LCRF’s 2023 Scientific Symposium was held noviembre 1, the first day of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Joining the record-breaking group online were program chair and moderator, Kathryn O’Donnell, PhD; our chat moderator, Isabel Preeshagul, DO, MBS; and speakers Brendon M. Stiles, MD; Colleen Conner Ziegler; Aaron Hata, MD, PhD; Nikhil Joshi, PhD; Stephen V. Liu, MD; Christine Lovly, MD, PhD; and Triparna Sen, PhD.
Watch the replay below.
NEW YORK, NY (octubre 24, 2023) – The Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium (LCMC), facilitated by the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF), announces the enrollment of one hundred patients in its fourth study, LCMC4 Evaluation of Actionable Drivers in EaRly Stage Lung Cancer (LEADER), examining targeted drugs given as single agents and combinations as neoadjuvant therapies matched to specific genetic mutations.
This is the first of the LEADER trial’s major milestones to be met, with many more to come. Seventeen sites are currently enrolling patients in the study with more sites expected to join the trial.
The LEADER trial, together with matched industry-sponsored therapeutic trials, aims to develop data that will support oncologists in their targeted treatment planning for cancer patients prior to surgery by screening for eleven actionable driver mutations in patients.
“We’re incredibly excited to have met this first major milestone in patient accrual. The importance of this study to patients with early-stage lung cancers cannot be overstated. Expanding the benefit of targeted treatment to this group can have a marked impact on patient care,” says Mark G. Kris, MD, Attending Physician, Thoracic Oncology Service, Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and one of the investigators of the LEADER trial.
Patients with early-stage lung cancers who are interested in participating in the LCMC LEADER trial should discuss the study with their oncologist to determine eligibility and the process for enrollment.
To learn more about LCRF and its grants program, visit LCRF.org
To learn more about LCMC and the LEADER trial, visit LCRF.org/LCMC4
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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 409 research grants, totaling nearly $42 million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more information, visit LCRF.org.
octubre 2023
“I was told to get my affairs in order and quit working,” Christine remembers.
A healthy, active woman of 57 with no previous health issues, she had gone to the doctor with shortness of breath, clavicle, and shoulder pain. After an initial X-ray, she had CT, MRI, and PET scans, which confirmed pleural and cardiac effusion and metasticized adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer, stage 4. “I had cancer in my lungs, liver and brain,” she said. “I was in disbelief because I felt fine, except for shortness of breath when I went up a flight of stairs. I also, immediately thought, OK, I have this – what do we do? What is my game plan? Let’s do this.”
A biopsy confirmed Christine’s cancer carried the ALK mutation – “a game changer,” she said. Lung cancer linked to genetic mutations such as ALK can be treated with targeted therapy drugs. These treatments allow patients to better manage their cancer and have resulted in better survival rates for advanced disease.
“I have been on targeted therapy since the beginning of my ALK positive diagnosis,” Christine said. “I have been on two targeted drugs: alectinib, which got rid of the brain and liver spots, and now lorlatinib.” She has also undergone pulmonary cardiac effusions to drain fluid out of the linings of her lungs and heart.
> Learn more about ALK and other biomarkers here.
“I am a naturally hopeful person, but cancer is hard. I think it takes some time to process that you have such a terrible disease. It did for me – it took me a while to wrap my head around me actually being so sick. I have never really been sick; maybe a cold or flu a few times but I was a very busy and active person. I did all the things – mowed, painted houses, played with grandkids, put down sod, built things, gardened – you name it, I have done. it. Everything changes.”
While her cancer is in check, Christine has nonetheless experienced physical fluctuations that have proved challenging. “I gained 70 pounds, have osteoarthritis in joints, concentration levels changed, body swelling (edema). I developed neuropathy in my hands, arms, legs, and feet; thyroid disease; diabetes type 2; and Horner Syndrome (sweating on one side of face, neck and eye drooping). People around you also change in the way they interact with you once you have a diagnosis.”
Christine has found strength through the support of her family, friends, and fellow survivors.
“My husband has been my main source of support and source of hope, along with my children and grandchildren. Staying involved and active with those I love or care about keeps me going.”
In addition, “my cancer support group has been amazing,” she said. “Sarah Bechard is our social worker who leads us and does an amazing job. Just sharing how we LIVE with our diagnosis and treatment together is so important… sharing tips and how – or who – our doctors are, and how to deal with the medical community so they can better help us.”
Christine participates in LCRF’s Lung Cancer Community Facebook group, and attends online events such as #TogetherSeparately educational talks. These activities give her a “sense of power in helping cancer patients now and in the future.”
She also makes sure to enjoy simple pleasures: “Nature. Sunrises, sunsets, swimming, art – painting, writing, quilting – creating. Prayer and meditation.”
Her advice for others diagnosed with lung cancer: “Take one day at a time. Do your own research, ask questions, and remember it’s okay to not be okay. Take time to process. Get into a support group! Go to a counselor. Check out palliative care and what they can do to help with treatment symptoms.”
> LCRF offers information and materials through its support line: (844) 835-4325.
> Join the Lung Cancer Community Facebook group here.
> Other resources and groups are listed on our Quick Links page for patients and caregivers.
Introducing our 2023 Team LCRF runners who will be doing the TCS New York City Marathon on noviembre 5! Read more below about this year’s amazing group of marathoners who are raising awareness and fundraising for lung cancer research.
Anthony previously completed a half marathon in 2022.
“I became aware through my work in the pharmaceutical industry of the important, underserved community that has proven it can develop life changing therapies with more attention, focus and resources. I also want to model healthy habits for my children by successfully completing my very first marathon.”
Favorite food while training: “Apples and peanut butter.”
Casey, a journalist, is proud she was able to get through her training runs during the hot NYC summer!
“My dad was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He fortunately has qualified for a new targeted therapy that has received really great results in trials! My family is so grateful to organizations like LCRF that make these new treatments possible. I’m so excited to be running with the team this year!”
Favorite food while training: “The energy chews I use for long runs are basically candy, I have to stop myself from eating them all the time!”
Hannah, a journalist for 10 Tampa Bay Nightside, is proud of every long training run she’s done in preparation for this marathon.
“My charismatic and resilient aunt, Reina Honts, credits early screening and detection with catching her lung cancer in 2018. Five years later, she is now cancer-free thanks to medical advancements made possible through the support of groups like the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. I’m running for her and the millions of other people touched by this disease.”
Favorite food while training: “My long run ritual is chicken parm and spaghetti the night before!”
Jared is an attorney who earlier this year completed the Brooklyn Half Marathon in Coney Island.
“My mother Elaine was only 48 years old when lung cancer took her life in 2007. She was loving, generous, and radiated positivity, even during difficult times. My mom was an avid runner and if she were alive today, I have no doubt she would be running by my side (or far ahead of me).”
Best running tip: “Keep the music pumping and always have fun.”
John is a financial advisor and finished a half marathon just last month.
“My wife Reina had lung cancer about 5 years ago. Thankfully, she has been cancer free since her original surgery. Reina’s mom also died from lung cancer. So, helping to cure lung cancer through research is important for our family.”
What he does on rest days: “I try to squeeze in golf if I have free time and I’m not running.”
Joshua is a 2nd grade teaching assistant, and was proud to have earned 1st place in his age group at age 12 in his mom’s memorial 5K race.
“Being a part of Team LCRF is very important to me as it is something I envisioned myself being a part of since I was a kid. I am running in memory of my mom, Lynn Adams, who passed away from lung cancer when I was only 9 years old. Growing up whenever I would think about giving back to charity, I always thought of lung cancer first. I am thrilled to finally be putting my money where my mouth is. Aside from my goal of raising $4,000, I also have a competitive goal of trying to finish the marathon in under 4 hours!”
What’s on his running playlist: “The song “Running up that Hill” from Stranger Things gets me going whenever I run.”
Julie, a nurse practitioner, completed her first marathon last oct.
“Lung cancer took Babci from our family in septiembre 2022. Despite her endless courage to continue treatment, her will to fight through her worst days, and her never ending hopefulness to hear the words “cancer-free”, she was unable to defeat her illness. Being a nurse, I was able to advocate for her and help navigate a difficult road filled with unfamiliarities of treatment plans, medication side effects, test results, as well as overwhelming emotions and uncertainties. I’m thankful I was able to be there for her, however miniscule my support may have been in comparison to all that she had done for me in the 27 years of my life.”
Favorite food while training: “Peanut butter!”
Mike is a self employed real estate investor.
“I will be running in the 2023 New York City Marathon in memory of my sister Jen who was diagnosed with Metastatic EGFR-sensitizing non-small lung adenocarcinoma, stage 4 in 2017 and unfortunately lost her battle in febrero 2021 at the age of 47. Jen was trying to make a difference in the world for people who suffer from this. She also was trying to stop the stigma of it being a ‘smokers disease’ and raise awareness about how anyone can get lung cancer.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “my first marathon, which happened to be NYC.”
Favorite food while training: “Steak and a baked potato.”
Naomi, an attorney, feels good about finding the time to prioritize herself and her runs, “and also successfully crossing four lanes of highway traffic after accidentally getting lost near the GW bridge on my first NYC long run!”
“I am running in honor of my grandmother. Team LCRF has been particularly meaningful to me because of their emphasis on research and sharing critical information with lung cancer patients and loved ones. Knowledge is power!”
What’s on her running playlist: “Higher Love” (Whitney Houston & Kygo). This may be on my running playlist, but it also is on every single other playlist I have.”
Ryan works in commercial real estate investments, and is proud to have the courage to sign up for this race without having any previous running accomplishments.
“I’m thrilled to be running the 2023 New York City Marathon this noviembre in memory of my grandparents, John and Patricia Burns, who both passed away from Lung Cancer in 1999 and 2010. Since then, supporting causes like lung cancer research and hospice care have held positions close to my heart. I’m thrilled I get to run in their honor.”
Favorite running tip: “Getting out there early. There’s something about running the streets of New York when it’s quiet and the sun is rising that gets my blood pumping. Plus, it sets your day up for success, knowing that if you crushed a 10-mile run at 5:30 in the morning, you can do whatever else you put your mind to for the day.”
Shannon is a dental hygienist and decided to sign up for her first marathon after completing the Brooklyn Half Marathon last spring.
“I am running in memory of my father, Dan Moore, who passed away at age 54 due to Lung Cancer as a nonsmoker. He was my #1 fan and I know he will give me the strength that I need to cross the finish line come race day.”
Favorite food while training: “Chipotle and a Diet Coke after a long run is my favorite!”
Sophie works in operations for Fair Harbor Clothing and made a personal record in her half marathon time during training!
“Since running the Brooklyn Half Marathon in abril 2023, I have found such joy in running. I am energized to combine that joy with the incredible work the LCRF is doing in both the medical field, and with community support to those whose lives have been impacted by lung cancer. A family member of mine was diagnosed with lung cancer around the time of the of the 2022 NYC Marathon, and I immediately knew I wanted to run in 2023 with Team LCRF.”
What’s on her running playlist: “Podcasts during training have been my go to! Smartless and Armchair Expert have been two of my favorites. They make me laugh, keep my pace slow, and make the time go by fast.”
Todd is a financial advisory in New York.
“I’m honored to support a cause that’s very important to me and my family. My mom died at 53 from lung cancer and my sister, Reina, is a lung cancer survivor. This year’s marathon is a family affair! I will be running along with my brother-in-law, John, and my niece, Hannah.”
Will is a law student and previously has run 12 miles. He is running with his mom, Susan, who is a private banker.
“I have participated in fundraisers for LCRF in the past. Last year, a close family friend passed away from lung cancer. In his memory, his son and I hiked 500 miles in the French Pyrenees mountains.”
Training partner: “I am running with my friend, Sam, who is also running with her mom!”
LCRF is proud of this fantastic team!
Cheer them on as they prepare for the TCS NYC Marathon!
A special thank you to CBRE for sponsoring
Team LCRF for the 2023 TCS NYC marathon.
Our octubre 4 #TogetherSeparately webinar featured an overview of IASLC’s 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer, which took place in sep. Dr. Jyoti D. Patel, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, and Dr. Jessica Lin, Massachusetts General Hospital, joined moderator Dr. Isabel Preeshagul to discuss the hot topics from the meeting.
Watch the recording below.
Survivors, caregivers, friends, family, medical staff, and other supporters gathered during Free to Breathe Walk weekend, sep. 30 – oct. 1, 2023, to raise awareness and funds for lung cancer research.
LCRF held in-person Free to Breathe Walks in Chicago and Kansas City, making memories and meeting others whose lives have been changed because of lung cancer. Around the nation (and even world), others joined the Free to Breathe Anywhere Walk, doing their part in their own neighborhoods. The Free to Breathe Anywhere Walk is underway through the end of the year – participants can walk whenever and wherever they would like. Walkers are still accepting donations, too!
Learn more at LCRF.org/walk.
Watch the Free to Breathe Anywhere Walk opening ceremony:
Below are a few photos from each event. When they are available, links to the full photo albums will be posted on the event pages: Chicago, Kansas City, and Anywhere.
NEW YORK, NY (septiembre 28, 2023) – The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) announces today its newest board chair, Colleen Conner Ziegler. Previous LCRF board chair, Reina Honts, has graciously agreed to take on the role of Vice Chair, alongside Dr. Brendon M. Stiles.
Ms. Conner Ziegler joined the LCRF Board of Directors in junio of 2021 and has been instrumental in helping to guide the organization’s strategic plan, its research roadmap, and the creation of its Research Advocates program.
After she was diagnosed with stage 4 ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer in 2015, Ms. Conner Ziegler received alectinib as her first line of treatment. At the time, the drug was part of a clinical trial. Ms. Conner Ziegler firmly believes that research is what has made her treatment – and her survival for 8 1/2 years and counting – possible. As an active patient advocate, she is convinced that the patient’s voice in research is necessary for continued advancement in impactful science.
After a 22-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Ms. Conner Ziegler served in a variety of community-focused capacities, including service on several Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards. Her primary focus prior to her diagnosis was on children’s education as well as woman’s health issues. Following her lung cancer diagnosis, she turned her focus to lung cancer advocacy, co-founding a number of organizations, participating in the Department of Defense Lung Cancer Research Program, and volunteering with several lung cancer advocacy groups.
Ms. Conner Ziegler’s appointment as chair is a milestone for LCRF and underlines its commitment to integrating the patient’s perspective in everything the organization does. Ms. Conner Ziegler is the first patient in active treatment to serve as board chair for LCRF. She has previously served LCRF as a member of its board, Scientific Advisory Board and executive committee; and as a patient volunteer Research Advocate.
Most recently, Ms. Conner Ziegler was honored at LCRF’s Evening of Innovation gala for her many years of patient advocacy, mentorship and championing lung cancer research and researchers.
“Colleen is the right person at the right time to take the helm of the LCRF board,” says Ms. Honts. “She is dedicated to LCRF and its mission and is deeply invested in making significant impact and improving outcomes for all patients… all while undergoing active treatment for lung cancer. I am delighted to pass the baton to her, and I’m excited to see what she will accomplish.”
“It’s such an honor to serve the lung cancer community in this way,” remarks Ms. Conner Ziegler. “It is exciting to take a leadership role in a growing, evolving organization that is helping to advance lung cancer research in new and innovative ways. I am humbled by my colleagues’ vote of confidence, and I look forward to working with the board, the Scientific Advisory Board, and the staff to make LCRF’s vision – a world without lung cancer – a reality.”
Ms. Conner Ziegler lives in Rochester, New York with her husband, Tom, and their daughter Taya.
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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 409 research grants, totaling more than $42 million, the highest amount provided by a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding lung cancer research. For more information, visit LCRF.org.
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s annual Evening of Innovation gala celebrated scientific discovery, honored the work of lung cancer luminaries, and raised funds for research that will save lives. The event raised over $545,000 for lung cancer research.
This year’s gala honored two incredible women in the lung cancer space.
Katerina Politi, PhD, received the evening’s Gala Honoree Award. Dr. Politi is chair of LCRF’s Scientific Advisory Board, a volunteer role she has held since 2019, and a member of LCRF’s Board of Directors, where she serves on the Executive Committee. Dr. Politi is also Associate Professor of Pathology and Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine; Co-Leader of the Cancer Signaling Networks Research Program and Scientific Director of the Center for Thoracic Cancers, Yale Cancer Center. Dr. Politi has given countless hours of her time to LCRF, all while running her own lab and raising her family. She is a mentor to many other researchers, and is committed to unlocking the secrets of lung cancer to benefit patients.
Dr. Brendon M. Stiles of Montefiore-Einstein Medical Center and 2022 Evening of Innovation Gala Honoree presented the award to Dr. Politi. “I like to say that research is our True North at the Lung Cancer Research Foundation,” said Dr. Stiles. “And certainly if that is our True North, then Katie is our North Star.”
Watch a short video about Dr. Politi below.
Jen Cosgrove, LCRF advocate and stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer survivor, presented the Research Advocate Honoree Award to Colleen Conner Ziegler, research patient advocate and incoming LCRF Board Chair. Ms. Conner Ziegler, diagnosed with Stage IV ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer in may 2015, has been a tireless advocate on behalf of patients with lung cancer for nearly eight years. In that role, she has initiated and supported patient-centered research, increased awareness of lung cancer, mentored newly diagnosed lung cancer patients, and served as a consumer reviewer for the Department of Defense Lung Cancer Research Program. Ms. Conner Ziegler is a beacon of hope and inspiration to so many people – other lung cancer patients, her own physicians, the investigators whose research she champions – and represents the patient voice in LCRF’s research programs. “She has such a special way of relating to people,” says Ms. Cosgrove of Ms. Conner Ziegler, “…of talking to people, and of being there for people. I’m grateful for her friendship and her leadership in advocating for other lung cancer patients.”
Watch a short video about Ms. Conner Ziegler below.
Coral Olazagasti , MD, and Estelamari Rodriguez, MD, MPH, led a Lung Cancer Community Talk in Spanish on septiembre 21. With moderator Ana Velázquez Mañana, MD, MSc, they provided an overview of lung cancer, with a discussion about lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, biomarker testing, clinical trials, and more.
Dr. Olazagasti is a head & neck and thoracic oncologist for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Rodriguez is Co-Lead, Thoracic Site Disease Group for the institution. Dr. Velázquez Mañana is a thoracic oncologist and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Watch the recording below.
The good news
A 2015 LCRF grant awardee, Benjamin Izar, MD, PhD, contributed to recent research published in the prestigious journal, Nature, by Samuel Bakhoun, MD, PhD from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The research shows how an immune pathway called STING, which normally defends against infection and cancer, can decrease the immune response and help the cancer spread.
Why it’s important
Even within one cancer there are many different tumor and immune cells. The researchers used a sophisticated computational tool to evaluate individual cancer and immune cells. By studying the interactions between these cells, they were able to identify biomarkers that can determine how cancer cells may respond to a particular treatment.
What it means for patients
The interactions between cancer and the immune system are very complicated. Findings from this research will help scientists understand how to improve treatment of cancer patients. In the past, drugs that activate the STING pathway have not been successful in cancer treatment. However, STING is still very important in the immune system. Understanding the interactions between the cancer cell and the immune system may help to guide physicians in the use of the available drugs directed at STING.
What to watch for
This research may result in more biomarker driven trials that will use the findings to individually direct treatment. Successes in this area could be applied to other trials using immunotherapy.
