CURE Connections®

Dr. Kartik Konduri from Baylor Simmons Cancer Center and Texas Oncology moderated a patient-focused discussion with Elizabeth Dennis, an advanced practice provider at Texas Oncology, and Lynn Abbott-McCloud, Executive Director of the nonprofit lung cancer organization LiveLung.

The program explored the full patient journey in EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), from the distinctive diagnostic challenges this population faces. Many patients are never or light smokers who don't meet standard screening criteria, through biomarker testing, treatment initiation, and ongoing quality-of-life considerations.

Key themes included the shock of unexpected diagnosis, diagnostic delays when lung cancer is not on the clinical radar, the importance of the test-know-treat framework for next-generation sequencing, shared decision-making across the frontline treatment landscape including osimertinib monotherapy, osimertinib with chemotherapy, and amivantamab with lazertinib, proactive side effect management, and the breadth of practical and logistical burdens patients and caregivers carry. Advocacy organizations, peer support communities, and the EGFR Resistors were highlighted as critical resources.

Dr. Narjust Florez from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, along with nurse practitioner Stephanie McDonald and patients Megan and Matt Flanagan, discussed the evolving landscape of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer care. The program emphasized that lung cancer increasingly affects younger patients, particularly women who have never used tobacco, challenging traditional stereotypes about the disease.

Megan's journey highlighted common diagnostic delays despite persistent symptoms, with multiple healthcare visits initially attributing her chest pain and dyspnea to musculoskeletal issues or anxiety. Her story underscores the critical importance of biomarker testing, which revealed ALK-positive disease amenable to targeted therapy with lorlatinib.

Key themes included shared decision-making incorporating patient values and goals, comprehensive side effect management, and the psychological challenges of living with chronic cancer including scanxiety. The CROWN trial's 7-year follow-up data demonstrates unprecedented durability of response, with patients living years rather than months with their disease.

A medical oncologist, a nurse practitioner, and patient with advanced melanoma share their perspectives on the treatment journey through tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy with advanced melanoma, from diagnosis and decision-making to hospitalization, recovery, and life after treatment.

We will discuss the evolving treatment landscape in advanced melanoma, including the role of immunotherapy, emerging administration approaches such as subcutaneous formulations, clinical evidence supporting their use, and the multidisciplinary considerations that shape treatment decisions and patient experience.

This series follows a panel of multiple myeloma patients sharing their emotional journey from the shock of diagnosis through treatment, relapse, and long-term management, highlighting the critical role of specialist care, reliable information, and community support. Their collective story evolves from initial fear to a empowered, hopeful outlook, grounded in the rapid advancements in therapy and the personal resilience found in navigating life with this cancer.

This series focuses on the important role that multiple myeloma care partners play, focusing on acknowledging their personal challenges and equipping them with practical strategies. The series emphasizes their critical role in managing multiple myeloma patients and highlights the importance of accessible resources and community connections to sustain their resilience.

Panelists discuss how the novel antibody-drug conjugate micvotabart pelidotin (“MICVO,” formerly PYX-201) targets the tumor microenvironment rather than cancer cells directly, showing promising early results in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for whom standard treatments, including immunotherapy, had failed, with patient Andrew Dunning sharing his experience of achieving complete remission after just 4 infusions while maintaining quality of life through fitness and community support.

Panelists emphasize a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to multiple myeloma care that integrates multidisciplinary expertise, personalized education, collaborative decision-making, innovative treatments, and strong support systems to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients and caregivers.

Medical experts explore the treatment landscape of late-line relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, highlighting key considerations for patient care, quality of life, and treatment selection. They provide valuable insights to help patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals navigate and manage the disease more effectively.

A medical oncologist, a thoracic surgeon, and a patient advocate discuss what an early-stage non-small lung cancer diagnosis means and the current treatment landscape. Sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Panelists discuss how effective communication, early intervention, and robust support systems are crucial for improving the management and quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Catherine Coombs, MD, Bita Fakhri, MD, MPH, and patient Jim Plotkin give comprehensive insights into Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and patient care while encouraging balanced dialogue and effective communication.

A gynecologic medical oncologist, a registered nurse, and a patient advocate discuss the screening and treatment of cervical cancer, with a focus on the patient experience.

Nour Abahadra, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and management of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and patient guest Shay Elkins shares her experience navigating her diagnosis and treatment.

A panel of experts along with a patient and caregiver discuss the emergence of PSMA-targeting therapy for patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Healthcare specialists provide their insight in the context of a patient’s journey with thyroid cancer, highlighting treatment options that make up today’s therapeutic landscape.

A panel of healthcare professionals, patients, and a patient advocate provide a discussion on advances in diagnosing, treating, and managing clear cell RCC through the lens of their own experiences.

A panel of patient advocates living with metastatic breast cancer and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker discuss the mental health impact of the disease, the importance of self-care, challenges faced by women of color, and the importance of clinical trials.

A panel of oncologists, patients, and a patient advocate discuss the emergence of comprehensive molecular testing in lung and thyroid cancer and consider how results can be used to inform treatment, as was done in 2 real-world cases highlighted.