The 2026 Targeted Therapies of Lung Cancer Meeting brought together leading clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to discuss the latest advances shaping the future of lung cancer care. Hosted by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, this annual gathering was held in Huntington Beach, California from Feb. 18-21, 2026. It has become known as one of the key meetings for participants to discuss the latest breakthroughs and challenges in lung cancer.
This year’s meeting featured many meaningful sessions, but three stood out for their scientific insights, human experiences, and powerful calls to action.
A Personal Journey that Touched the Entire Room
One of the most memorable moments came from Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, a world-class lung cancer researcher and physician at the University of Colorado who stunned the lung cancer community in September 2025 when he shared his own lung cancer diagnosis. His presentation at the Targeted Therapies meeting offered a rare blend of scientific expertise and lived experience. Dr. Camidge shared the story of his diagnosis and treatment with honesty and humor, wrapping up his speech by underscoring the importance of pursuing breakthroughs while never losing sight of the person at the center of every decision. You can watch his presentation here.
Rethinking How We Understand Tumor Heterogeneity
Another stellar talk was given by internationally acclaimed physician-scientist John Heymach, MD, PhD, from MD Anderson Cancer Center. His keynote address provided an in-depth look at the biological complexity of treating lung cancer. As an expert in the lung cancer space, he explained that distinguishing the different subtypes of lung cancer continues to be one of the biggest barriers to effective treatment.
Dr. Heymach emphasized the need to move beyond today’s common practice of categorizing driver mutations based on their genetic location. Instead, he encouraged the field to think more strategically and classify mutations by the structural and chemical effects they have on proteins, a method that may lead to more effective treatment strategies.
He shared how this approach could speed up the development of treatments for patients whose tumors have less common EGFR, HER2, or KRAS alterations. Dr. Heymach’s talk left the audience with a deeper understanding of how continued advances in translational research can lead to better targeted therapies for patients.
Four Decades of Advocacy and a Vision for the Future
Highly acclaimed patient advocate, Jane Perlmutter, PhD, MBA, delivered a powerful and deeply personal presentation reflecting on more than forty years of experience with multiple cancer diagnoses including breast, esophageal, skin and lung cancers. She shared how patient advocacy has evolved over the past century and why informed and engaged patients are essential partners in clinical research.
Dr. Perlmutter described the many meaningful ways patients can participate in research including:
- Helping plan clinical trials
- Serving on steering committees
- Joining molecular tumor boards
- Reviewing patient-facing materials
- Contributing to working groups
- Participating in data safety monitoring
She also expressed pride in supporting the next generation of research advocates through her involvement in LUNGevity’s Citizen Scientist Program, which teaches the average person (who has experience with lung cancer) how to effectively be part of a research team. Her presentation encouraged everyone in the room to recognize research advocacy as a driving force for progress and patient-centered care.
As the 2026 Targeted Therapies of Lung Cancer Meeting ended, the energy in the room reflected a shared sense of purpose: building a future where lung cancer is not only treatable, but truly manageable, and often curable. Leaders like Dr. Ross Camidge, Dr. John Heymach, and advocate Dr. Jane Perlmutter embody the empathy, scientific rigor, and steadfast resolve needed to bring us lifesaving breakthroughs in the years ahead.
Interested in getting more involved with lung cancer research? LUNGevity’s Citizen Science Program can help. Learn more and sign up to be notified when we open enrollment for our next group of research advocate training.