What are biomarkers, why do they matter, and what should every person living with lung cancer know about getting tested? Dr. Ross Camidge, a world-renowned thoracic oncologist and lung cancer researcher at the University of Colorado, joins Ann Steagall and Dr. Misty Shields to explain the ins and outs of biomarkers. Dr. Camidge helped pioneer biomarker testing as a standard of care, but he also brings the patient perspective as well - he was diagnosed with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer several years ago. They discuss what biomarkers are, how biomarker testing works, why you might need

LUNGevity offers a variety of virtual support groups called ‘meetups’ where survivors and caregivers impacted by lung cancer connect with others who understand the patient experience. Once a month, we invite an expert to share information on a topic related to life with lung cancer, engage with attendees, and answer questions in real time. In May, we welcomed Aileen Anglin, ACNP-BC, AOCNP, from MD Anderson Cancer Center, to talk about peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy refers to the many conditions that involve damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. This can lead

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting brought together thousands of cancer researchers, clinicians, advocates, and patients in San Diego from April 17–22. This year's theme—“Precision, Partnership, Purpose: Advancing Cancer Science to Save Lives Globally”—set a powerful tone for a meeting that showcased advances across the lung cancer landscape. One message was loud and clear. Science is accelerating, and we are reimagining how healthcare is delivered. From next-generation targeted therapies to AI-powered diagnostics, AACR 2026 offered a snapshot of both the

How do you make the most of your visits with your healthcare team? In this episode, lung cancer survivor Bill Morris shares his experience with lung cancer and how he approaches his healthcare visits now. Oncology nurse practitioner Rasheda Persinger shares her insights after 20 years of working with patients. Hosts Ann and Dr. Shields discuss with Bill and Rasheda what they wish every patient knew, from writing down questions before an appointment to asking about biomarker testing to why recording your visit can make all the difference. <a href="https:/

HOPE Summit 2026 was filled with old friends reuniting, new friends being made, and of course, plenty of inspirational and informative sessions designed to help people live well with lung cancer. For the second year in a row, select sessions were recorded so those who could not attend are still able to access the valuable information shared. HOPE Summit 2026 Recorded Sessions Keynote: Wagons Roll with Dr. Ross Camidge Back in the Saddle: Reclaiming Strength and Living Well Charting New Territory with Palliative Care Partners Community Connections Across the Horizon Experts Around the Campfire

What happens after a lung cancer diagnosis? In this first episode of LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer Voices of Hope podcast, lung cancer survivor Lisa Bistline shares her experience, from initial scans and biopsies through multiple treatments, and the moment a later biopsy revealed a biomarker that led to a targeted therapy. Hosts Ann Steagall and Misty Shields, MD, PhD, then speak with Anne Chiang, MD, PhD, thoracic oncologist at Yale University, about what patients can expect at their first visit, including how doctors determine the type and stage of cancer, plan treatment, and approach care

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the future of cancer care, but such dramatic innovation also brings important questions. AI has evolved from early consumer tools (like autocorrect on phones, customer service chatbots, and personalized shopping recommendations) to advanced systems with the potential to revolutionize biomedical discovery and patient care. While there is tremendous excitement around AI, there is also a critical need to use it responsibly. Researchers are actively studying how to implement AI across the lung cancer continuum. Key areas of focus include improving

The human immune system is an intricate web of checks and balances that usually excels at detecting and destroying foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, while protecting healthy tissue. But sometimes, the checks and balances get confused and stop the immune system from doing what’s right—such as killing tumor cells. Tumor cells are good at confusing the immune system because they originate from our healthy cells. They can often avoid detection by immune cells. Through several decades of research, we have identified two key protein pathways, PD-L1 and CTLA-4, that lung cancer cells

For people with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the treatment landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Researchers are learning how to optimize existing therapies and are exploring entirely new treatment approaches. At the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), several studies highlighted progress in treating newly diagnosed individuals as well as those who need new options after standard therapies stop working. Combining Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy to Treat EGFR-positive Lung Cancer One of the most anticipated studies at WCLC was the phase 3

Michelle knew what was wrong. She knew the headaches, regular vomiting, ear popping, and “whooshing” sounds in her head were all signs of leptomeningeal disease (LMD). The issue, however, is that LMD is so rare—only diagnosed in 5% of people with cancer—she had to advocate for the testing to prove it. “I called my clinic and said I needed a brain MRI because I think I have LMD. They didn’t want to schedule one, so I said, tell my doctor I’m demanding a brain MRI. I can tell him directly if I need to,” says Michelle. Leptomeningeal disease, or LMD, occurs when cancer from somewhere in the body