Young Lung Cancer Initiative Podcast

n lung cancer, HER2 can mean different things.In Part 1 of our HER2-driven lung cancer series, Leah Phillips sits down with thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Kyle Concannon (UC Health, University of Colorado) to cover the basics: what a HER2 alteration actually is, the difference between overexpression, amplification, and the exon 20 insertion mutation, why the type matters for treatment, and why next-generation sequencing at diagnosis is non-negotiable.This is Part 1 of 3. Parts 2 and 3 cover treatment and monitoring, then resistance and emerging research.About Dr. Kyle Concannon: Assistant Professor of Medicine-Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado and a thoracic medical oncologist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Trained as a physician-scientist at MD Anderson, his lab studies why oncogene-driven lung cancers (EGFR, HER2, ALK, ROS1) stop responding to therapy and how to overcome that resistance. He also co-hosts The  @crackingcancer podcast https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/40545This series is proudly sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.This is educational content. Not medical advice. Always talk to your own care team about your specific situation.

"We put out the fire. This is the last ember."In Part 3, Mayya Grinberg breaks down how she secured a second opinion with one of the world's leading ALK+ specialists before she needed one, how she navigated the radiation decision, and what no one prepared her for when the side effects hit eight weeks later.If you are navigating treatment decisions with a targetable mutation, this one is for you.Chapters:0:00 — Introduction0:18 — Getting a second opinion before you need one1:00 — Finding Dr. Alice Shaw at Mass General3:51 — What the second opinion confirmed4:19 — Surgery vs. radiation: how she decided7:21 — Radiation Side Effects 9:40 — Pulmonary PT and recovery⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung CancerLung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.

I feel like I'm the tornado that happened to other people" A cancer diagnosis doesn't just change your health.. it changes everything. In Part 2 of 3, Mayya opens up about what it meant to lose her identity as the high-achieving professional, the mom who had it all together. She talks about having to stop breastfeeding because of cancer medication, her mother selling the house she'd lived in for 30 years to move in and help, and the thought no parent should ever be forced to sit with: is it better if my kids don't remember me?Chapters:0:00 — Introduction0:20 — The job opportunity of a lifetime, a new baby, and a diagnosis 1:44 — "I wasn't that corporate Barbie anymore"3:24 — "I feel like I'm the tornado that happened to other people"5:51 — The only time she felt human: breastfeeding her baby6:41 — Having to stop breastfeeding because of cancer medication9:35 — Family therapy and holding each other's hope⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung CancerLung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.

Mayya went to the doctor with a dry cough, fatigue, and no appetite. She was sent home with an inhaler. She had stage 4 lung cancer.In this episode, she shares her path to a stage 4 lung diagnosis with host and lung cancer patient, Leah Philliups. Chapters:0:00 — Introduction0:23 — First signs: pregnancy, appetite loss, and a cough that wouldn't quit1:44 — Going to the doctor and not being believed2:30 — "You don't need an x-ray" — and what she did next3:10 — Urgent care, a chest x-ray, and a pneumonia misdiagnosis4:37 — Mother's Day: the moment she knew she had to go back6:35 — The doctor who actually listened: shoutout to Dr. Davidson7:30 — PET scan results: lighting up like a Christmas tree8:45 — Biopsy results and ALK fusion diagnosis9:38 — Mayya's advice: you are not your doctor's pet📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung CancerYLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.💙 Learn More🌐 Visit Our Website: https://ylci.org⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

"I completely deflated."When Jessie was told she was "not a candidate" for surgery to remove her primary lung tumor (the "mothership"), she didn't just accept the answer. As a professional producer, she did what she does best: she assembled an "A-Team" of the world’s leading experts to find a path forward.In this powerful conclusion to our three-part series, Jessie shares the "sobering conversations," the medical disagreements, and the path that eventually led her to a successful surgery.⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.Chapters00:00 Introduction 00:23 Assembling a Care Team01:40 Navigating Treatment Options05:17 The Role of Advocacy in Care06:53 Hope for the Future of Lung Cancer TreatmentThank you to Johnson & Johnson for supporting this series.📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung CancerLung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.💙 Learn More🌐 Visit Our Website: https://ylci.org/📱 Connect With UsInstagram— @younglungcancer

"My five-year-old asked if he could watch a show now. My middle daughter wanted to know how this cancer was different from everyone else's."In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Jessie and Leah go deeper into what it actually looks like to live with Stage 4 EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Jessie walks through how she told her three kids about her diagnosis. She and Leah discuss the caregiving burden that nobody talks about. Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:47 Telling the Kids 02:30 Three Kids, Three Completely Different Reactions04:15 Following Each Other's Lead: The Caregiver Experience06:45 "A Picture of My Brain, Just to Make Sure It's Still Smiling"07:30 Keeping the Conversation Evolving as Kids Get OlderThank you to Johnson & Johnson for supporting this series.⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.#lungcancer #patient #egfr 📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung CancerLung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.💙 Learn More🌐 Visit Our Website: https://ylci.org/📱 Connect With UsInstagram— @younglungcancer

Jessie was 42 when she was diagnosed with stage IV EGFR non-small cell lung cancer but her symptoms had been dismissed for nearly a year. Night sweats, panic attacks, a pneumonia that never fully resolved, and a cough that just wouldn't quit. It wasn't until November that a pulmonologist finally told her, "We should have given you a bronchoscopy yesterday."What followed was five days that changed everything.In this first episode, Jessie talks about the year of symptoms that almost got written off, the week of her diagnosis, what it felt like to collapse on the sidewalk not knowing if she'd see her kids grow up, and what happened when she finally found out her cancer was targetable.This series is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI). YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

he future of KRAS lung cancer treatment is moving fast ..here is what patients need to know about resistance, clinical trials, and emerging therapies, with thoracic oncologist Dr. Fawzi Abu RousIn the final part of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative KRAS Lung Cancer Biomarker Education Series, Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous of Henry Ford Cancer Institute walks us through the KRAS pipeline beyond G12C, how resistance develops on targeted therapy, and how patients can find clinical trials and stay informed over time.If you or a loved one is living with KRASnon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), this conversation is packed with practical next steps and a big dose of hope. KRAS is no longer undruggable.This episode is proudly sponsored by Revolution Medicines.About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) The YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

In this episode, Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous provides a comprehensive overview of the treatment, monitoring, and progression of KRAS-driven lung cancer. The discussion covers the use of immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and the importance of clinical trials. Additionally, the role of monitoring and the emergence of new therapies are explored in detail.TakeawaysKRAS Treatment OverviewMonitoring and Progression in KRAS-Positive Lung CancerChapters00:00 Treatment for KRAS-Driven Lung Cancer05:49 Early Stage Treatment and Monitoring15:37 Monitoring and Clinical TrialsThis episode is proudly sponsored by Revolution Medicines.About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) The YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Mirrored EGFR template structure for KRAS podcast descriptionIn the premiere of our KRAS Biomarker Series, we're joined by Dr. Fawzi Abu Rous, a renowned thoracic medical oncologist at Henry Ford Cancer Institute, to demystify the biology of a KRAS positive diagnosis.For decades, KRAS was labeled "undruggable" the most common oncogenic driver in lung cancer, yet completely out of reach for targeted therapy. That changed when scientists discovered a hidden "pocket" on the G12C mutation, unlocking the first wave of KRAS inhibitors and rewriting what's possible for patients. Dr. Abu Rous walks us through how KRAS functions as a molecular "on/off switch" that gets jammed in the "on" position, why Comprehensive Biomarker Testing is non-negotiable, and what makes the KRAS landscape uniquely complex compared to other driver mutations.In this episode, we discuss:The "Jammed Switch": How a single amino acid swap flips KRAS into overdrive and drives uncontrolled cell growth.From "Undruggable" to Targetable: The decades-long puzzle and the G12C breakthrough that cracked it open.Reading the Genetic Address: Why G12C, G12D, G12V, and G13 mutations behave like different neighborhoods on the same street — and why each one matters.The Biomarker Testing Imperative: Why a complete molecular workup, not a partial panel, determines the path forward.Beyond the Stereotypes: Debunking assumptions about who gets KRAS-driven lung cancer and why young, never-smokers belong in this conversation too.This episode is proudly sponsored by Revolution Medicines.About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) The YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

In the final episode of our three-part EGFR Biomarker Series, Leah Phillips of Young Lung Cancer Initiative sits down with Dr. Eric Singhi of MD Anderson Cancer Center to go beyond the basics into the topics EGFR patients ask about most.This conversation covers small cell transformation, leptomeningeal disease (LMD), resistance mechanisms, the role of co-mutations like TP53 and RB1, and the emerging research and clinical trials shaping the future of EGFR driven lung cancer care.Whether you've just been diagnosed or you've been living with EGFR lung cancer for years, this episode is a reminder that knowledge is power, advocacy matters, and there is real hope in this space.Listen to Part 1 (EGFR 101) and Part 2 (Treating & Managing EGFR Lung Cancer) wherever you get your podcasts.This series is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Sponsorship does not influence content. Young Lung Cancer Initiative maintains full editorial control over all educational material and patient stories.

How is EGFR driven lung cancer actually treated and monitored? In Episode 2 of the YLCI EGFR Education Biomarker Series, co-founder Leah Phillips sits down with thoracic oncologist Dr. Eric Singhi of MD Anderson to talk through early-stage treatment, adjuvant TKIs, brain MRI surveillance, oligo versus poly progression, and his "chess, not checkers" approach to long-term sequencing. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.

In the premiere of our EGFR Biomarker Series, we’re joined by Dr. Eric Singhi, a renowned thoracic oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to demystify the biology of an EGFR positive diagnosis.Lung cancer treatment has evolved into the "poster child" for precision medicine, but getting the right treatment starts with one critical step: Comprehensive Biomarker Testing. Dr. Singhi explains why this testing is the "gold standard" of care and uses the analogy of a "stuck switch" to describe how EGFR mutations drive uncontrolled cell growth. We also debunk common myths about who gets lung cancer and why your "street address" matters.In this episode, we discuss:The "Stuck Switch": A simple breakdown of EGFR biology.The Precision Medicine Revolution: Why EGFR requires a different approach than traditional chemo or immunotherapy.Tissue vs. Liquid Biopsy: How the "team effort" between blood and tissue samples ensures no mutation is missed.Finding Your "Street Address": Understanding the differences between Exon 19 deletions, L858R, and Exon 20 insertions.The Changing Outlook: Moving from a "months" mindset to living for years with targeted therapy.This episode is proudly sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.About Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI)The YLCI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the young-onset community. We provide support, research, and advocacy to ensure that no young person faces a lung cancer diagnosis alone.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

his episode is dedicated to Chad Dunbar, Elizabeth Campbell Moir, & all of those we have lost."I lost one of my nearest and dearest. Same age. Same cancer. Same mutation."In this third and final episode of Jamie's story, Jamie and Leah have one of the most honest and raw conversations you'll find anywhere about what it really means to live with a metastatic cancer diagnosis. Jamie, living with RET positive lung cancer, and Leah, living with stage 4 EGFR lung cancer, open up about the part of this journey nobody prepares you for. The grief of losing close friends within the cancer community. The unique pain of watching someone with a similar diagnosis pass away. And what it feels like to carry that loss while still navigating your own disease.This isn't a doctor talking at a patient. This is two women who truly understand each other in a way that only people living with a life limiting disease can... sharing their grief, their fear, their scanxiety, and ultimately their hope.Chapters00:00 Navigating Life After Diagnosis02:08 Shifting Priorities and Values05:10 Living in 90-Day Increments07:52 Coping with Scanxiety10:19 The Emotional Toll of Loss12:47 The Uncertainty of Cancer18:03 Finding Meaning in Connections📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung CancerLung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

While often intended as a compliment, Jamie explains why this phrase is actually one of the hardest things for a patient to hear. It can feel dismissive, invalidating the daily side effects, the mental toll, and the incurable reality of her diagnosis. It creates a gap between how the world sees her and how she actually feels. As host and patient states, "the most unhealthy healthy person you’ve ever met."This is a struggle experienced by so many in the lung cancer community and the chronic illness community at large. Jamie shares how she’s moved past the frustration to use these moments for patient advocacy, educating others on the fact that Stage 4 doesn't always have a "look."In this video, we discuss:The Identity Crisis: Losing your career and athletic "old self" overnight.Invisible Illness: Navigating the disconnect between looking healthy and being terminal.The Power of Advocacy: Turning a "dismissive" comment into a moment for education.Living in the Moment: Why "later" is no longer an option.Chapters00:00 Redefining Identity After Diagnosis04:06 Living in the Moment: A New Perspective07:50 The Daily Struggle: Perceptions vs. Reality11:35 Maintaining Control: The Fight for Normalcy#cancer #illness #lungcancer #stage4📢 Amplifying the Voices of Young-Onset Lung CancerLung cancer is often caught late in young adults because "they're too young." At the Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI), we are changing that narrative. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support, research, and advocacy for the young-onset community.New here? Hit SUBSCRIBE to help us share these stories and ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone.⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

“I was mid-set at the gym when my doctor called.”Jamie did everything “right.” She never smoked, ate healthy, and ran every day. In this first installment of Patient Conversations with Leah, Jamie shares the moment her world flipped: receiving a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis via her Apple Watch while working out.After being told her cancer was Stage 1, Jamie quickly learned how fast "clear" scans can change. She joins us to discuss the "irony" of a fitness-focused life meeting a terminal diagnosis and the medical steps that ultimately saved her life.In this episode:The "Irony" of Diagnosis: Getting the call while at the gym.Trusting Your Gut: Why your intuition is your best diagnostic tool.The Life-Saver: How a second opinion and biomarker testing changed everything.RET Positive: Navigating a specific, rare lung cancer mutation.Help us change the narrative: Follow/Subscribe to help us ensure no young person faces this diagnosis alone. Learn more: ylci.orgConnect with YLCI: Instagram: @younglungcancerTimestamps00:00 – The Shock of Diagnosis 04:45 – Navigating the Impact on Family 06:46 – Staging, Treatment, and Rapid Changes 11:47 – Second Opinions & RET Positive Lung Cancer 16:42 – Finding Your Voice in Cancer Care> Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

In the final installment of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative’s Biomarker Educational Series, Leah Phillips, Dr. Ben Creelan, and Dr. Jhanelle Gray (Moffitt Cancer Center) discuss how patients and caregivers can turn biomarker data into a powerful tool for advocacy. This episode provides a roadmap for navigating the healthcare system.This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio. Chapters:00:00 Empowering Patients Through Biomarker Testing01:24 Navigating Insurance and Financial Concerns04:26 Key Questions for Patients Post-Biomarker Testing06:42 Essential Takeaways for Lung Cancer Patients09:29 Advocating for Comprehensive Care12:17 Organizing Medical Information for Better Care

In Part 2 of this series, Leah Phillips continues her conversation with Dr. Ben Creelan and Dr. Jhanelle Gray from Moffitt Cancer Center. This episode transitions from the basics of diagnosis to the practical application of biomarker testing throughout the entire patient journey.Our experts discuss how molecular profiles determine the choice between oral targeted therapies (TKIs) and traditional chemotherapy, and the impact of these options on patient quality of life.00:00 Introduction to Biomarker Testing in Lung Cancer02:13 The Role of Biomarkers in Treatment Decisions 05:07 Understanding Repeat Biomarker Testing 07:20 Managing Resistance Mutations and Treatment Adjustments 10:10 The Importance of Clinical Trials 12:38 Advancements in Targeted Therapies15:22 The Future of Biomarker Testing and Patient EmpowermentThis episode is proudly sponsored by Nuvation Bio

Learn what biomarker testing is and why it matters before starting treatment in lung cancer.In Part 1 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative Biomarker Education Series, Dr. Ben Creelan and Dr. Jhanelle Gray from Moffitt Cancer Center break down the basics of biomarker testing in plain language.This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.

Learn about the future of the ROS1 treatment landscape and the reality of long-term survivorship with thoracic oncologist Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez.This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.In Part 3 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative ROS1 Biomarker Series, we conclude our deep dive into life with ROS1 with Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.This educational video explores what is on the horizon for ROS1 positive lung cancer, focusing on the research pipeline and next-generation clinical trials. The conversation shifts to the personal side of the journey, offering insights on how to balance rigorous treatment with a full life.

Learn about the ROS1 treatment landscape and managing treatment side effects with thoracic oncologist Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez.This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.In Part 2 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative ROS1 Biomarker Series, we dive into the "meat and potatoes" of treatment with Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.This educational video explores the current standard of care for ROS1 positive lung cancer, from early-stage management to metastatic disease. Dr. Rodriguez discusses the evolution of targeted therapies—including next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and explains how these newer drugs are moving the needle for patients with brain metastases.The conversation provides practical suggestions on navigating common ROS1 TKI side effects, such as dizziness (CNS effects), taste changes, and GI issues. Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes why open communication with your care team about dose adjustments and "drug holds" is vital for maintaining a high quality of life while staying on treatment longer.Coming Up Next: In Part 3, we will conclude the series by discussing the reality of "Living with ROS1," including progression, long-term survivorship, and the future of research.

Learn the fundamentals of ROS1 positive lung cancer, biomarker testing, and brain metastasis with thoracic oncologist Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez.This episode is sponsored by Nuvation Bio.In Part 1 of the Young Lung Cancer Initiative ROS1 Biomarker Series, we introduce the fundamentals of ROS1 positive lung cancer with Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.This educational video explains what the ROS1 biomarker is, how ROS1 gene fusions occur, and how often ROS1 is found in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dr. Rodriguez discusses why comprehensive biomarker testing, including molecular and genomic testing at diagnosis, is essential for identifying ROS1 positive lung cancer and guiding treatment decisions.The conversation also addresses central nervous system (CNS) involvement, including how often brain metastases are present at diagnosis in ROS1 positive lung cancer, and why brain imaging is an important part of initial staging and evaluation.This episode is designed for patients, caregivers, and advocates seeking patient friendly cancer education about lung cancer biomarkers. It serves as the foundation for the ROS1 Biomarker Series. Future episodes will cover ROS1 targeted therapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), treatment side effects, and emerging research for people living with ROS1 positive lung cancer.