I have spent my career focused on the intersection between cancer research and public health. Since joining LUNGevity over a decade ago, it has been nothing short of a privilege to witness how research has changed how we diagnose and treat lung cancer. We have seen unimaginable improvements in the field. However, this scientific progress seems to have outpaced our ability to effectively deliver these benefits to all patients. Key questions remain: Is every person at an increased risk of developing lung cancer getting screened? Is every person diagnosed with lung cancer receiving the best

In June, we were joined by Charles Rudin, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Rudin discussed how participation in clinical trials has brought hope and meaningful change for people with SCLC. Moderated by Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine, and LUNGevity’s Ann Steagall, SVP of Patient Services and Health Care Delivery, this monthly virtual series highlights the latest discoveries and breakthroughs for SCLC.

Each year, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting brings together the world’s largest gathering of the oncology community. Approximately 40,000 researchers, physicians, nurses, advocates, biotech and pharmaceutical professionals, and others, meet annually to discuss research that shapes how cancer is diagnosed, treated, and managed. The 2026 meeting took place May 29 - June 2 in Chicago and included important advances in lung cancer treatment. We saw awe-inspiring long-term results from a targeted therapy, new approaches for patients with specific biomarkers

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

In May, we were joined by Simon Heeke, PhD, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Heeke discussed biomarker identification and their potential roles in patients impacted by SCLC. Moderated by Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine, and LUNGevity’s Ann Fish-Steagall, SVP of Patient Services and Health Care Delivery, this monthly virtual series highlights the latest discoveries and breakthroughs for SCLC.

At HOPE Summit 2026—for the first time ever—we hosted Small Cell SMASHERS Live sessions with Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine. We recorded these sessions so everyone in the Small Cell Lung Cancer community can access the valuable information shared. Small Cell SMASHERS Live Recorded Sessions Blazing New Trails in SCLC: Exploring Genetics & Biology Deep in the Heart of Research: Texas-Sized SCLC Advances The New Frontier: FDA Approvals for SCLC Trail Tested Treatments for Brain Metastasis Healing on the Range with Supportive Oncology Partners

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

In April, we were joined by Catherine Meador, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Meador discussed Transformed SCLC: Understanding Biology, Detection, and Identifying Novel Targets. Moderated by Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine, and LUNGevity’s Ann Fish-Steagall, RN, BSN, SVP of Patient Services and Health Care Delivery, the monthly Small Cell SMASHERS series highlights the latest discoveries and breakthroughs for SCLC.

Clinical trials show us whether a new treatment is safe and effective. They are also an important way for patients to access cutting-edge care. For trials to truly serve the lung cancer community, the people who enroll in the trials need to represent the populations who are diagnosed in everyday life. Recognizing these needs, federal agencies like the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been encouraging clinical trials to offer more locations across the US. The Plan The intention is that a broader footprint of clinical trials can reduce barriers for patients and help studies

Though many of us would like to deny it, our neighbors affect us. Their loud music disturbs our sleep. The scent of their dinner wafts through an open window. The sight of their new puppy brings a smile. We interact with our environment every moment of the day. And so do lung cancer cells. A Brief History Traditionally, we have studied tumor cells in isolation. We often study single cells in a petri dish, or under a microscope, to understand how they work. This has been very important and effective. Studying individual cells continues in labs around the world and it leads us to understand many