Clinical trials can feel intimidating, but they are one of the most important ways new lung cancer treatments become available to patients. In this episode of Hope With Answers: Living With Lung Cancer, patient advocate Wendy Brooks sits down with Dr. Ashish Saxena, thoracic medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, to break down what clinical trials really are and why they matter.

Together, they discuss when patients should ask about clinical trials, what to expect when participating, and common misconceptions — including the fear of being a “guinea pig.” Dr. Saxena explains how clinical trials are carefully designed, closely monitored, and often provide access to promising new therapies earlier in the treatment journey.

You’ll learn:

• What clinical trials are and how they work
• Why timing matters and why you should ask early
• What patients actually receive in a clinical trial
• How clinical trials are improving outcomes in lung cancer
• What questions to ask your doctor

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring your options, this conversation offers clear, practical insight to help you better understand clinical trials and your role in the decision-making process.

Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-Clinical-Trials-Show-Notes-2026Spring.pdf

Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LCFA-HWA-Clinical-Trials-Transcript-2026Spring.pdf

Watch Video: https://youtu.be/kBfh8EAGey8

To learn more about clinical trials and download the free toolkit, visit https://lcfamerica.org/trials.

If you've heard the term "SubQ" at your oncology appointment and weren't sure what it meant, this episode is for you. Lung cancer patient and LCFA Speakers Bureau member Stephanie Williams sits down with Dr. Coral Olazagasti, medical oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, to break down what subcutaneous (SubQ) treatment really means — and why it's making a real difference in the daily lives of lung cancer patients.

Together, they explore how SubQ injections work, how they compare to traditional IV infusions, and the quality-of-life benefits patients are experiencing: shorter clinic visits, no IV access required, less anxiety, and more time back in their day. Dr. Olazagasti also shares the exact questions patients should be asking their doctors to find out if a SubQ option is available for their treatment.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into treatment, this conversation is a reminder that you have more options than you may realize — and that asking questions is always the right move.

To learn more about SubqQ and download the free toolkit, visit https://lcfamerica.org/subq.

Show Notes: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-HWA-What-Is-SubQ_-Show-Notes.pdf Transcript: https://lcfamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LCFA-HWA-Subq-Treatments-Transcript.pdf Watch Video: https://youtu.be/aQwv_ODlXs4

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Lung cancer screening is one of the simplest tools available in cancer care, yet it remains widely underused. A low-dose CT scan takes just a few minutes and can detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

Jim Pantelas is a Navy Veteran and a 20 plus year lung cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer at age 52, back when lung cancer screening was not available. Today, he is joining Dr. Drew Moghanaki, a thoracic oncology leader and VA physician, to deliver a clear message to Veterans and anyone with a smoking history.

Get screened. Every year.

Key Topics Discussed: How lung cancer can grow with no symptoms until it is advanced Why Veterans may face higher risk from airborne hazards and toxic exposures What screening is like and why it takes less than three minutes Why annual screening matters, not just one scan How early detection expands treatment options and improves outcomes How to access screening through the VA or through civilian healthcare Why screening is covered and cost should not stop you

Featured Guests: Jim Pantelas, Navy Veteran, 20 plus Year Lung Cancer Survivor Dr. Drew Moghanaki, UCLA and VA Thoracic Oncology Leader

Key Takeaway: Lung cancer is curable when caught early. If you are eligible, start screening at 50 and go every year.

Resources mentioned in this episode: PACT Act Benefits and Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ VA Lung Cancer Screening: https://www.prevention.va.gov/preventing_diseases/screening_for_lung_cancer.asp Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp LCFA Screening Information: https://lcfamerica.org/about-lung-cancer/detection/screening/

Show Notes | Transcript | Watch Video

Hashtags: #LungCancer #VeteransHealth #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #VAHealthcare #PACTAct #HopeWithAnswers #LCFA