Top 5 Lung Cancer-Related Stories of 2021

From Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals to new research developments and personal stories of hope and resilience, so much has happened in the lung cancer space in the year 2021.

CURE® took a look back at the most-read lung cancer-related articles of the year and compiled them for our readers. They were:

1. A Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story

As an endurance athlete and healthy mother of two, Tabitha Paccione was shocked in 2016 when she received a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer at the age of 35. In this article from CURE®’s Winter 2021 issue, Paccione discusses the treatments that are keeping her alive and the hope that keeps her going. “The only reason I share my story is because I want to give that next lung cancer survivor the help that they need to push forward and to live their lives,” she said.

2. Could T-Cell Therapy Be the Next Advancement in Lung Cancer Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy has drastically changed the lung cancer treatment landscape in recent years, and in this article, CURE®’s editor-in-chief Dr. Debu Tripathy theorizes on where to go from here. CAR-T cell therapy, which continues to be used in the blood cancer space, is in the early stages of development for non-small cell lung cancer.

3. An Inspiring, Guiding Light Through Lung Cancer

Every year, CURE® honors individuals who are making an impact on the lung cancer community through our Lung Cancer Heroes® program. In this essay, patient Leah “Cherry” Lommen writes of her physician, Dr. Aaron Mansfield of the Mayo Clinic, stating that he “strengthens you with the scientific knowledge he provides, with his courage as a role model and with his fighting spirit.” Lommen died shortly after submitting the essay, but her kind words for her favorite doctor will live on.

4. FDA Approves Drug to Reduce Bone Marrow Suppression Caused by Chemotherapy in Certain Patients With Lung Cancer

This February, the Food and Drug Administration approved Cosela (trilaciclib) for the treatment of bone marrow suppression in adults undergoing chemotherapy to treat extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer that has spread beyond the lungs. By protecting the bone marrow function, the approval of Cosela is likely to help patients complete their cancer treatment on time and according to plan, Dr. Albert Deisseroth said.

5. Early Introduction to Supportive Care Greatly Benefits Older Patients With Lung Cancer

Cancer treatment can be rough, especially for older individuals who may have more comorbidities. This article explores the benefit of supportive care, which can include the treatment of side effects, social work, nutrition, physical therapy, speech therapy, home care, palliative care and the management of other health conditions. “We have more options to help patients and more supportive measures in place than we did even just a few years ago. It has been very beneficial to our patients,” said Dr. Christine Ciunci.

Visit CURE®’s lung cancer page for complete coverage on the disease.

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