Exciting News for Lung Cancer

March 2, 2010

I just returned from Santa Monica. California. I attended the IASLC 10th Annual Targeted Therapies in the Study of Lung Cancer. At this meeting, leading researchers and oncologists talk about new and upcoming therapies for lung cancer.

The advances made in the last decade leading to even newer possible targets and treatments are truly exciting. I remember when this meeting was much briefer, and most the talk was focused only on EGFr. Now its multiple genetic mutations and things like ALK fusions, and irreversible TKIs, and vaccines used to treat lung cancer. For a patient forced with facing a personal battle with lung cancer, these new treatment options offer hope. Hope not reflected with current statistics on lung cancer.

However, the best part of this meeting was what LCFA was able to accomplish. Our first Career Development grant, in conjunction with IASLC, has closed the application process and the grants are now in the review process! I’ve had the privilege of reading through all the grants and WOW, I’m encouraged by the number of good, exciting researchers that have applied. Grants came in from around the world– and while I’m not qualified to evaluate the science of the grants–I can tell you, I am excited just thinking about the work happening!! My only regret is not being able to fund all the young researchers.

Another exciting part of what LCFA was able to do, was put together a New Advocate’s Training Day! We brought in about 15 new advocates who have expressed interest in learning more about lung cancer research and helping with LCFA’s activities and mission. And I was equally impressed with the high caliber of the advocates that came to join us! They were educated, eager and full of great ideas for LCFA! Four top scientists in the country came to our Training Day presenting highlights of their work and the latest news regarding lung cancer research.

I came away with inspiration and a strong desire to do more. To have another Advocates Training Day and do more to raise even more funds so that we can fund more research. Any time I have the opportunity to see and work face to face with Kim and David (Co-Founder’s) is always a great, recharging time; however this time was exceptionally special because of the upcoming grants and the ability to work with new advocates.

2010 is an exciting time for lung cancer!!