLC. 

Posted in Research, Science Made SimpleTagged

Volunteers provide patient and caregiver perspective to foundation’s grant award process

NEW YORK, NY (June 11, 2024) – The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) is pleased to announce the expansion of its Research Advocate group. This select group of volunteers are patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates committed to identifying and funding innovative lung cancer research.

This group is tasked with playing a significant role in determining areas of research to fund, drafting requests for proposals (RFPs), reviewing, and providing input on grant applications, and supporting education, awareness, and funding efforts.

“Research is how we will improve patients’ lives,” remarked Dr. Antoinette Wozniak, LCRF’s Chief Scientific Officer. “Patient involvement in LCRF’s research grant process, from identifying areas of unmet need to helping identify the most promising projects to fund, ensures that we are investing in projects that have the greatest chance of making an impact on lung cancer and patient outcomes.”

“It is important to have the patient perspective when reviewing submissions for lung cancer research grants,” says Dusty Donaldson, Founder of Dusty Joy Foundation and LCRF Research Advocate. “Being part of the grant review process is both empowering and hopeful, as we see first-hand the innovative thinking that lung cancer scientists are using to make the future brighter for everyone impacted by lung cancer. I am thrilled to work with these dedicated volunteers in advancing research in patient-centric ways and welcome our new colleagues to the group.”

LCRF’s Research Advocates:

New Members (2024)

Caroline Blanchard, DNP, FNP-C – Metairie, LA
Urologic Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Stephen Huff – Franklin, TN
Founder of The Huff Project
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Tiffini Joseph, RN – Pembroke Pines, FL
Pediatric CVICU, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Lung Cancer Patient Advocate

Barbara Marsh, DSW, MSW – Miamisburg, OH
Social Worker
Caregiver/Lung Cancer Patient Advocate

Aileen Murgatroyd – Sprotbrough, UK
Lung Cancer Patient Advocate

Marc Tannenbaum, MD – New York, NY
Caregiver/Lung Cancer Patient Advocate

Randi Warren, MD – New York, NY
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Existing Members:

Aaron Andersen, MD — Waukesha, WI 
Emergency Medicine Physician
Emergency Medical Associates of Waukesha, WI
Lung Cancer Patient Advocate

Colleen Conner Ziegler — Rochester, NY
LCRF Board of Directors, LCRF Scientific Executive Committee
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Denise Cutlip – Ypsilanti, MI
LCRF Education and Engagement Committee
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Dusty Donaldson — High Point, NC
Founder, Dusty Joy Foundation
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Bruce Dunbar — New Rochelle, NY
LCRF Board of Directors, LCRF Corporate Development Committee Chair
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Kristen H. Kimball, MS, MEM — Boston, MA
Educator, UCONN
Lung Cancer Patient Advocate

Barbara LaMonaca — Falls Church, VA
BSN, Speech Pathology & Audiology, Retired
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Frank McKenna, MS Ed — Virginia Beach, VA
Cancer Exercise Specialist
Founder, Beach Better Bodies
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

Emily Venanzi, PhD — Newton, MA
ALK Positive Inc. Medical Committee 
Lung Cancer Patient/Survivor & Advocate

###

About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF)
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation® (LCRF) is the leading nonprofit organization focused on funding innovative, high-reward research with the potential to extend survival and improve quality of life for people with lung cancer. LCRF’s mission is to improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer. To date, LCRF has funded 419 research grants, totaling nearly $44 million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more information, visit LCRF.org.

Posted in Announcements, Research

June 2024

It was October 2019, and Suzanne felt sluggish on one of her morning runs. She typically ran 5-7 miles daily and had collected her share of race medals. “I thought it might be bronchitis brewing, so I visited my doctor for a quick fix as I had a race that weekend,” she said. He took a chest X-ray on a Monday. “By Thursday, after additional scans, I received the diagnosis: stage 4, terminal lung cancer.”

Suzanne was determined: “I don’t remember being scared, just ready to fight. And I had an overwhelming desire to protect my family, especially my husband and daughter.”

A blood biomarker test came up negative, but a tissue biopsy revealed Suzanne’s tumor had the ALK mutation. She started alectinib as her first line of treatment on Thanksgiving that year. Things were stable for almost four years before her cancer progressed in mid-2023. She had another comprehensive tissue biopsy, and a new variant was identified. “I am now on Brigatinib, finished one round of radiation, and on my way to stability once again,” she said.

At first, “I did not want to know anything about my cancer,” Suzanne recalled. “I let the oncology team lead me. I am now knowledgeable about different trials, research, what to do in case of progression, how to handle side effects. I added an ALK specialist to my team, which was crucial since she is the one who detected my progression first. Today, I am the leader of my fight. It took me a year to get there. I admire those who take the reigns right from the beginning.”

Part of her education was connecting with other patients through the #TogetherSeparately Lung Cancer Community group on Facebook, as well as using LCRF’s educational materials. She also found other ALK+ patients. “We have formed an amazing group – ALK Positive – which is a big part of my fight. The connections I have with ALK-positive fighters have supported me throughout this journey. They ‘get it.’ When I am going through something, I just look at those who have had similar experiences. Their courage gives me courage.”

“When fear creeps in (and it does), I try to make my faith bigger than my fear. Also, the amazing research being done gives me hope.”

> Learn about genetic mutations and biomarker testing
> Find a patient support group
> Donate to fund lung cancer research

Posted in Journeys, People, Women & Lung CancerTagged ,

LCRF hosted our third annual Together Chicago event May 15 in a beautiful neighborhood in Evanston, IL. A group of patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others impacted by lung cancer gathered at LeTour on the sunny evening to connect and learn more about the latest in lung cancer research.

Our panel of experts was moderated by LCRF’s Chief Scientific Officer, Antoinette Wozniak, MD. Joining us as panelists were Rajat Thawani, MBBS and Denise Rouse, MMSPA from UChicago Medicine; and Mary J. Fidler, MD from Rush Medical Center. Ms. Rouse provided her perspective as a physician assistant – a point of view that was new to LCRF Together.

The evening was full of impactful conversations before, during and after the panel discussion. Panelists shared their thoughts, experience, recommendations, and took general questions from the audience. An interesting discussion revolved around early-stage lung cancer treatment, including neoadjuvant, perioperative, and adjuvant therapies, as well as treatment for EGFR- and ALK-positive lung cancers. The conversation on targeted therapies delved into what physicians are doing for patients whose targeted treatment stops controlling their cancer. The panel also explored the side effects of treatments, patient reported outcomes, ADCs, small cell lung cancer, screening, and supportive care options.

Watch our calendar for other events near you and upcoming #TogetherSeparately livestreams.

Posted in LCRF TogetherTagged ,