How 2025 Changed Cancer Care
Real Progress for Advanced Cancer Patients
For people living with advanced or hard-to-treat cancer, progress is not just about science — it’s about more time, fewer side effects, and better quality of life. In 2025, doctors and researchers reported major treatment advances that are already changing how cancer is treated today. These developments are especially meaningful for patients with stage 4 cancer who may feel they are running out of options.
Many of these breakthroughs were led or supported by research teams at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and they reflect a growing shift toward personalized, less invasive, and more effective cancer care.
Below is what patients need to know — without the medical jargon.
Immunotherapy Alone Is Treating Some Cancers Successfully
One of the most hopeful advances of 2025 involves cancers with a genetic feature called mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd). This feature makes cancer cells easier for the immune system to recognize and destroy.
In a large clinical trial, nearly 80% of patients with MMRd cancers — including colorectal, stomach, esophageal, bladder, and other cancers — were successfully treated using immunotherapy alone. Many patients did not need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
For patients, this matters deeply. Avoiding major surgery or harsh treatments can preserve organs, reduce long-term side effects, and protect quality of life. For people with advanced cancer, it also shows that less treatment can sometimes be more effective.
New Targeted Therapies Bring Hope for Lung Cancer
For people with non-small cell lung cancer, treatment options can become limited once chemotherapy or immunotherapy stop working. In 2025, researchers reported promising results from a new targeted therapy aimed at a mutation called KRAS-G12D — a mutation that until recently had no effective treatment.
In an early clinical trial, more than 60% of patients saw their tumors shrink, even though many had already tried multiple treatments without success. This is especially important for patients searching for new targeted therapy for lung cancer after being told there are no remaining options.
This breakthrough reinforces the importance of genetic testing, even later in the disease, because new drugs continue to emerge for specific cancer mutations.
Breast Cancer Patients Are Living Longer With New Combinations
Patients with advanced breast cancer also saw meaningful progress in 2025. A large clinical trial found that combining a new targeted therapy with standard hormone treatments helped patients live about 26% longer than with standard treatment alone.
This matters because many people with metastatic breast cancer stay on treatment for years. Extending survival while maintaining daily function and independence is a major win — and another reminder that treatment plans can evolve over time.
Blood Tests Help Prevent Cancer From Returning
Another important advance involves simple blood tests, often called liquid biopsies, that can detect tiny traces of cancer left behind after surgery.
In a small study, doctors used these blood tests to identify patients who were most likely to benefit from immunotherapy after surgery. Patients who received immunotherapy based on their blood test results had strong survival rates and lower chances of recurrence.
For patients living with the fear of cancer coming back, this approach represents a more personalized and proactive strategy — treating only when needed, and earlier than before.
Progress for Rare and Overlooked Cancers
Not all breakthroughs focus on common cancers. In 2025, several advances targeted rare and aggressive diseases that historically have had few options:
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CAR T-cell therapy showed dramatic results for patients with AL amyloidosis who had stopped responding to standard treatments
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A new targeted drug helped shrink tumors in patients with histiocytosis, a rare blood cancer affecting both adults and children
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Children with an aggressive brain cancer lived far longer than expected using a new drug delivery method
For families facing rare diagnoses, these advances send a powerful message: research is not standing still.
Why This Matters for Stage 4 Patients
If you are living with stage 4 cancer, the message from 2025 is clear:
New options continue to emerge — even after standard treatments fail.
Across many cancer types, these advances mean:
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More targeted therapies with fewer side effects
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Immunotherapy replacing or delaying invasive treatments
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Blood tests guiding smarter decisions
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Clinical trials offering real benefit, not just future promise
At Stage4Hope, we encourage patients and caregivers to ask about genetic testing, clinical trials, and new treatment strategies, especially when options feel limited. Knowledge can open doors — and hope often begins with asking one more question. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Read the complete article here >
You’re Not Alone—Connect with the Stage 4 Hope Community
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BLOCK-ID cancer research
BLOCK-ID: New Technique Finds Treatment Targets in Hard-to-Treat Cancers
When cancer is difficult to control, it’s often because the cancer cells have learned how to survive under intense stress. Even when their DNA is damaged or unstable — a situation that would normally cause a healthy cell to stop dividing or die — these cancer cells find ways to keep going.
This ability to survive under pressure is one reason some cancers become aggressive, resistant to treatment, or quick to return after therapy. Understanding how cancer cells manage this stress is a major focus of modern cancer research.
Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University have now developed a powerful new research tool that helps explain how certain cancers adapt and survive under these extreme conditions. While this discovery is not a treatment yet, it offers important clues that may eventually lead to new targeted therapies for cancers that currently have limited options.
Why DNA copying matters in cancer
Every time a cell divides, it must make an exact copy of its DNA. In healthy cells, this process is carefully regulated to prevent mistakes. But in cancer cells, DNA copying often becomes chaotic.
DNA is copied at structures called replication forks, which are Y-shaped points where the DNA strands separate so new copies can be made. In many cancers, these replication forks frequently slow down, stall, or collapse. When this happens repeatedly, it creates DNA replication stress.
Replication stress is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it causes DNA damage and genetic instability — changes that can drive cancer growth and spread. On the other hand, cancer cells that learn how to survive replication stress gain a powerful advantage, allowing them to adapt, resist treatments, and continue dividing despite severe internal damage.
Many aggressive cancers exist in a constant state of replication stress. Understanding how they tolerate this stress — and which proteins help them survive it — is critical for finding new ways to disrupt cancer growth.
What is BLOCK-ID?
To better understand what happens when DNA is under stress or damage, researchers developed a new laboratory technique called BLOCK-ID, an Emory technique (short for biotinylation of lac operator array replication stress protein network identification).
In simpler terms, BLOCK-ID allows scientists to:
- Create stress in a cancer cell’s DNA on purpose.
- They then watch how cancer cells respond to that stress.
- This helps researchers see which proteins cancer cells use to survive.
This Emory technique solves a long-standing challenge in cancer research. Until now, it has been extremely difficult to identify which proteins are involved at replication forks during stress. BLOCK-ID provides a detailed and precise way to map the protein networks cancer cells rely on to survive.
A key discovery: TRIM24 and other proteins
Using BLOCK-ID, researchers identified multiple proteins that appear at stressed replication forks. One protein, called TRIM24, stood out as particularly important.
The team then applied this discovery to a specific cancer survival mechanism known as Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT).
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. In normal cells, telomeres shorten each time a cell divides, which eventually limits how long a cell can continue reproducing. Cancer cells must overcome this limit to survive.
Some cancers — estimated at 10–15% — use the ALT pathway to maintain their telomeres without relying on the more common enzyme-based method. ALT is often seen in aggressive or difficult-to-treat cancers, including:
- Osteosarcoma
- Glioblastoma
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
The research showed that TRIM24 helps cancer cells protect their chromosome ends so they can keep dividing.
Why this is hopeful: four potential treatment targets
In addition to TRIM24, the researchers identified three other proteins involved in the ALT pathway. Together, these findings highlight four potential treatment targets in ALT-driven cancers.
Identifying targets is one of the most important early steps in cancer drug development. While it can take time to move from discovery to therapy, knowing which proteins are essential to cancer survival gives researchers a clearer path forward.
The next phase of research will focus on determining whether these targets can be safely disrupted — and whether doing so can slow or stop cancer growth.
What this could mean for patients
BLOCK-ID is not a new treatment, but it represents meaningful progress in understanding cancer biology. Research like this helps explain why some cancers behave aggressively and why they may stop responding to standard treatments.
For patients living with advanced or hard-to-treat cancers, this work supports a growing shift toward precision oncology — matching treatment strategies to the specific biological features of a tumor. Discoveries like this strengthen the importance of:
- Testing the cancer to learn what makes it grow
- Understanding how the cancer survives
- Looking into clinical trials when needed
As researchers uncover new weaknesses in cancer cells, new treatment options may become possible, even for patients who have been told there are few options left.
You’re Not Alone—Connect with the Stage 4 Hope Community
Whether you’re navigating treatment options, looking for emotional support, or trying to keep up with promising research, Stage 4 Hope is here for you. Join our community to stay connected to trusted resources, new updates, online training, and encouragement from others who understand this journey.
References:
https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/newsroom/articles/2025/new-technique-identifies-potential-new-treatment-targets.php?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40614724/
Theranostics for Cancer
Theranostics: A Powerful Diagnostic Tool and Cancer Treatment in One
Radiation therapy has been used to fight cancer for more than a century. But when cancer has spread to multiple areas of the body, traditional radiation can be limited—because it’s usually aimed at one location at a time and can affect healthy tissue nearby. Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) highlights a newer approach that is changing what’s possible for advanced and metastatic cancers: theranostics.
What Is Theranostics?
Theranostics combines the words therapy and diagnostics. It’s a treatment strategy that uses radioactive medicines to first find cancer cells and then treat them—using the same target. MSK’s theranostics motto captures the concept simply: “We see what we treat, and we treat what we see.”
How Theranostics Works
Theranostics typically happens in two steps:
- Find the cancer (“see it”)
Doctors infuse a patient with a radioactive drug containing a diagnostic isotope that binds to a specific target on cancer cells. Then a PET scan “lights up” where the drug has attached, revealing cancer sites that may be hard to see on standard imaging. - Treat the cancer (“treat it”)
If the target is confirmed, doctors give a treatment version of the same approach—this time loaded with a therapeutic isotope. The radiation works like a highly precise “smart bomb,” damaging cancer cell DNA while helping protect surrounding healthy tissue.
Why Theranostics Is Such a Big Deal
MSK notes several practical advantages of theranostics, especially for cancers that have spread:
- It can reveal the exact location of cancer cells that might be missed on conventional scans.
- It can help doctors evaluate whether treatment is working sooner.
- It can help clinical trials move more efficiently from imaging to treatment phases.
- It can treat multiple sites of disease throughout the body, not just one spot at a time.
- Even when it isn’t a cure, theranostics can be meaningful because it may offer effective control with good tolerability—supporting quality of life and daily living for many patients.
A Real Example: Theranostics for Metastatic Prostate Cancer (Pluvicto)
MSK shares the story of a patient with metastatic (stage 4) prostate cancer who joined a clinical trial using lutetium-177 PSMA-targeted therapy (Pluvicto). The treatment targets PSMA, a protein on prostate cancer cells, delivering radiation directly to those cells.
MSK also notes that the FDA approval expanded in 2025 to include more patients—specifically, people who had not yet received chemotherapy, increasing who may be eligible for this type of treatment.
Theranostics Beyond Prostate Cancer
Theranostics is also being developed for other cancers. MSK describes ongoing work to identify new targets, including efforts in neuroendocrine cancers and research into targets like DLL3. MSK researchers are also working toward theranostics applications in cancers such as breast cancer, brain tumors, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.
What’s Next: A More Powerful Next Wave (Alpha Particles)
MSK highlights a “next wave” of theranostics using alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals—described as the most powerful form yet—and notes they opened a facility dedicated to producing these agents for clinical trials.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
If you or a loved one is living with advanced cancer, you might consider asking:
- Do I have a target (biomarker) that could make me eligible for theranostics?
- Would a PET scan help identify targets or sites of disease more clearly?
- Are there clinical trials involving targeted radionuclide therapy that fit my diagnosis?
- What side effects are typical, and how might this compare to other options?
(This is informational only—your oncology team can help you understand what’s appropriate for your specific diagnosis.)
You’re Not Alone—Connect with the Stage 4 Hope Community
Whether you’re exploring treatment options, seeking emotional support, or trying to make sense of a new diagnosis, Stage 4 Hope is here for you. Join our community to access trusted resources, education, and encouragement from others who understand the stage 4 journey.
Reference:
https://www.mskcc.org/news/theranostics-powerful-diagnostic-tool-and-cancer-treatment-in-one
Safer Cancer Drug Dosing Ahead
Safer Cancer Drug Dosing: ASCO and FDA Push for Optimal, Not Maximum, Doses
ASCO and the FDA promote safer cancer drug dosing by focusing on optimal cancer drug dosing—finding the optimal effective dose to reduce side effects and improve treatment tolerance. Learn more in this article about optimal cancer drug dosing.
Concerns are growing that cancer drugs may be given at higher doses than patients actually need, leading to unnecessary side effects and treatment interruptions. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), working with the FDA, has issued new principles urging a shift from the old “maximum tolerated dose” approach toward finding the “optimal effective dose.” This matters for newer treatments like immunotherapies and targeted therapies, where higher doses don’t always improve results but often increase harmful side effects. Patient surveys show many people with advanced cancers struggle with severe treatment side effects, and oncologists frequently lower doses early on to help patients stay on therapy.
To fix this, ASCO recommends designing trials that test multiple dosage levels, tailoring studies to real-world patients, and improving how patient-reported side effects are tracked. These steps align with the FDA’s Project Optimus, which is pushing for better drug dosing in cancer research. For patients, this shift offers hope for treatment that works just as well—or better—while being easier to tolerate, helping people with advanced cancer focus on living fully instead of fighting side effects. (Source: Oncology News Central)
Read the complete article here >
Earlier detection and better-tolerated treatment often go hand in hand. If you’re interested in what’s on the horizon for catching cancer sooner, read Future of Cancer Screening: Multi-Cancer Early Detection Brings New Hope.
You’re Not Alone—Connect with the Stage 4 Hope Community
Whether you’re navigating treatment options, seeking emotional support, or trying to make sense of a new diagnosis, Stage 4 Hope is here for you. Learn more about topics like optimal cancer drug dosing, dosing strategy guidance from ASCO and the FDA, trial design, and initiatives like the FDA’s Project Optimus—along with other aspects of living with late-stage cancer. Join our community to connect with others who understand your experience and gain access to resources, events, medical updates, and invitations to supportive virtual events.
Second Opinions Can Save Lives
Why Getting a Second Opinion for Cancer Can Save Your Life
Being told you have cancer is overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel pressured to start treatment right away. But getting a second opinion can make a huge difference—it may confirm the diagnosis, catch mistakes, or suggest new treatment options. For patients with stage 4 or hard-to-treat lung cancer, this extra step can open the door to advanced therapies and clinical trials not available everywhere.
Specialists at National Cancer Institute-designated centers look deeper than a single test. They review scans, biopsy slides, and genetic testing to match you with the best targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Many doctors welcome second opinions, and sometimes both teams can work together—giving you more support, not less.
Most importantly, a second opinion can give you peace of mind. Knowing your diagnosis and plan have been double-checked helps you move forward with confidence and focus on what matters most: your care and your life. (Source: Winship Magazine)
Read the complete article here >
You’re Not Alone—Connect with the Stage 4 Hope Community
Whether you’re navigating treatment options, seeking emotional support, or trying to make sense of a new diagnosis, Stage 4 Hope is here for you. Learn more about practical guidance that can shape treatment decisions, like getting a second opinion and working with specialists. Explore genetic testing and treatment options such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Join our community to connect with others who understand your experience.
Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers
Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers: The Truth, the Science, and Stories of Hope
Lung cancer is often treated like a “smoker’s disease,” but that stereotype is outdated—and it’s hurting people. Many patients have never smoked, and women under 65 are now seeing higher incidence rates than men in some age groups. What’s behind these cases? Often, the answer is biology: genetic mutations that can drive lung cancer even without traditional risk factors.
In this post, we’ll cover what’s driving lung cancer in nonsmokers (including RET-positive lung cancer and EGFR mutations), why stigma matters, what genetic testing can uncover, and how real patients are finding hope through research, advocacy, and community.
The Truth About Lung Cancer: It’s Not Just a Smoker’s Disease1
Lung cancer still carries a painful stigma. Many patients report feeling blamed or judged—by friends, family, and even medical professionals—because people assume smoking caused their disease. But anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and no one deserves to be blamed for a diagnosis.
That stigma can do real harm. It’s been associated with delayed care, higher rates of depression, and lower screening rates—despite the fact that screening can catch lung cancer earlier, when treatment is often more effective. Shifting the narrative matters: lung cancer is a health issue, not a moral failing.
Lung Cancer in Women and Nonsmokers: What to Know2
Lung cancer diagnoses are declining overall, but a growing number of cases are being found in people who don’t fit the “typical” image—especially younger women and nonsmokers.
One reason some cases are missed or delayed is misdiagnosis. Younger nonsmoking women are sometimes told symptoms are asthma, bronchitis, or allergies, which can cost precious time. If you feel something is wrong, trust yourself. Persistent symptoms deserve follow-up, regardless of age or smoking history.
What’s Driving Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?3
For many nonsmokers, lung cancer is driven by genetic mutations—changes inside cancer cells that help tumors grow. These are not the same as inherited risk (though inherited factors can play a role). Instead, they’re often tumor biomarkers that guide treatment.
This is why genetic testing (also called biomarker testing or molecular testing) is so important—especially for people with advanced lung cancer. It helps doctors match a patient to targeted therapy, which may be more effective and sometimes better tolerated than standard approaches alone.
Understanding RET-Positive Lung Cancer
One mutation that can drive lung cancer in nonsmokers is a RET fusion. RET-positive lung cancer is more common in never-smokers and can occur in younger patients, including women. It also may not show up through routine screening, which makes awareness and appropriate testing even more important.
Why it matters: If a tumor is RET-positive, a patient may be eligible for targeted treatments designed specifically to block RET-driven cancer growth. That can change the entire treatment plan—and outcomes.
Takeaway: If you or a loved one is diagnosed with lung cancer—especially stage 4 or hard-to-treat disease—ask your care team about biomarker testing early.
(Source: American Cancer Society, Yale Medicine, J Clin Oncol)
Read the complete article here
EGFR and Other Mutations: Why Testing Can Change Everything5
Mutations like EGFR are also more common in women and are seen at higher rates in certain populations, including Asian women. These biomarkers can open the door to targeted therapies that are specifically designed for cancers driven by those mutations.
The bottom line: lung cancer treatment is becoming more personalized. But personalization starts with testing.
How Research Is Accelerating Answers: The Lung Cancer Genetics Study6
A powerful genetics study is bringing hope to people facing lung cancer—especially nonsmokers and those with rare mutations. The Lung Cancer Genetics Study is collecting patient genetic and clinical data to help researchers:
- identify patterns in lung cancer among nonsmokers
- accelerate discoveries for rare mutations
- support more personalized treatment approaches
As more people participate and more data becomes available, researchers can move faster—and patients benefit from better-informed care.
Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: Survivor & Patient Stories
Scientific progress matters—but so do stories. Real people are living proof that the lung cancer narrative is bigger than stigma.
From Remission to Recurrence: Karen’s Stage 4 Lung Cancer Journey
Karen was diagnosed with lung cancer at 47—a healthy, never-smoker with no family history—and after surgery, chemo, and eight clear years of scans, her cancer returned and became stage 4. Strengthened by new breakthroughs in lung cancer research, she continues to live fully. Karen’s story is a reminder that advances in treatment are giving patients more options, more time, and more hope.
Stage 4 Lung Cancer Veteran: Xavier Fights for Awareness
Air Force veteran Xavier Sanders was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer despite never smoking. He’s raising awareness about burn pit exposure, early detection, and support for service members. He’s not just fighting for himself. Xavier is advocating for younger airmen who may not know what symptoms to watch for or how to get the right care.
What You Can Do: Advocate for Yourself or Someone You Love
If you’re concerned about symptoms or navigating a diagnosis, these steps can help:
- Don’t dismiss persistent symptoms—especially a cough that won’t go away, shortness of breath, chest pressure, or unexplained weight loss
- Ask about lung cancer screening if you’re eligible
- If diagnosed, request biomarker testing early (RET, EGFR, and other drivers)
- Ask your doctor about targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials when appropriate
- Seek community—support improves coping, confidence, and follow-through with care
You’re Not Alone—Connect with the Stage 4 Hope Community
Whether you’re navigating treatment options, seeking emotional support, or trying to make sense of a new diagnosis, Stage 4 Hope is here for you. Learn more about topics like lung cancer in nonsmokers by joining our community. Connect with others who understand your experience and gain access to trusted resources, medical updates, and invitations to supportive virtual gatherings.
References:
- https://www.mskcc.org/news/understanding-stigma-lung-cancer
- https://www.mskcc.org/news/lung-cancer-in-women-and-nonsmokers-what-to-know-about-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment
- https://happylungsproject.org/lung-cancer-risk-factors-understanding-its-causes-and-prevention/
Innovations Bring Hope to Lung Patients
New Lung Cancer Innovations Offering Hope to Patients
At Memorial Sloan Kettering, cutting-edge lung cancer care is changing lives—especially for those with advanced disease. Take Jen Cosgrove, a mother diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had spread. Thanks to precise testing, doctors found her tumor had an ALK gene mutation, which responds well to targeted therapy called alectinib. Jen saw dramatic improvements within days and has been able to share important milestones with her children she once feared missing. MSK’s expert care, innovative treatments, and thorough diagnostics give patients like Jen hope and more time with their loved ones.
New Discoveries in Lung Cancer Detection
MSK researchers are also uncovering new types of lung cancer and better ways to detect it early. For example, they identified a rare form called atypical small cell lung carcinoma in younger patients who never smoked. Early detection remains critical, and MSK is developing noninvasive tools like the “E-nose,” a device that detects cancer-related chemicals in breath, which could make screening easier and less stressful. Lab studies on lung stem cells and tumor growth help scientists understand how cancer starts and grows, leading to better treatments. For patients facing lung cancer, these advances mean earlier diagnosis, more personalized care, and brighter hope for the future. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Read the complete article here >
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like lung cancer innovations. Become a member of our community to gain access to trusted resources, as well as online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT.
Hope from Metastasis Research
Hope from Metastasis Research: New Advances for Stage 4 Cancer
Learn how metastasis research is uncovering how cancer spreads and resists treatment, including 3D patient models and new clinical trials offering hope for stage 4 cancer.
Metastasis is when cancer spreads from the original tumor to other parts of the body, and it’s often the toughest part to treat. Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering are studying how these metastatic cancer cells change and adapt to survive treatments. They found that metastatic cells can “shift” their identity to better survive, which helps explain why they become harder to stop over time.
At MSK, doctors are creating patient-based 3D models to better understand lung cancer spread and to test how different treatments work. There’s also a clinical trial exploring a drug that stops cancer cells in the brain and spine from stealing iron, which they need to grow and to avoid immune attack. This research is paving the way toward treatments that are more targeted and personalized.
For patients with late-stage or metastatic cancer, these advances offer hope for longer control of the disease and, one day, new ways to stop metastasis altogether. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Read the complete article here >
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like metastasis research, along with other important aspects of living with Stage 4 cancer. Become a member of our community to gain access to trusted resources, as well as online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT.
Precision Cancer Testing Brings New Hope
Precision Cancer Testing Brings New Hope for Stage 4 Cancer
At Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Center for Molecular Oncology, doctors use advanced testing to find the exact changes in a person’s cancer cells. This helps them choose treatments that specifically target those changes, giving patients a better chance at controlling their cancer. Over the past decade, tests like MSK-IMPACT® have made it possible to check for hundreds of genetic changes, even through simple blood tests, helping people with advanced or rare cancers find personalized therapies. But DNA testing doesn’t show everything, so new tests that look at how cancer cells use genes (called RNA tests) and even check all of a person’s genes (whole-genome sequencing) are coming soon. These tools aim to help patients who don’t respond to current treatments and could also guide immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
This kind of testing can also find inherited gene changes that increase cancer risk, helping families take steps to prevent cancer early. One inspiring example is patient Michael Wolff, a jazz pianist whose rare cancer was identified through molecular testing. Doctors found a gene mutation that led to a drug treatment which quickly stopped his symptoms and shrank his tumors. His success shows how precise testing can save lives and open the door to new treatments for cancers that were once very hard to treat. For patients with stage 4 or difficult cancers, these advances mean more hope for better, tailored care—and the chance for improved quality of life. (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Read the complete article here >
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like precision cancer testing for stage 4 cancer. Become a member of our community to gain access to trusted resources, as well as online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT.
When a Cough Could Be Lung Cancer
When a Cough Could Be Lung Cancer: Signs, Risks, and Next Steps
A chronic cough is often just a sign of something like a cold, allergies, or asthma — but in some cases, it may be a warning sign of lung cancer. According to lung cancer experts, including Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani of Emory University, a cough that lasts longer than 8 to 12 weeks, worsens over time, or comes with other symptoms like coughing up blood, chest tightness, or unexplained weight loss should not be ignored. While many types of cough can happen with lung cancer, the most common is a dry, persistent cough that doesn’t go away with typical treatments.
People with lung cancer may also experience pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, or coughing due to fluid buildup around the lungs. Treatments to ease this kind of cough vary. For some, shrinking the tumor with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy helps reduce coughing. Others may need fluid drained from their lungs or use home remedies like steam, hydration, or honey to manage the symptom. While only a small number of people with a chronic cough actually have lung cancer, it’s especially important for those at high risk — such as longtime smokers — to speak with their doctor and consider annual lung cancer screenings. (Source: Verywell Health)
Read the complete article here >
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like chronic cough as a sign of lung cancer. Become a member of our community to gain access to trusted resources, as well as online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT.
Consider Donating to Advance Research
RET-Positive Lung Cancer Research: How Tissue Donation Helps
RET-positive lung cancer is rare, and researchers need better lab models to study it. Learn how donating tumor tissue can help create cell lines and advance targeted treatments.
RET-positive lung cancer is a rare type of cancer driven by a change in a gene called RET, which stands for “rearranged during transfection.” This gene helps control how cells grow and divide. When it fuses with another gene or mutates, it can cause cancer to grow and spread, especially in certain lung and thyroid cancers. Because RET changes are so rare, researchers don’t have enough lab models called cancer cell lines. That makes it harder to study how the cancer behaves and becomes resistant to treatment.
One powerful way patients can help is by donating tumor tissue during a biopsy or surgery. That tissue can be used to grow RET-positive cancer cells in the lab, giving scientists tools to test new treatments and develop better, more personalized options. Thanks to the generosity of several RET patients, four new cancer cell lines are now being developed. If you’re a patient, talk to your care team about donating. Your gift could move research forward and help bring better treatments to others living with RET-driven cancer. (Source: The Happy Lungs Project)
Read the complete article here >
Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like RET-positive lung cancer research. Become a member of our community to gain access to trusted resources, as well as online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT.
Targeted Therapies Bring New Hope in Lung Cancer
New Lung Cancer Treatments Offering Hope Through Research
Recent advancements in lung cancer treatment are offering new hope, especially for those with advanced or hard-to-treat cases. Scientists are developing highly targeted drugs that focus on the unique features of each person’s cancer. These treatments aim to attack only the cancer cells—sparing healthy ones—and may reduce side effects while helping patients live longer. New tools like antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies are leading the way, with some early results showing success even in cases where standard chemo and immunotherapy haven’t worked well.
Some of these new drugs target specific proteins found in certain lung cancers, including those seen in both non-small cell (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Researchers are also exploring ways to combine immune-based therapies with these new targeted drugs to overcome resistance and keep the cancer from returning. While many of these treatments are still in early testing, they represent a major step toward more personalized—and more hopeful—options for lung cancer patients. (Source: Drug Target Review)
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Resources for Living With Stage 4 Cancer
Learn more about topics like Lung Cancer Treatments by becoming a member of our community. Gain access to trusted resources, as well as online support and education from Dr. Sharon May, Ph.D., LMFT.
