Dr. Kartik Konduri introduces the program on patient experiences with EGFR-positive NSCLC, joined by Elizabeth Dennis, an advanced practice provider at Texas Oncology at Baylor Simmons Cancer Center, and Lynn Abbott-McCloud, Executive Director of LiveLung, a nonprofit lung cancer organization.
Elizabeth Dennis describes the testing process following a new lung cancer diagnosis. Initial tissue biopsy is sent for next-generation sequencing (NGS), although repeat tissue sampling or liquid biopsy from blood may be needed if the initial biopsy is insufficient for molecular profiling.
Dr. Konduri provides an overview of the current frontline treatment landscape for metastatic EGFR-positive NSCLC.
Lynn Abbott-McCloud describes the overlooked burden of being in cancer treatment, likening it to a full-time unpaid job.
Lynn Abbott-McCloud articulates that quality of life extends well beyond clinical or medical definitions: it encompasses life quality in its fullest sense, including whether a patient has the energy to pick up a grandchild after a karate class.
Dr. Konduri provides a clinician's overview of the frontline to subsequent-line treatment framework for metastatic EGFR-positive NSCLC.
Elizabeth Dennis outlines the key factors patients and caregivers should consider when discussing personalized treatment goals with their care team: how treatment may impact daily living, independence, work, and hobbies; emotional support needs and caregiver involvement; and practical factors including transportation, appointment scheduling, work commitments, medication access, insurance coverage, and the ability to sustain treatment adherence over time.
