The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting brought together thousands of cancer researchers, clinicians, advocates, and patients in San Diego from April 17–22. This year's theme—“Precision, Partnership, Purpose: Advancing Cancer Science to Save Lives Globally”—set a powerful tone for a meeting that showcased advances across the lung cancer landscape. One message was loud and clear. Science is accelerating, and we are reimagining how healthcare is delivered. From next-generation targeted therapies to AI-powered diagnostics, AACR 2026 offered a snapshot of both the

How do you make the most of your visits with your healthcare team? In this episode, lung cancer survivor Bill Morris shares his experience with lung cancer and how he approaches his healthcare visits now. Oncology nurse practitioner Rasheda Persinger shares her insights after 20 years of working with patients. Hosts Ann and Dr. Shields discuss with Bill and Rasheda what they wish every patient knew, from writing down questions before an appointment to asking about biomarker testing to why recording your visit can make all the difference. <a href="https://rss

In May, we were joined by Simon Heeke, PhD, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Heeke discussed biomarker identification and their potential roles in patients impacted by SCLC. Moderated by Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine, and LUNGevity’s Ann Fish-Steagall, SVP of Patient Services and Health Care Delivery, this monthly virtual series highlights the latest discoveries and breakthroughs for SCLC.

At HOPE Summit 2026—for the first time ever—we hosted Small Cell SMASHERS Live sessions with Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine. We recorded these sessions so everyone in the Small Cell Lung Cancer community can access the valuable information shared. Small Cell SMASHERS Live Recorded Sessions Blazing New Trails in SCLC: Exploring Genetics & Biology Deep in the Heart of Research: Texas-Sized SCLC Advances The New Frontier: FDA Approvals for SCLC Trail Tested Treatments for Brain Metastasis Healing on the Range with Supportive Oncology Partners

HOPE Summit 2026 was filled with old friends reuniting, new friends being made, and of course, plenty of inspirational and informative sessions designed to help people live well with lung cancer. For the second year in a row, select sessions were recorded so those who could not attend are still able to access the valuable information shared. HOPE Summit 2026 Recorded Sessions Keynote: Wagons Roll with Dr. Ross Camidge Back in the Saddle: Reclaiming Strength and Living Well Charting New Territory with Palliative Care Partners Community Connections Across the Horizon Experts Around the Campfire

In April, we were joined by Catherine Meador, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Meador discussed Transformed SCLC: Understanding Biology, Detection, and Identifying Novel Targets. Moderated by Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine, and LUNGevity’s Ann Fish-Steagall, RN, BSN, SVP of Patient Services and Health Care Delivery, the monthly Small Cell SMASHERS series highlights the latest discoveries and breakthroughs for SCLC.

What happens after a lung cancer diagnosis? In this first episode of LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer Voices of Hope podcast, lung cancer survivor Lisa Bistline shares her experience, from initial scans and biopsies through multiple treatments, and the moment a later biopsy revealed a biomarker that led to a targeted therapy. Hosts Ann Steagall and Misty Shields, MD, PhD, then speak with Anne Chiang, MD, PhD, thoracic oncologist at Yale University, about what patients can expect at their first visit, including how doctors determine the type and stage of cancer, plan treatment, and approach care

In March, we were joined by Laura Alder, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology at Duke University Medical Center, to discuss the topic of managing brain metastases in SCLC. Moderated by Misty Shields, MD, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine, and LUNGevity’s Ann Fish-Steagall, RN, BSN, SVP of Patient Services and Health Care Delivery, the monthly Small Cell SMASHERS series highlights the latest discoveries and breakthroughs for SCLC.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the future of cancer care, but such dramatic innovation also brings important questions. AI has evolved from early consumer tools (like autocorrect on phones, customer service chatbots, and personalized shopping recommendations) to advanced systems with the potential to revolutionize biomedical discovery and patient care. While there is tremendous excitement around AI, there is also a critical need to use it responsibly. Researchers are actively studying how to implement AI across the lung cancer continuum. Key areas of focus include improving

The human immune system is an intricate web of checks and balances that usually excels at detecting and destroying foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, while protecting healthy tissue. But sometimes, the checks and balances get confused and stop the immune system from doing what’s right—such as killing tumor cells. Tumor cells are good at confusing the immune system because they originate from our healthy cells. They can often avoid detection by immune cells. Through several decades of research, we have identified two key protein pathways, PD-L1 and CTLA-4, that lung cancer cells