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. Together, they discuss how lung cancer research and treatment options continue to evolve, and the pace of progress in recent years.
"I just gaped and said, I have lung cancer? and I looked over at my husband and I said, I have lung cancer?"
-Lisa Bistline, lung cancer survivor
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Key Topics:
- Lisa’s diagnosis and treatment journey: Lisa shares being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and her path from scans and biopsies through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and multiple medications, to a later biopsy that identified an ALK biomarker and led to a targeted therapy
- What happens at a first oncology visit: Dr. Chiang outlines how doctors assess cancer type, staging, symptoms, and treatment planning
- Understanding biomarkers: Dr. Chiang explains what biomarkers are and how they help guide treatment decisions
- Biopsy testing: Dr. Chiang explains how tissue and liquid biopsies are used to identify mutations
- Support systems and community: Lisa discusses the role of support groups, family, and connecting with others during treatment
- Clinical trials and research: Dr. Chiang discusses the role of clinical trials and the pace of progress in lung cancer treatment
Resources:
- LUNGevity Foundation - Educational materials, support programs, and patient resources
- LUNGevity Patient Gateways - Resources and latest news for you specific cancer type
- LUNGevity's LifeLine Support Program - One-on-one peer mentorship connecting newly diagnosed patients with survivors
- LUNGevity's Clinical Trial Finder — Tool to help patients find relevant trials.
- Small Cell SMASHERS - A learning series specifically for small cell lung cancer patients
- Find the Right Track - Important first steps for people recently diagnosed
- Lung Cancer Basics - What everyone should know about lung cancer