What's new in May
ACTION, AWARENESS, HOPE
Fueled by Hope, Driven by Community: HOPE Summit 2026 Delivers in Dallas
The lung cancer community showed up in Dallas May 1–3 for HOPE Summit 2026, LUNGevity's annual gathering of survivors, caregivers, advocates, and experts. Over three packed days, more than 500 attendees, in person and online, enjoyed sessions covering the latest science, the financial weight of a cancer diagnosis, managing relationships, and a wide range of topics on living well with lung cancer.
A standout moment came from keynote speaker Dr. Ross Camidge, a renowned thoracic oncologist, who moved the room with a deeply personal account of his own lung cancer diagnosis. Drawing on themes from The Cowboy, his favorite Western, Dr. Camidge wove together his perspective as both expert and survivor into a powerful message of hope that left the room with equal parts laughter and tears.
No Texas gathering would be complete without a little boot-stomping, and attendees let loose Friday night with line dancing and socializing, ushering in the weekend with joy, laughter, and smiles.
Most of all, it was the lasting connections and moments of shared understanding that will carry attendees forward long after they left Dallas. Everyone left with full hearts and new friends.
If you missed attending, either in person or virtually, or there are sessions you want to see again, all live-streamed sessions are now available!
First Ever Small Cell Smashers LIVE! Was Remarkable
Before HOPE Summit officially kicked off, the inaugural Small Cell Smashers LIVE started Friday and continued into Saturday with dedicated sessions bringing together small cell lung cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Misty Dawn Shields, MD, PhD of Indiana University and Ann Steagall, BSN, RN of LUNGevity Foundation, setting the tone for learning, connection, and hope.
Attendees then heard from Eric Singhi, MD of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, speaking about the evolving treatment landscape and FDA approvals for SCLC. Carl Gay, MD, PhD, also of MD Anderson, followed with a session on exploring genetics & biology, unpacking the science behind what makes SCLC unique and where research is headed. Sessions also focused on emotional well-being and quality of life alongside treatment, treatments for brain metastasis, and charting new territory in clinical trials, all critical topics for so many in the SCLC community.
The response from attendees spoke for itself:
"The level of engagement from patients with small cell lung cancer and their care partners was truly remarkable, and it was clear how thoughtfully the program was designed to meet their needs. The speaker lineup was exceptional, not only in expertise but in their ability to translate complex data into clear, meaningful insights that resonated with the audience. The depth and relevance of the content reflected a genuine understanding of this community and its unique challenges."
All sessions that were livestreamed can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
Finding HOPE On the Go
If you enjoyed the HOPE Summit sessions, be sure to tune into Lung Cancer Voices of Hope. This new podcast brings together people living with lung cancer and experts in lung cancer care to share insights, perspectives, and most of all, support. The first two episodes are live, and we will be releasing a new episode monthly.
SCIENCE & RESEARCH CORNER
Fewer Locations, Bigger Barriers: What’s Happening to Clinical Trial Access
Important research from LUNGevity sounded an alarm over the shrinking numbers of sites hosting clinical trials – and the lung cancer community took notice.
This work was highlighted by a special press release from the American Association of Cancer Research, featured in the ASCO Post, and discussed widely by other reputable oncology news outlets as well.
LUNGevity’s Transforming Clinical Trials Initiative (TCTI) found that from 2020–2024, early-phase NSCLC trials became more concentrated in large academic centers, despite the FDA encouraging trials to expand to diverse locations. This high concentration of trials at fewer locations can make it harder for many patients to participate due to travel, time, or cost barriers.
Now that LUNGevity has understood and documented the problem, we’re taking action to
support people with lung cancer. Based on these findings, TCTI is working with FDA leaders, drug developers, clinicians, patient advocates and others to raise awareness and drive change.
Click here to learn about these findings and what LUNGevity is doing to address this issue.
Not Flat Science: Researchers Mimic Real Lungs in the Lab
Our lungs aren’t flat like a petri dish. They are intricate 3D ecosystems, and researchers are finally able to study them that way in the lab.
Organoids are lab-grown “mini-organs.” Built from stem cells, 3D organoids let researchers test promising treatments in more lifelike conditions.
LUNGevity’s latest blog breaks down what organoids are, why they’re a big deal, and how they’re accelerating research toward more precise therapies. Read about the mini-organs most people don’t know about.
Research Updates, Made Simple: LUNGevity at ASCO
LUNGevity keeps the lung cancer community up to date on the latest lung cancer research by bringing news from major scientific conferences all year long.
Up next is the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago from May 29 - June 2, 2026, and we will be live on X (Twitter) to share updates as they happen.
Don’t miss our easy-to-read roundup of key lung cancer highlights after the conference.
Follow @LUNGevity on X for #ASCO26 highlights.
Don't Miss Out!
Our research newsletter keeps you up to date on all the latest scientific developments in lung cancer. Subscribe now and watch for the next issue coming soon.
She Was Told She’d Never Run Again - Now She’s Running the Sydney Marathon!
Lauren Coye was diagnosed with lung cancer at just 24 years old and told she might never run again. But four years after surgery removed part of her lung, she’s proving everyone wrong. This August, Lauren will take on her second marathon with Team LUNGevity, the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS.
Now it’s your turn to be part of something powerful! Join Lauren and Team LUNGevity at the TCS Sydney Marathon.
Training is already underway, but there’s still time to lace up and make a difference.
- Registration closes July 18 at 10:00 a.m. ET
- Team LUNGevity offers the lowest fundraising minimum among U.S. charities
- Every mile supports life-saving lung cancer research
Spots are limited! Don’t miss your chance to run Sydney with Team LUNGevity.
Upcoming: Small Cell SMASHERS Fireside Chat
Friday, May 15 | 12-1 PM ET
Make sure you're following us on YouTube to see the next Small Cell SMASHERS Fireside Chat with Simon Heeke, PhD, MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Heeke will discuss biomarker identification and their potential roles in patients impacted by SCLC.
If you missed last month's chat, you can watch the recording here
JOIN US IN JUNE FOR ONE AMAZING CAUSE—LUNG CANCER RESEARCH
Laughs for LUNGevity
Join us for a night of laughter with purpose at Laughs for LUNGevity on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the The Second City – UP Comedy Club Theatre. Proceeds support lung cancer research and early detection efforts.
The evening begins at 7:00 PM with a cocktail reception, followed by The Best of Second City: 65 Years of Funny—a fast-paced, 90-minute showcase of iconic comedy and improv.
Reserve your ticket today and be part of an evening where laughter meets purpose.
Upcoming: Policy and Advocacy Updates for the Lung Cancer Community
Thursday, May 21 | 3 PM ET
Join us for a joint webinar hosted by LUNGevity Foundation, GO2 for Lung Cancer, American Lung Association, and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
Policy and advocacy staff from each of the four organizations will share updates about current events, partner activities, and ways for advocates to get involved.
Join the LUNGevity Action Network
The LUNGevity Action Network is your hub for the latest updates on our policy priorities and ways that you can be involved! Sign up here to receive our monthly newsletter, periodic action alerts, and information about upcoming events.
One of our top policy priorities is increasing federal funding for lung cancer research. Last month, the White House released the President's budget with a proposed 12% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Tell Congress to reject these damaging cuts and continue investing in vital medical research! You can write your members of Congress using our campaign here. You can find additional campaigns on key legislation on our Take Action page.
Meeting People Where They Are
What a start to this year’s LungXperience Tour! We’re only halfway through, and the momentum continues to build.
Increasing cancer screening begins with something simple but powerful: showing up for communities in ways that foster trust, connection, and understanding. That commitment is at the heart of our work this year.
Now in our second year working with AstraZeneca and Kroger Health, this national mobile health initiative has already reached approximately 2,500 individuals across the country, and we’re just getting started.
From racetracks to local community events, we’re meeting people where they are—sharing vital information about lung cancer, screening eligibility, and the importance of early detection.
With 21 stops planned nationwide in 2026, the LungXperience Tour continues to grow as a powerful movement toward greater awareness, earlier detection, and stronger, healthier communities.
In Case You Missed It
LUNGevity is transforming what it means to be diagnosed and live with lung cancer.
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