Results from Genomics of Young Lung Cancer Study Promises New Research, Better Outcomes & More Hope for Lung Cancer Patients

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI) released preliminary results from its Genomics of Young Lung Cancer Study (GoYLC) at the World Conference on Lung Cancer on September 8. These findings showed that more than 75 percent of trial participants have a driver mutation treatable with targeted therapies or precision medicine.

“These findings provide the foundation for improved outcomes for lung cancer patients by driving genomic testing, precision medicine and targeted treatment”

The study, launched in July 2014, aims to understand why lung cancer occurs in young adults who are quite often athletic, and never smokers. Last year alone an estimated 4,500 people under 45 were diagnosed with lung cancer.

ALCMI, a patient-centric, international research consortium and partner of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) facilitated this first-of-its-kind, multi-institutional, prospective genomic study to characterize a new genome-defined subtype of lung cancer and accelerate delivery of more effective targeted therapies.

To participate in the GoYLC study, patients must have pathologically confirmed primary bronchogenic lung carcinoma at any stage and any treatment point and be under the age of 40 at the time of diagnosis.

“These findings provide the foundation for improved outcomes for lung cancer patients by driving genomic testing, precision medicine and targeted treatment,” said Bonnie J. Addario, Stage IIIB lung cancer survivor and founder of both ALCF and ALCMI. “From the moment we saw our first 22-year-old lung cancer patient five years ago we began to hear from many young adults worldwide with lung cancer and became determined to identify and address an unmet need that could benefit all lung cancer patients.”

“Those diagnosed with lung cancer under the age of 40 tend to be never smokers and have Stage IV Adenocarcinoma at presentation,” said Barbara Gitlitz, MD, medical oncologist at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) and lead researcher for the GoYLC study. “We originally hypothesized that young adults with lung cancer might be an enriched population for targetable mutations; thus far we have far exceeded our statistical expectations. Our study is also quite novel allowing for web based participation so anyone in the world can join and use social media to share our trial information. Our initial findings provide a tremendous opportunity to drive innovative research and more impactful treatment for young lung cancer patients.”

Patients enrolled thus far in the GoYLC study are located in the United States, Europe and Australia. ALCMI’s approach allows for a feasible, seamless way to conduct research across continents.

“We are honored to provide the opportunity for lung cancer patients to help drive research and build their own treatment options for the future, and to work collaboratively with the leading lung cancer researchers and academic and community medical centers globally to help develop and accelerate new and improved diagnostics and therapies, ” said Steven Young, president and COO of ALCMI.

For more information about the study, please contact Steven Young at 203-226-5765 or info@lungcancerfoundation.org. Lung cancer patients may learn more at https://www.openmed.org/site/alcmi-goyl.

For more information about the ALCF please visit www.lungcancerfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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’s goal is to work with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, patients, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change and turn lung cancer into a chronically managed disease by 2023. The ALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised nearly $25 million for lung cancer research and related programs.

About the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute
The Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), founded in 2008 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization, is a patient-centric, international research consortium driving research otherwise not possible, evidenced by ALCMI's current clinical studies CASTLE, INHERIT EGFR T790M, and the Genomics of Young Lung Cancer. ALCMI overcomes barriers to collaboration via a world-class team of investigators from 22+ institutions in the U.S. and Europe, supported by dedicated research infrastructures such as centralized tissue banks and data systems. ALCMI directly facilitates research by combining scientific expertise found at leading academic institutions with patient access through our network of community cancer centers – accelerating novel research advancements to lung cancer patients.

Contacts
Perry Communications Group
Julia Spiess Lewis, 916-658-0144
julia@perrycom.com

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