Happy summer and welcome to the newsletter from LUNGevity's ALK Patient Gateway.

It's hard to believe that it's already the middle of July.

In this edition of the ALK newsletter, we highlight the continued importance of biomarker testing for all patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which can help match patients to the right treatment. Unfortunately, we see disparities in who gets access to biomarker testing, with one article suggesting that patients on Medicaid may get tested at lower rates.

Other issues facing the ALK-positive community include the challenge of drug resistance when a targeted drug stops working. Researchers are continuing their work to understand drug resistance and to find ways to prevent or overcome it. Also, people diagnosed with ALK+ NSCLC tend to be younger and are often women, so we share a story about managing a woman's lung cancer treatment through pregnancy.

Research News

Molecular Ecology - Wiley Online Library
Dynamic monitoring of circulating tumor DNA to analyze genetic characteristics and resistance profile of lorlatinib in ALK positive previously treated NSCLC
Published June 2, 2023

NewsBeezer
Dr Liu on the importance of NGS testing in NSCLC
Published June 1, 2023

Science Direct
The safety and efficacy for the treatment of alectinib in a women with ALK-positive lung cancer delivered a healthy male neonate throughout pregnancy: a case report
Published May 15, 2023

Pharmacy Times
Medicaid patients with NSCLC may be undertreated with life-prolonging targeted therapies
Published February 1, 2023

Have You Seen?

Join us for the ALK Virtual Meetup
It’s the easy way to build your community. Every 4th Wednesday of the month, you can connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with ALK+ lung cancer. The next ALK Virtual Meetup is happening on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 12:00pm ET. Register for the ALK Meetup to get a confirmation email with details about how to join the virtual meeting.

Register for the ILCSC Conference (Sept. 22-23, 2023)
The International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference is LUNGevity’s annual conference (held virtually) to inform patients and caregivers about the latest lung cancer research and treatments. The popular session dedicated to ALK+ lung cancer is back again this year. Learn more about this free conference and the world-renowned researchers who will be speaking.

Fuel for the Future: Good Nutrition for the Lung Cancer Community
Learn valuable information about good nutrition that can help you live well through lung cancer treatment and beyond. Gain insight and tips from oncology dietitian Lori Bumbaco, MS, RDN, CSO, as she shares her expertise in an interactive presentation and answers nutrition questions from the community. Then watch a live cooking demo, where Lori prepares a healthy meal and snack and shares recipe ideas and cooking tips. Watch it here.

More Resources for Patients & Caregivers

Finding Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer: Tools and Resources
Doctor appointments are critical junctures in your loved one's lung cancer journey. They are a time to gather information and ask questions. We have created a list of tips for caregivers so that you feel prepared for your loved one's appointments, especially if you are new to the role. Read it here.

Shared Decision-Making, Self-Advocacy, and Dealing with Financial Toxicity 
In this webinar, oncologist Cardinale Smith, MD, PhD, discusses how it is possible and preferable for the healthcare team to make treatment decisions that align with the patient’s goals. Watch it here.

Navigating Hope: How Comprehensive Biomarker Testing Is Guiding Lung Cancer Care
Hear from an oncologist, a patient navigator, and a patient with ALK-positive lung cancer as they discuss what biomarker testing is, why it’s important, and how it can be used to optimize your treatment plans. Watch it here.

Summit Focused on ALK
ALK Positive, a patient advocacy group focused on the ALK+ community,  is hosting a summit from July 21- 23 in Philadelphia and online. You can register to participate in person, to attend virtually during the summit, or to watch the sessions later at your leisure. Learn more about this conference.

…and so much more at the ALK Patient Gateway.

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