Guests/Speakers
Jacob Sands, M.D., Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber. His research focuses on improved diagnostics and treatments for small cell lung cancer, as well as improving lung screening and developing lung screening programs nationwide.
Maida Mangiameli, Voices of Hope Speakers Bureau member. Diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer in 2018, Maida has been in remission for nearly six years after undergoing chemotherapy and two rounds of radiation.
About this episode
Explore the remarkable small cell lung cancer treatment advancements that offer renewed hope to patients and their loved ones. Dr. Jacob Sands, a leading oncologist from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Maida Mangiameli, a small cell lung cancer survivor, share their expertise and experiences, providing a unique perspective on the latest breakthroughs in small cell lung cancer treatment.
Dr. Sands begins by explaining the differences between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, emphasizing the aggressive nature of small cell lung cancer and the importance of early detection through lung screening. He highlights the significant progress made in lung cancer treatments over the past few years, particularly the introduction of immunotherapy drugs as a standard of care in the first-line setting. These advancements have led to long-term disease control and even potential cures for some patients with this once-incurable diagnosis.
The conversation then shifts to the promising T-cell engager therapy, a novel approach that harnesses the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Dr. Sands uses a compelling baseball analogy to illustrate the effectiveness of different treatments.
“So the chemotherapy is like swinging the bat for a single or a double. You’re more likely to get a hit, but it doesn’t necessarily win the game in itself. Now what we’ve seen from the T-cell engagers is particularly exciting because we are seeing numbers that suggest more frequent hit. The question is, are those home runs? We don’t yet know. Are they triples? We’ll have to see.” – Dr. Jacob Sands
Maida Mangiameli shares her personal journey with small cell lung cancer, from the initial shock of diagnosis to the life-saving decision to start treatment immediately. She emphasizes the importance of having a supportive oncology team and the transformative power of not blaming oneself for the disease. Maida also addresses the stigma associated with lung cancer and the need for increased awareness and empathy, regardless of a person’s smoking history.
Both Dr. Sands and Maida stress the significance of clinical trials in advancing small cell lung cancer treatment. They encourage patients to discuss trial options with their doctors and to seek second opinions at larger academic centers where cutting-edge therapies may be available. Maida expresses her willingness to participate in clinical trials should her cancer return, recognizing the potential benefits for herself and future patients.
Touching on the importance of lung cancer screening for early detection, Maida shares her own experience and advocates for increased participation in screening programs. She offers practical advice for newly diagnosed patients, such as bringing a support person to appointments, writing down questions, and avoiding self-blame.
“The stigma associated with lung cancer is huge for many people. I’m fortunate. No one in my world blamed me, except me. My family, my friends, my oncology team, my former primary care doctor who is former because he left the state that I live in, no one blamed me. I can’t believe how many people have family members even saying, “Well, what did you expect you smoked?” We’re trying to stop that because there are so many environmental factors involved in contracting lung cancer.” – Maida Mangiameli
The small cell lung cancer treatment advancements, particularly the emergence of T-cell engager therapy, provide tangible reasons for patients and their loved ones to remain hopeful. As Dr. Sands and Maida emphasize, the landscape of small cell lung cancer treatment is evolving rapidly, offering the promise of longer, healthier lives for those affected by this challenging disease.
