Cancer Patient Guide
Lung Cancer: Expert Insights for Treatment Decisions
Curated from expert webinars (part of 150+ across all cancer types) hosted by Cancer Patient Lab, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Covers EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS G12C mutations, PD-L1 testing, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials for NSCLC and SCLC.
Expert Panel
Oncologists and researchers who contributed insights through Cancer Patient Lab webinars
Tony Letai, MD, PhD
Functional precision medicine — testing drugs on cancer cells
Lisa Butterfield
Cancer vaccines and immunotherapy
Ezra Cohen, MD
AI tools in cancer patient-doctor conversations
Lauren Leiman
Liquid biopsy for cancer monitoring
Selin Kurnaz
Finding the right cancer clinical trial
Massive Bio
Matthew Dons
TIL therapy — using your own immune cells
Treatment Topics
Key treatment areas covered across our lung cancer webinar series
EGFR-Targeted Therapy
EGFR mutations are among the most common actionable drivers in non-small cell lung cancer. Third-generation inhibitors like osimertinib (Tagrisso) are now first-line standard of care. Resistance mutations (C797S, MET amplification) require comprehensive genomic profiling to identify next treatment options. Liquid biopsy can monitor for emerging resistance.
Immunotherapy & PD-L1
Checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab) have transformed lung cancer treatment. PD-L1 expression helps predict response — high expressors (TPS ≥ 50%) may benefit from immunotherapy alone, while others typically receive chemo-immunotherapy combinations. TIL therapy and cancer vaccines represent emerging immunotherapy approaches.
ALK, ROS1 & Rare Fusions
ALK rearrangements and ROS1 fusions each have dedicated targeted therapies. ALK inhibitors (alectinib, lorlatinib, brigatinib) can provide durable responses. ROS1-positive patients respond to crizotinib and entrectinib. Comprehensive genomic profiling is essential — these fusions are missed by basic panels and require NGS or FISH testing.
KRAS G12C — A New Targetable Mutation
Once considered undruggable, KRAS G12C mutations now have FDA-approved targeted therapies (sotorasib, adagrasib). Found in approximately 13% of NSCLC patients, this mutation is identified through comprehensive genomic profiling. Combination strategies with immunotherapy and other agents are actively being studied in clinical trials.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling
NCCN guidelines recommend broad molecular testing for all advanced NSCLC patients. FoundationOne CDx, Guardant360 CDx (liquid biopsy), Tempus, and Caris can identify EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, KRAS, MET, RET, NTRK, and other actionable alterations. Liquid biopsy is particularly useful when tissue is insufficient or for monitoring treatment response.
Common Questions from Lung Cancer Patients
Answered by Navis AI, informed by expert webinars and medical guidelines
What does my EGFR mutation status mean for treatment?
What is the difference between NSCLC and SCLC?
Should I get comprehensive genomic profiling for lung cancer?
What are the treatment options for ALK-positive lung cancer?
How does PD-L1 expression affect immunotherapy eligibility?
What is KRAS G12C and what targeted therapies are available?
What are the side effects of immunotherapy for lung cancer?
What clinical trials are available for lung cancer?
Testing Services for Lung Cancer
Genomic testing, liquid biopsy, and molecular profiling services relevant to lung cancer
FoundationOne CDx
Comprehensive genomic profiling
Testing
Guardant360 CDx
Liquid biopsy — FDA-approved for NSCLC
Testing
Guardant360
Liquid biopsy for monitoring
Testing
Tempus
Genomic sequencing and AI-driven insights
Testing
Caris
Molecular profiling for treatment matching
Testing
Protean BioDiagnostics
Test integration & review
Testing
BostonGene
Tumor portrait report
Testing
Lung Cancer Webinars
From Cancer Patient Lab — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Liquid Biopsy for Cancer: Monitoring Treatment Response
Lauren Leiman, Jenn Dickey
Functional Precision Medicine: Testing Drugs on Your Cancer Cells
Tony Letai, MD, PhD
How to Find the Right Cancer Clinical Trial
Selin Kurnaz, Massive Bio
Cancer Vaccines: How They Work and Who Can Benefit
Lisa Butterfield
TIL Therapy: Using Your Own Immune Cells to Fight Cancer
Matthew Dons
How AI Tools Are Changing Cancer Patient-Doctor Conversations
Ezra Cohen, MD
Self-Care During Cancer Treatment
Thanos Kosmidis
How to Access Cancer Treatments: Insurance, Clinical Trials
Chris Beardmore
Paying for Cancer Treatments
Nancy Novack, Mike Yancey, Kevin Fordney
Gut Microbiome and Cancer
Michael Liss, MD, PhD
Get Personalized Lung Cancer Insights
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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content is curated from expert webinars hosted by Cancer Patient Lab, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Always consult your oncologist for treatment decisions. Meet our team →