Summary
Discover why 9 in 10 lung cancer patients miss out on clinical trial discussions and how asking one key question early can unlock life-saving options.
The Critical Question 90% of Lung Cancer Patients Miss
When diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, New York City resident Evan Markowitz took a step that ultimately saved his life: he asked about clinical trials before starting standard treatment. Enrolling in a trial led by Dr. Ashish Saxena at Weill Cornell Medical Center, Markowitz received a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Five years later, he remains metastatic disease-free.
Markowitz’s story highlights a widespread gap in patient care. According to a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, nearly 9 in 10 newly diagnosed patients say clinical trials were never discussed with their care team.
Why Timing Matters
Dr. Saxena, Section Chief for Thoracic Medical Oncology at Weill Cornell Medical College, emphasizes that timing is everything. To join many clinical trials, you must sign up before you start regular treatments. That’s because other therapies can alter your tumor and obscure whether the trial treatment is actually working.
“Enrolling in a clinical study, you have the opportunity of getting tomorrow’s treatment right now,”
He stresses that clinical trials are backed by rigorous data rather than being a “shot in the dark,” giving patients access to cutting-edge medical advancements on day one.
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, asking your oncology team about appropriate clinical trial options early in the process is vital.
Read the full story and learn more about Evan’s journey on Patch.com.
