This Week in Lung Cancer: From multidisciplinary education in Athens and advocacy-driven calls for screening across Europe to new perspectives on ADC biomarkers, survivorship, rural care, and global equity, the lung cancer community continues to push progress beyond the clinic.
Here are this week’s key conversations shaping the future of lung cancer care, prevention, research, and patient support.
“The last few days I had the privilege to participate as faculty in the Lung Cancer session of the European School of Oncology Multidisciplinary Masterclass in Oncology. The enthusiasm and clinical insights, the high quality of the discussions, especially around complex lung cancer cases, was truly inspiring and a super opportunity for collaborative learning!
Special thanks to the Chairs Florian Lordick, MD, FESMO and Dr Evi Razi for their outstanding leadership and coordination of such an excellent event- for both participants and faculty and to the entire ESO team for a great educational activity.
lt was especially meaningful to have this first-class international program brought to our doorstep here in Athens!
Looking forward to reconnecting with many of the colleagues I met and continuing the conversations in the near future.”
“This April, I travelled to Vienna for the European Lung Cancer Conference and it was eye-opening.I learned how differently lung cancer care is delivered across Europe. The disparities between countries are stark. Some have national screening programmes and clear early detection pathways. Ireland is still fighting for the basics.
During the conference I sat on an Advisory Board focused on EGFR-mutant lung cancer bringing the patient perspective to conversations about targeted therapy. I learned so much from other patients during this meeting.
I met advocates from across the continent, every one of them showing up with lived experience and determination. That kind of solidarity is something else.
The conference ended with a members’ dinner where I got to connect with Debra Montague President of Lung Cancer Europe.
I came home more determined than ever. Ireland needs a National Lung Cancer Screening Programme. The conversation is happening across Europe, the evidence to prove early detection saves lives is clear, we need to be implementing screening programmes now and not play catch up down the line.”
“New biomarkers for ADCs in lung cancer: the pathologist’s perspective.
Biomarkers for ADC patient selection under development.
Tissue selection and CDx remain key challenges.”
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC):
“How has thoracic oncology evolved over the course of a career dedicated to advancing lung cancer care?
In the latest episode of Lung Cancer Considered, Dr. Balazs Halmos joins Dr. Narjust Florez M.D. FASCO to reflect on the milestones, challenges, and key lessons that have influenced both clinical practice and the broader field of thoracic oncology.
The conversation offers thoughtful perspective on where the field has been, and where it may be headed next.
”Honored to be speaking at the Rural Minnesota Lung Cancer Summit on June 26 in Brainerd, hosted by A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation.
I’ll be representing Lakewood Health System in Session 2: Identifying and Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Team in Rural Practice, alongside Joshua Pritchett, from Mayo Clinic and Kayla Hesse, RN, from CentraCare. The session focuses on delivering high-quality cancer care, centralizing programs, and filling gaps with external supports – the daily reality of rural oncology.
This is a remarkable event bringing together providers from across Minnesota to tackle the real-world barriers rural patients face in lung cancer screening, biomarker testing, and access to care. Minnesota’s five-year lung cancer survival rate of 33.7% leads the nation – but there is more work to do.
If you’re a healthcare professional working in lung cancer care, registration is free and virtual attendance is available.
Learn more and register.”
“Delighted to be a part of of WCLC 2026 in Seoul this September.
I’ll be speaking on ‘Lung Cancer Prevention, advocacy and support’ sharing perspective on ‘exploring the effect of environment on Lung cancer’.
The inclusion of advocacy in the scientific program is a powerful acknowledgment of the importance and relevance of patient advocates in lung cancer care. It reflects a growing recognition that lived experience belongs alongside scientific evidence, helping shape research, policy, and care.
I am honored to contribute to that conversation and grateful for the opportunity to bring the patient perspective to this global platform.
Looking forward to exchanging ideas, sharing insights, and connecting with colleagues from around the world who are driving progress in thoracic oncology.”
“It was a pleasure to speak at the Lung Cancer Nurses UK meeting in Glasgow about lung cancer survivorship.
The good news is that survival rates for lung cancer are rapidly increasing, largely due to lung cancer screening in England. However, this progress brings new challenges, particularly in monitoring long-term survivors for second primaries-a problem that we have not faced historically. Identification and appropriate management of second primaries if vital to ensure long term survival.
Lung cancer nurses play a central role supporting patients through their cancer journey and survivorship.”
“In July, I become an 8 year small cell lung cancer survivor, which is why I share the lung cancer white ribbon. It is remarkable how far treatments have progressed, but we’re no where near the curable era.
Early screening and radon testing homes are very important tools in the movement to spread awareness. Check out Lung Cancer Foundation America and Lung Cancer Research Foundation. Get information and get involved.”
New Zealand Society for Oncology:
“We welcome Professor Tony Mok to NZSO 2026. He is a globally recognised leader in lung cancer research and precision oncology and has played a pivotal role in advancing targeted therapies and biomarker-driven treatment approaches.
His work has significantly influenced international clinical practice and continues to shape the future direction of oncology care.
Don’t miss seeing him at NZSO 2026 – register today.”
“I will be speaking at WCLC26 in Seoul on ‘Addressing Access Inequities: How AI and Advocacy Can Help Bridge Gaps in Lung Cancer Care.’
I look forward to bringing the perspective of patients and their families from India and other LMICs, and discussing how innovation and lived experience can help advance more equitable lung cancer care worldwide.”
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD
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