By: Corey J. Langer, MD, FACP Professor of Medicine University of Pennsylvania Editor, IASLC Lung Cancer News
Welcome to the second issue of IASLC Lung Cancer News.
In concert with the American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting and in a tribute to his lifelong contributions to thoracic research, we have included a perspective by Dr. Paul A. Bunn, Jr, recipient of the 2016 Karnofsky Award, along with select previews of the meeting itself. We also highlight a number of relevant and timely topics with respect to low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening. Drs. Gerard Silvestri and Denise Aberle, in separate, but related articles, discuss the clinical ramifications of the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST), which demonstrated a 20% decrease in lung cancer mortality in a high-risk population. They review the potential for extending these findings to other “at-risk” cohorts, the optimal timing of screening, and the “ideal” management of indeterminate nodules, which are observed in 1 in 4 subjects. Drs. John Field, James Mulshine, and Fred R. Hirsch discuss the technical challenges to implementation of LDCT lung cancer early detection both in the US and potentially worldwide; and Drs. Brigit Toebes, Wanda de Kanter, and Willem Bantema reflect on recent changes in tobacco legislation in the Netherlands. In a complementary article, we include an interview with Dr. Laura Bierut on the genetics of tobacco addiction.
We also highlight the ongoing work of the Blueprint Project, led by Dr. Fred R. Hirsch and others, which will attempt to impose some degree of interchangeability and consistency on PD-L1 testing. Dr. Peter Ujhazy discusses the promise of the NCI Small Cell Lung Cancer Grants program in this orphan disease, and we feature a timely interview with Dr. Richard Pazdur on new parameters influencing FDA approval of cancer agents. We round out topical articles with an update on NCCN Guidelines and the myriad changes made over the past 6–12 months. Finally, we include previews of the upcoming WCLC 2016, LALCA, APLCC meetings, as well as the Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology. We welcome feedback and article suggestions, particularly regarding events or controversies taking place outside North America. Ultimately, we seek to generate an interactive, easily accessible format that reflects the international nature of our society and its global influence. Have a good summer! ✦
