A Post-Treatment Blood Test Could Inform Future Cancer Therapy Decisions
“In the continuing evolution of personalized medicine, a new Yale study has found evidence to support the value of a tool that measures the presence of cancer-derived molecules in the blood of patients with lung cancer years after their treatment. This tool is a type of molecular residual disease (MRD) detector, which is used after patients have completed their primary treatment in order to monitor their cancer status. Researchers say it could inform clinical intervention, including whether to restart or intensify treatment.”
Family Caregiver Support Program Well-Received Despite Modest Effects
“A perioperative support program for family caregivers of patients undergoing surgery for early-stage lung cancer appeared feasible and acceptable, yet its impact on psychological distress and other caregiving-related outcomes remained inconclusive, according to results from a study published in BMC Nursing.”
‘The missing piece of my life’: DNA testing unites woman with family after decades-long search
“KEY TAKEAWAYS: Kerri Robbins, 65, found her biological father’s family through DNA testing. She connected with relatives, gaining support amid her Stage 4 lung cancer battle. Robbins advocates for radon awareness in Utah, linking her cancer to radon exposure.”
Western Diets Linked With Lung Cancer Risk
“For cancers of organs like the liver, the long-term impact of our diet has been well studied — so much so that we have guidance about red meat, wine and other delicacies. A new study from researchers at University of Florida Health looks at another kind of organ whose cancer risk may be affected by poor diet: the lungs. The study was funded by several National Institutes of Health grants and a collaboration between the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center and the UF Health Cancer Center.”
Patient-Reported Outcomes Reinforce Clinical Benefits of Tarlatamab in Small Cell Lung Cancer
“Tarlatamab (Imdelltra; Amgen) demonstrated moderate and long-lasting tolerability with a strong benefit-risk profile in previously treated small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with favorable patient-reported outcomes (PROs) across a spectrum of functional outcomes and symptoms.”
Disentangling the effects of various risk factors and trends in lung cancer mortality
“Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality in oncological classifications, yet the impact of various risk factors on lung cancer mortality (LCM) in non-smokers remains unclear. This study aims to weigh out the diverse impact of multiple risk factors on LCM rates and identify trends in LCM rates worldwide.”
ACR to release early lung cancer detection registry
“The American College of Radiology (ACR) is expanding its Lung Cancer Screening Registry, which will evolve into the Early Lung Cancer Detection Registry in late 2025. The expansion will support diagnostic performance feedback on management of actionable incidental pulmonary nodules using current ACR Learning Network Recommendations Follow-Up Collaborative measures, the ACR said. These measures focus on the quality of radiology report recommendations and timely follow-up completion rates.”
IU Health, Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center launch mobile lung cancer screening
“INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana University Health and the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center are rolling out a new tool to help detect lung cancer. A 40-foot truck with CT scanner on board launched last week, marking what the health system says is the first mobile lung screening program in the state.”
Amid funding concerns, promising lung cancer vaccines could be available in next few years
“Ongoing clinical trials to develop a lung cancer vaccine to treat or prevent the most deadly form of cancer in the U.S. could be available to patients in “the next few years,” Dr. Stephen Liu, who works at Georgetown University’s cancer center. “I’m optimistic that in the next few years, we’ll see one that’s ready for patients,” Liu told WTOP, amid ongoing concerns about funding cuts and research priorities of the new Trump administration.”
Big Tobacco: Still Selling Women a Pack of Lies
“Research has found that women’s smoking rates have not declined as quickly as men, and each year more than 200,000 women will die of tobacco related disease in the U.S., and an estimated 1.5 million worldwide. Currently, more than 10% of women report smoking cigarettes regularly, meaning either every day or most days. This is particularly worrying because women face unique health risks from tobacco use. During Women’s History Month we are looking at how Big Tobacco has targeted women, and the impact tobacco has on women’s health.”
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Stanford professor with terminal cancer uses his experience to teach special course
