What to Do if Resistance Develops? - 16/01/24 - Lung Cancer Living Room™

The "Lung Cancer Living Room" episode, featuring Jyoti Malhotra, MD, MPH from the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, delves into the pivotal topic of resistance to therapy in lung cancer treatment. Danielle Hicks, the Chief Patient Officer of GO2 for Lung Cancer, introduces the episode by emphasizing its focus on understanding what resistance means for lung cancer patients, how to communicate with healthcare providers at this critical juncture, and the importance of clinical trials in advancing treatment options.
Dr. Malhotra explains resistance as a natural evolution of cancer cells, which over time learn to evade the effects of treatment through various mechanisms, such as acquiring new mutations or finding ways to escape detection by the immune system. This process of resistance is unpredictable and can occur in multiple forms and locations, making it a significant challenge in lung cancer treatment. The discussion underscores that no two cancer cases are alike, and while certain factors may offer prognostic insights, the precise duration and nature of a therapy's effectiveness remain largely uncertain.
The episode also highlights the importance of regular monitoring through scans to detect resistance early. Dr. Malhotra and Hicks stress the value of patient awareness and communication with healthcare providers about any changes in symptoms, which could indicate progression. The conversation extends to the use of targeted therapies and the role of precision medicine in lung cancer treatment, emphasizing that understanding the specific mutations driving an individual's cancer is crucial for selecting the most effective treatments.
Further, the discussion touches upon various treatment modalities, including chemo-radiation, targeted therapies, and the emerging role of liquid biopsies in detecting cancer progression. Dr. Malhotra sheds light on the complexities of treating brain metastases in lung cancer patients, underscoring the need for treatments that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.
Finally, the episode explores the challenges of overcoming resistance to immunotherapy, the potential of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in offering more targeted chemotherapy, and the importance of continued innovation and clinical trials in developing new treatment strategies. The conversation concludes with a call to action for patients and healthcare providers to engage in open dialogue and proactive planning to navigate the landscape of lung cancer treatment, emphasizing the Go2 Foundation's role in facilitating access to clinical trials and expert care.
SPEAKER: Jyoti Malhotra, MD, MPH, Director, Thoracic Medical Oncology, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Supported by: Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Foundation Medicine, Genentech, Merck, Mirati, Novartis, Novocure, Regeneron, Sanofi, Takeda