Originally published on June 24th, 2014 by Victoria Colliver at SFGate.com.
Victoria is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. --- Natalie DiMarco's only obvious risk factor for getting lung cancer was having lungs. Natalie DiMarcoDiMarco had been experiencing respiratory problems for months in 2010, but her doctors just assumed the mother of two had allergies. By the time she learned she had lung cancer, the disease had spread into her lymph nodes and reached the membranes that surround the lungs. "I'm young, didn't have any history of smoking, and that's why a doctor didn't X-ray me from the beginning," said DiMarco, now 36, who lives in Penngrove with her husband, daughters, ages 5 and 6, and a teenage stepson. An estimated 4,600 to 6,900 people under 40 in the U.S. are diagnosed every year with lung cancer that has no apparent cause. The disease appears to be quite different from the lung cancer found in longtime smokers and, aside from initial research that indicates that young patients, like DiMarco, tend to share certain genetic changes, the source remains a mystery. A new study just getting under way hopes to find out more about these patients, what they have in common and, potentially, why they get lung cancer. If researchers can find a common thread, or several, it could lead to more effective treatment or point the way to new targeted therapies. The $300,000 Genomics of Young Lung Cancer Study is small - just 60 patients - but the lead researchers hope it will help find the answers they're looking for and even help others with lung cancer, particularly the 15 percent of the nearly 230,000 Americans diagnosed with lung cancer each year who have never smoked. Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute, a partner organization of theBonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation in San Carlos, initiated and is paying for the study along with Genentech. Not much is known. Bonnie Addario, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in her mid-50s in 2003 and founded the organizations that bear her name, said much is unknown about this population of patients because it's never been systematically studied. "We're hoping to find something that may be in another cancer or another disease that could be part of their therapy," she said. Dr. Barbara Gitlitz, a lead researcher of the study and director of the lung, head and neck program at theUniversity of Southern California's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, said the disease should be thought about as its own entity. "We may discover that by looking at the genomics of these people, we may find driver mutations. We'll see patterns that might be specific to this population and we might see something new," she said. Time is of the essence, considering how devastating a lung cancer diagnosis is. Bonnie AddarioJust 15 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer live longer than five years, in part because the disease is difficult to detect in its earlier stages and tends to be caught too late. That's particularly true among young people because no one's looking for it. "What we're hearing quite often is that they're athletes and they're very fit - the people you would least expect to have cancer, let alone lung cancer," Addario said. She added that the disease appears to be more common in young, nonsmoking women than in their male counterparts. Inspired by Cal athlete. Jill CostelloThe study was inspired by Jill Costello, a San Francisco native and varsity coxswain for UC Berkeley's women's crew, who died of lung cancer in 2010 at age 22, a year after she was diagnosed. Jill's Legacy, a subsidiary of Addario's foundation, was created in her honor to raise funds and awareness for lung cancer among young people. Researchers do know that young people and nonsmokers with non-small-cell lung cancer - the most common kind - typically have alterations in their genes that can affect how the disease is treated. The genetic mutation found most often - EGRF, for epidermal growth factor receptor - occurs in about 10 to 15 percent of non-small-cell lung cancer patients. But a host of other known mutations - ALK, ROS1, BRAF, HER2, MET, RET - have also been identified as contributing to lung cancer in young patients, said Dr. Geoffrey Oxnard, a lung cancer specialist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, also a lead researcher of the study. Drugs have been developed in recent years to "target" those mutations, or go after those specific cells to thwart their growth. The first EGRF therapies, AstraZeneca's Iressa, or gefitinib, was approved by federal regulators in 2003 followed by Roche's Tarceva, or erlotinib, in 2005. But even these relatively new treatments don't cure the disease; at most they buy time - from several months to five years - before the cancer returns. Oxnard said he hopes the study - which will test for more than 200 mutations - will not only show a pattern of these genetic alterations but also spotlight the necessity for young and nonsmoking people to get genetically tested after diagnosis, which is not routinely done in all centers. "We know comprehensive genetic testing has the potential to make a difference in any cancer patient, but we think in these patients, it's really going to be transformative," Oxnard said. DiMarco, who hopes to participate in the study, said she learned her genetic subtype by seeking out specialists around the country. Almost by chance her biopsy was tested by a Boston surgeon for the ROS1 alteration, which in 2010 was just newly identified. The mutation makes DiMarco a candidate for a drug called crizotinib, sold under Pfizer's brand name Xalkori. DiMarco, who has undergone numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, has not yet resorted to Xalkori because she and her doctors want to keep that in the arsenal to use only if and when it becomes necessary. So far her disease has been kept in check, and she's been off chemotherapy for 17 months while undergoing regular scanning. Lisa GoldmanAnother young patient, Lisa Goldman, a mother of two who lives in Mountain View, was diagnosed with lung cancer in January at age 40. The disease was found in both lungs and considered stage four. Like DiMarco, Goldman has tested positive for the ROS1 mutation and has also chosen to hold off on Xalkori after receiving other therapies in combination with traditional chemotherapies. "I have that in my back pocket to use next," she said, referring to thePfizer drug. Goldman, who may not be eligible for the study now that she's 41, said the stigma of lung cancer because of its connection to smoking causes her to hesitate about naming her disease and then assert she's never smoked. But she speaks out about having lung cancer because she says she has to. "People need to know this happens. I'm not a fan of smoking, but nobody deserves to get cancer," she said. "Smoking is a contributor to breast cancer and heart disease and other disease, but people don't ask you if you caused this yourself." Goldman's latest scan showed her tumors had shrunk or remained stable, with the exception of one tiny new spot. But she tries to retain a sense of normalcy, particularly for her kids, ages 8 and 11. "How do you live with something like this hanging over your head?" she said. "You just can't live like every day is your last." Living in the present. DiMarco manages by incorporating Chinese medicine - acupuncture, massage, cupping therapy - into her life. As far as her young children know, their mom has some "bad cells in her body" that "made a spot in her lung" and that she has to take medications to get rid of it. While DiMarco knows she's been dealt a difficult hand, she tries to live in the present but look to the future about the potential treatment options. "It's all about what card you play that buys you the most time," DiMarco said. "If I understand what to do now ... I can sleep easier and not have to worry. But I need to have a plan. I need to know, what do we do next?" About lung cancer:
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5/19/2014 Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and Van Auken Private Foundation Announce the 2014 Young Innovators Team Award for Lung Cancer ResearchRead NowAward will fund teams of young, brilliant thinkers for research focused on immediate impact on lung cancer patient lives SAN CARLOS, CALIF. — The Bonnie J Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF), in collaboration with the Van Auken Private Foundation today announced the 2014 Young Innovators Team Award (YITA), a first-of-its-kind program that will fund and support teams of young investigators to conduct novel, innovative and transdisciplinary research with a potential of high clinical impact for lung cancer patients.
“In an effort to involve all stakeholders in our mission of making lung cancer a chronically managed disease by 2023, our goal with this program is to identify young, brilliant and collaborative out-of-the-box thinkers to deliver meaningful and measurable results in the field of lung cancer,” said Bonnie J. Addario, lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF. The 2014 Young Innovator Team Award, with funding from both the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and the Van Auken Private Foundation, will provide up to a total of $500,000 per team over a duration of 2-3 years, to teams of two or more young investigators – those within five years of their first faculty appointment (www.lungcancerfoundation.org/grants). All submissions will be evaluated on the following four main criteria; that the proposed research be:
“Not only is lung cancer the least funded cancer, proportionate to the amount of lives it claims,” said Tony Addario, CEO of the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), the ALCF’s sister organization and an international research consortium, “but it attracts disproportionately fewer young, talented thinkers because there is such a lack of funding for research. We hope this award is the first step in changing that. We also want to encourage young innovators to work together and collaborate in a transdisciplinary fashion focused on solving lung cancer patients’ pressing unmet medical needs.” The funding mechanism is designed in such a way that young investigators work together in cross-disciplinary teams and drive the projects, with guidance from mentors at their own institution, as well as the 2014 YITA Scientific Review Committee that will guide and steer their progress, and make final decisions on continued funding. “The idea is to encourage new thinking and foster leadership skills among young innovators, instilling confidence in them to drive breakthrough, transdisciplinary science under a collaborative, cross-institutional paradigm,” said David Carbone, M.D., Ph.D. at The Ohio State University, and one of the ALCF Scientific Review Committee members. The 2014 YITA Scientific Review Committee is comprised of four top global experts in the lung cancer field: David Carbone, M.D., Ph.D (The Ohio State University), David Gandara, M.D. (University of California, Davis), Roy Herbst, M.D., Ph.D (Yale School of Medicine), Giorgio Scagliotti, M.D., Ph.D. (University of Torino). ALCF invites lung cancer patient-oriented research in the following topic areas preferably (however, all submissions will be evaluated):
Key Dates: RFA Announcement: May 19, 2014
For more information on the award, guidelines for submission, FAQs and the online submission portal please visit www.lungcancerfoundation.org/grants. The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation will accept online applications during June 3-August 1, 2014. Contact: Guneet Walia, Ph.D. Director, Research and Medical Affairs Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation 1100 Industrial Road, #1 San Carlos, CA 94070 grants@lungcancerfoundation.org Funding for this unique new award is provided by the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and the Van Auken Private Foundation. About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, education, early detection, genetic testing, drug discovery and patient-focused outcomes. The Foundation’s commitment to lung cancer patients is to collaborate and partner with the leaders in oncology, technology, science, medicine and philanthropy to make Lung Cancer a chronically managed disease by 2023. The Foundation works with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change. ALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $10 million for lung cancer research. To learn more, please visit www.lungcancerfoundation.org. About the Van Auken Private Foundation The Van Auken Private Foundation was established on April 17, 2008 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its purpose is to make contributions, grants and provide assistance to other tax-exempt charitable organizations, in arts, science, medicine, education and worthy social causes. 4/21/2014 The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and Cancer Commons Partner to Help Patients Find Their Best Treatment OptionsRead NowPatients Share Their Lung Cancer Experiences and Data to Get Personalized Treatment Guidance SAN CARLOS, Calif. & PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) and Cancer Commons today announced the launch of a new program called MyCancerCommons, created to make sure critical lung cancer treatment information reaches the patients who need it. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the ALCF to provide this revolutionary resource, which empowers today’s patients to improve their own outcomes. We also look forward to expanding the program to include all types of cancer by the end of 2014.” Lung cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. With a 1 in 14 lifetime risk of developing lung cancer, more than 220,000 Americans are diagnosed each year, and nearly 160,000 die of the disease. “Lung cancer is not generic. Every patient’s disease is unique at the molecular level,” said Bonnie J. Addario, stage 3b lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF. “So how can a patient know what treatment is most likely to work for them? By knowing what’s worked for other patients with similar types of lung cancer.” Cancer Commons and the ALCF are aiming to make potentially life-saving insights available to all patients. Once data is collected from thousands of lung cancer stories, Cancer Commons and the ALCF can begin to show patterns in treatment choices, side effects, quality of life, and outcomes. Through MyCancerCommons, patients will have access to expert-reviewed personalized news and resources they can use to inform their own clinical care. MyCancerCommons also serves as an entryway into the highly personalized services provided by the ALCF. The ALCF can consult a patient’s MyCancerCommons profile while working directly with the patient to ensure he or she is on the best possible treatment path. “Everyone who has been diagnosed with cancer has felt the fright and anguish of having to make life and death decisions without adequate information, data, or time,” said Marty Tenenbaum, PhD, Cancer Commons’ founder and chairman, and himself a stage IV melanoma survivor. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the ALCF to provide this revolutionary resource, which empowers today’s patients to improve their own outcomes. We also look forward to expanding the program to include all types of cancer by the end of 2014.” Additionally, Marty Tenenbaum, PhD, will be the guest speaker at the ALCF’s Lung Cancer Living Room Support Group taking place tomorrow, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. (PDT). More information can be found here. Visit MyCancerCommons at: https://my.cancercommons.org/lcf. About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating lung cancer through research, education, early detection, genetic testing, drug discovery and patient-focused outcomes. The Foundation works with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change. BJALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $10 million for lung cancer research. To learn more, please visit http://www.lungcancerfoundation.org. Follow the ALCF on Facebook and Twitter. About Cancer Commons Cancer Commons is a 501c(3) non-profit that unites patients, oncologists, and scientists to make sure critical information gets to the patients who need it. Analysis of distinct patient data from thousands of donors will reveal patterns in treatment choices, drug effectiveness, side effects, quality of life, outcomes and more. For more information, visit http://www.cancercommons.org. Follow Cancer Commons on Facebook and Twitter. 4/8/2014 Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Releases New Public Service Announcement Featuring Penny MarshallRead NowApril 07, 2014 12:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) today released the third in a series of Public Service Announcements featuring well-known celebrities to raise awareness for the nation’s number one cancer killer. Film director and actress Penny Marshall, who is a lung cancer survivor, is featured in the new 30-second PSA. “There are so many people who are not aware that lung cancer takes more lives every year than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. The sad reality is that anyone can get lung cancer” “There are so many people who are not aware that lung cancer takes more lives every year than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. The sad reality is that anyone can get lung cancer,” said Bonnie J. Addario, stage 3B lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF. “As a lung cancer survivor myself, I applaud Penny for helping us to raise awareness and educate patients so they can live longer.” Marshall is known for her acting as well as directing careers, having starred in the 1970s and 80s sitcom Laverne & Shirley and later going on to direct successful movies such as A League of Their Own and Big. Previous lung cancer Public Service Announcements featuring Maroon 5 and former NFL Wide Receiver Hank Baskett can be viewed here on the Foundation’s website. About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation: The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, education, early detection, genetic testing, drug discovery and patient-focused outcomes. The Foundation works with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change. ALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $10 million for lung cancer research. To learn more, please visit www.lungcancerfoundation.org.
On February 18, don't miss the leaders and armies of lung cancer advocacy groups as they align like the stars to discuss efforts to achieve the goal and raise funds to commit to this "cost of living with lung cancer." Join members of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, American Lung Association, Dusty Joy Foundation, Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA), and Lungevity for an unprecedented collaboration in the fight to end lung cancer. "Now that we've heard what the experts have to say, what can we do together to move the needle forward?" - Danielle Beltramo - Hicks Whether you join us in ALCF’s Living Room or attend remotely through Livestream on your computer, you will be informed about Living with Lung Cancer. If you are having trouble getting the live stream working, click here for help and troubleshooting tips. The Patient Handbook, “Navigating Lung Cancer, 360 Degrees of Hope,” is the first-ever comprehensive, up-to-date patient resource for Lung Cancer.
For a hard copy of the handbook please email handbook@lungcancerfoundation.org or click below to download a copy. 12/16/2013 Bonnie J. Addario, Founder of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, Issued the Following Statement in Response to the Nov. 29 Dr. Oz Segment on 'Symptoms People Worry About Most'Read NowBonnie J. Addario, founder of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, issued the following statement in response to the Nov. 29 Dr. Oz segment on symptoms people worry about most:
"Dr. Oz, "I'm sure you are aware by now that your segment on Friday, Nov. 29 -- 'The Alarmist Guide To The Symptoms You Worry About Most' -- caused quite a stir in the lung cancer community. A woman on your show complained about a nagging, persistent cough and read online that it may be a symptom of lung cancer. It IS a symptom of lung cancer. While you did advise her to see a physician if her cough continued for more than two weeks, you mislead your audience when you said, 'If you don't smoke you should always feel better about that.' You then proceeded to calm her fears and said she had post-nasal drip, not lung cancer. "It is true that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, but more and more people every year are being diagnosed who have never smoked a day in their lives. Lung cancer in never-smokers, if it were a cancer by itself, is now the sixth deadliest cancer in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 24,000 Americans will die of lung cancer in 2013 who never smoked. That is greater than the number of deaths associated with Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Liver, Ovarian and Bladder cancers. Because there is so little funding for lung cancer research we still don't know why the number of never-smokers with lung cancer are increasing. Prevention and early diagnosis are extremely challenging as there isn't a reliable early detection test other than a CT scan. "You did provide the proper advice to your guest at the end of the segment, but the message heard loudly among the lung cancer community is that never-smokers shouldn't worry about lung cancer, which sadly today is not the message well respected physicians like you should send. "In May of 2012 you aired this short but important PSA on your show that 'Not only smokers get lung cancer.' We hope you'll consider revisiting this statement in more detail on an upcoming episode and partnering with us to increase awareness of lung cancer. "In 2006 I founded the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, one of the largest and most active philanthropies dedicated to raising awareness and funding for lung cancer research and patient programs, with the ultimate goal of making lung cancer a chronically managed, survivable disease in the next 10 years. Our sister foundation, the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute, is launching a ground-breaking study in January called The Genomics of Young Lung Cancer Study, which aims to understand why never-smokers under the age of 40 are getting lung cancer and if they have a unique cancer subtype that could be treated differently. The research is being conducted by (list the institutions) Two patients who plan to enter the study, Ingrid Nunez and Emily Bennett-Taylor, were recently profiled in an article about the study in The Atlantic. "This timely study offers you a great opportunity to clear up the confusion about smoking and lung cancer, and have a real discussion about the deadliest cancer in the U.S. and the world. "Thank you in advance for understanding the concerns I am raising, and we look forward to working with you and your producers in 2014 to save lives." Bonnie J. Addario Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Media Contact: Perry Communications Group Matt Notley, 916-658-0144 matt@perrycom.com 11/6/2013 The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation presents: "The Next Decade in Lung Cancer"Read Now The brightest minds in research, academics and advocacy unite at the Lung Cancer Living Room. Published on November 5, 2013 by The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation SAN CARLOS, CA, Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) is proud to present The Next Decade in Lung Cancer, a three-part series of the Lung Cancer Living Room, the nation's premiere live-streamed support group for patients, family and friends. "We are asking the big question. What will it take to make lung cancer a chronically managed disease in the next 10 years?" said Bonnie J. Addario, lung cancer survivor and founder of the ALCF. "The Next Decade in Lung Cancer offers a glimpse into the future from the perspective of researchers, advocates and most importantly patients." The three-part series will unite industry leaders in medicine, research and technology who will discuss the latest advancements and breakthroughs in lung cancer. Advocacy and policy agencies and foundations will also discuss access, information, education and needed legislative changes. The series, which will take place over the next three months, kicks off on November 10, 2013 at 2 p.m. (PST). Guests who attend the Living Room in-person will have the opportunity to network with other patients and with the guest speakers listed below. Online guests can also participate through the live stream, asking questions and sending comments via a live chat function. The session also airs at a later date locally on Peninsula TV. Guest Speakers:
The ALCF regularly hosts the Living Room on the third Tuesday of every month and the program is live-streamed online. It is the nation's premier lung cancer support group for lung cancer patients and their families, offering expert opinion and advice not found anywhere else. Visit www.ustream.com and select the Lung Cancer Living Room Support Group channel to see the video archive, including full length videos and 20-minute condensed highlighted versions, available the week after the group meets. The patient empowerment educational series is made possible through funding partners: Biodesix, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Genentech and The Safeway Foundation. About The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, early detection, education, and treatment. The Foundation works with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change. The ALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $10 million for lung cancer research and patient services. Read more here. 6/20/2013 The Bonnie J. Addario #LungCancer Foundation's 360 Community Hospital Program Improving Individualized Standard of Care for PatientsRead NowPilot program already showing positive patient outcomes, with ultimate goal to increase the lung cancer survival rate. SAN CARLOS, CALIF., JUNE 20, 2013 — /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is creating a new patient-focused approach to standard of care for lung cancer with the launch of the Patient 360 Community Hospital Program. The program uses a collaborative, multi-disciplinary model to provide an individualized approach to care, giving the patient access to the newest and most effective diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for their specific needs. "What we're finding is by using a team approach to individualized care we can begin to incrementally increase the survival rate of people diagnosed with lung cancer," said Bonnie J. Addario, a stage 3B survivor and founder of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (LCF). "Because 80 percent of patients receive treatment at their local community hospital, these are the centers where the greatest good can be done for the greatest number." Working with an elite team of pathologists and specialists to create an unsurpassed paradigm for lung cancer treatment, the LCF is in essence creating lung-specific centers of excellence in the community hospital setting. The program ensures that every patient receives molecular testing, combined with a multi-disciplinary team approach and selected treatment options unique to the patient's needs. "The 360 Program's multidisciplinary approach is unique because it coordinates the standard of care for patients individually, giving each patient what's right for them." Addario said. "So the oncologist, the radiation oncologist, the pathologist, the pulmonologist, and the surgeon are all communicating and collaborating, not just with academic, industry and technology, but internally as well." During the first six months of the pilot stage of the program, preliminary metrics and data have shown that patient outcomes have improved dramatically.
The program is rigid in its standard of treatment. Every patient in the pilot 360 program received molecular testing to better determine personalized treatments, as will be the case for all future patients as the program expands to more community hospitals in the coming years. Three new hospitals are expected to enlist by the end of 2013 and 30-50 by the end of 2015. The program's process focuses on early detection, diagnosis, treatment and treatment monitoring, and patient follow up. Critical in the program's standard of care is ensuring all patients receive molecular testing, which uses DNA, RNA and proteins to test for specific states of disease. In lung cancer, molecular testing is used to determine potential patient response to targeted therapy. The LCF has received generous support from a number of distinguished industry partners, including GE Healthcare, Pfizer and Boehringer-Ingelheim. GE Healthcare provided in-kind services from its oncology solutions division to help create the program's flow and metrics. The LCF is working with Boehringer-Ingelheim and Pfizer in partnership to broaden the overall awareness of multi-disciplinary collaborations that incorporate personalized testing to initiate timely and appropriate lung cancer treatments. Boehringer-Ingelheim also leads the letstestnow.com campaign, set up to improve patient outcomes through a multidisciplinary approach to biomarker testing in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. "Every community hospital that joins us and implements this new multi-disciplinary, patient-centric approach to standard of care will be given a formal seal of excellence awarded by the LCF, signifying that no lung cancer patient is left behind," Addario said. The pilot program launches during a time when an estimated 228,190 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. The American Cancer Society also estimates 159,480 Americans will die from the disease this year. The facts about Lung Cancer cannot continue to go unnoticed:
"The Foundation is powering progress through ground-up initiatives, educating patients to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change," Addario said. "The LCF is empowering patients to take a seat at the table wherever discussions are being made about their care. We are committed to improving the standard of care and believe that chronically managed lung cancer using molecular testing to determine personalized therapies is the future of lung cancer treatment and the pathway to increasing the survival rate." About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, early detection, education, and treatment. The Foundation works with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change. BJALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $10 million for lung cancer research. SOURCE Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation |
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