Cutting Edge Information Available at CHEST 2011

The publication of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) results in June 2011 remains the biggest news in lung cancer. The Thoracic Oncology NetWork congratulates NLST investigators, many of who were members of our NetWork, on this important achievement. This is the beginning, not the end, of efforts to reduce lung cancer mortality. Cost effectiveness data remain unpublished, and whatever these data show, we can clearly improve the cost effectiveness of early detection efforts by increasing our understanding of who is truly at risk for lung cancer. Biomarkers that inform us of the likelihood of lung cancer in screen-detected lung nodules are the next hurdle on which we will focus. A session on screening at CHEST 2011 will address these topics.

In addition to screening, numerous other recent advances in the lung cancer field are the subjects for sessions at CHEST in Honolulu. The field of targeted therapy has evolved more with identification of tumors with driving mutations susceptible to targeted agents such as crizotinib (ALK mutant tumors). A session on targeted therapies and individualized management of lung cancer will describe the rationale for use of these agents in lung cancer. In addition, sessions offered at CHEST include the following: Radiation From Medical Imaging, Management of Early-Stage Lung Cancer in High Risk Patients, Multimodality (Surgical) Treatment of Stage III Lung Cancer, and Quality of Care in Lung Cancer.

The Thoracic Oncology NetWork welcomes all interested individuals to our open meeting, Tuesday, October 25, at 7:15 am.

Dr. Douglas Arenberg, FCCP
NetWork Chair