eBlu Solutions has established itself as a dependable partner for healthcare institutions seeking to utilize technology for improved patient care, operational efficiency, and positive outcomes. With a comprehensive suite of solutions, the company enables healthcare providers to optimize workflows, enhance resource efficiency, and deliver exceptional patient care. The addition of pharmacy benefit support highlights the company’s dedication to maintaining its rapid growth. This new feature includes real-time pharmacy benefit investigations and prior authorization support for sponsored products within the system.
“We are delighted to unveil our extensive pharmacy benefit support on the eBlu Solutions platform,” said Nathan Fornwalt, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer for eBlu Solutions. “This workflow is designed to simplify the process for healthcare providers, ensuring patients receive timely access to their prescribed medications while navigating the complexities of insurance coverage and benefits. By offering upfront visibility into pharmacy networks and benefit coverage, and facilitating electronic prior authorization and appeals, we eliminate unnecessary delays and confusion that often accompany prescription fulfillment. Our unified platform now supports both physician-administered and patient-administered therapies, making it a one-stop shop for efficient patient treatment clearance across both medical and pharmacy benefits.”
For media inquiries or further information, please visit the eBlu Solutions’ website.
About eBlu Solutions
eBlu Solutions provides a secure single-portal software platform for electronic prior authorization and benefits verification in the infusion-based specialty medication space. eBlu Solutions aims to streamline the fragmented nature of the approval process for specialty medication treatments, and currently supports a variety of specialties including rheumatology, retina, neurology, gastroenterology, and allergy & asthma.
Balance disorders are frequently termed “invisible” illnesses because, unlike physical disabilities, their symptoms are not easily observed. Consequently, vestibular disorders often go unnoticed, causing those who experience them to be deprived of empathy and understanding from others. Ultimately, people with balance disorders can feel isolated and have difficulty obtaining a proper diagnosis and treatment.
“Although balance disorders are relatively common, they are all too often overlooked, which is so unfortunate,” said Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A/SLP, 2024 ASHA President. “Balance issues can have a significant negative impact on a person’s daily life and functioning. Greater awareness and understanding of these disorders are needed so they can be treated effectively. I encourage anyone with symptoms or concerns about their balance to visit an audiologist for comprehensive testing. By doing so, they can get answers, determine next steps, and start on a path to an improved quality of life.”
Balance Awareness Week, organized by VeDA, will feature educational campaigns, patient stories, and community events—all designed to inform and engage the public. By partnering with VeDA for Balance Awareness Week, ASHA aims to achieve the following goals:
Increase Public Awareness: Educate the public about vestibular disorders and their impact on individuals’ lives.
Promote Understanding: Help people recognize the symptoms and challenges of vestibular disorders.
Support Patients: Provide resources and support for those living with balance disorders.
Encourage Empathy: Foster a community that understands and supports those with invisible illnesses.
For more information on how to get involved and to access resources, please visit the Vestibular Disorders Association at vestibular.org/BAW. To find an ASHA-certified audiologist in your area who can provide balance testing, visit http://www.asha.org/profind.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 234,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. http://www.asha.org
“As part of our ongoing effort to integrate with key partners across various classes of trade, we’re thrilled to join forces with Virtue Technologies,” said Drew Kronick, CEO of SDS Rx. “By combining our logistics expertise with their industry-leading software, we’re delivering a unified solution that simplifies delivery management, strengthens compliance, and helps home infusion and specialty pharmacies better serve their patients.”
Gibran Ameer, CEO of Virtue Technologies, added, “Our partnership with SDS Rx brings our customers a reliable last-mile delivery solution that streamlines the process, offers proof of delivery, clear communication, and easy management with quick issue resolution. Together, we’re able to offer a robust solution tailored to the specific needs of home infusion and specialty pharmacies.”
Key Benefits of the SDS Rx and Virtue Technologies Partnership:
Simplicity: A unified approach to logistics, reducing complexity and management burdens
Visibility: Real-time tracking and proof-of-delivery for all shipments; providing access to actionable data insights
Efficiency: Streamlined workflows that help reduce costs and improve operational performance.
This partnership emphasizes the commitment of SDS Rx and Virtue Technologies to advancing logistics in the home infusion market, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and higher standards of care. For more information, visit https://www.sds-rx.com/virtue-tech/
About SDS Rx
SDS Rx is a leading healthcare solutions provider specializing in managing last-mile logistics networks for long-term care pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, infusion pharmacies, nuclear pharmacies, labs, and healthcare networks. The company’s industry-leading technology ensures compliance, accuracy, accountability, and transparency. Learn more at https://www.sds-rx.com/
Virtue Technologies provides cloud-based software designed to address the challenges of the highly fragmented durable medical equipment and pharmacy markets. Their solutions enhance revenue cycles by improving staff efficiency, eliminating waste, increasing patient satisfaction, and delivering unparalleled operational visibility. In an era of shrinking reimbursements and growing audit risks, Virtue Technologies offers the tools needed to meet market demands. Learn More at https://www.virtuescript.com/
“For nearly 20 years, Chesley has been a cornerstone of our team. Her journey from customer service to spearheading our sales department is a testament to her growth and leadership. With unwavering positivity and an unparalleled work ethic, Chesley has consistently driven our team to new heights. We are immensely proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition,” said Liz Frayer, Principal at Intrepid Atlanta.
Today, as Vice President of Sales and Partner at Intrepid Atlanta, Chesley leads the sales team with a focus on building genuine relationships rather than pursuing quick sales. Her passion lies in connecting with people and fostering lasting relationships that contribute to long-term success.
“Atlanta has an incredibly strong and diverse community of talented female leaders, and I’m honored to be included in their company. The collective power of female representation in our city is creating opportunities for our next generation of trailblazers,” said Chesley Gaddis.
A lifelong Atlantan, Chesley resides in Inman Park with her husband, Owen, and their two children, Holland (6) and Hamilton (4). A proud alumna of Sweet Briar College, Chesley graduated in 2003 with a degree in English and Creative Writing, where she learned the enduring value of female friendships and community.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Atlanta for 2024, as we recognize the exceptional contributions of women like Chesley Gaddis who are leading the charge in shaping Atlanta’s future.
Media Contact
Aziel Shea, On the Ball, 1 5615969402, [email protected], ontheball.co
Anne V. Dunne, a Litigation associate in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Boston office, has been selected to participate in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) for 2024-2025.
BOSTON, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Anne V. Dunne, a Litigation associate in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s Boston office, has been selected to participate in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) for 2024-2025. This WLP cohort comprises 60 women from across a variety of industries.
Presented in partnership with Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, the WLP empowers women leaders with the skills, mentorship, and network to excel in their own careers and create conditions for other women to thrive. Through a blend of academic classes, practical application, and social capital, the program aims to foster workplace gender equity and professional success. The WLP has graduated more than 1,000 women from across industries, sectors, and roles, including several women attorneys from Greenberg Traurig’s Boston office.
“We applaud Anne Dunne on being selected for the Women’s Leadership Program,” said David J. Dykeman and Terence P. McCourt, co-managing shareholders of the firm’s Boston office, in a joint statement. “Annie has emerged as a standout talent in our litigation practice, and we are excited to see the impact she will have on the Greater Boston business community.”
Dunne focuses her practice on commercial litigation, concentrating on financial services, class action defense, government investigations, and whistleblower litigation. She handles claims in both state and federal courts on behalf of a wide range of clients, including consumer banks, financial services companies, national banks, mortgage lenders and servicers, credit card issuers, manufacturers, and large national retailers. Additionally, Dunne litigates claims of trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, and breach of restrictive covenant agreements. She also represents corporations, officers, and directors on securities litigation matters, shareholder derivative actions, and other complex commercial disputes.
Dunne joins a long list of Greenberg Traurig attorneys who have participated in the WLP and positively impacted the Boston area.
About Greenberg Traurig’s Boston Office: Celebrating 25 years of legal excellence, Greenberg Traurig’s Boston office is home to more than 90 attorneys practicing in the areas of banking and finance, corporate, emerging technology, energy, environmental, gaming, governmental affairs, intellectual property, labor and employment, life sciences and medical technology, litigation, public finance, real estate, restructuring and bankruptcy, tax, and white collar defense and investigations. An important contributor to the firm’s international platform, the Boston office includes a team of nationally recognized attorneys with both public and private sector experience. Working collaboratively with the firm’s global network, the Boston team collectively offers clients decades of experience advising on complex legal matters and providing hands-on knowledge of the local business community.
About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2750 attorneys in 47 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI “Highly Recommended Law Firm” for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com.
Dr. Hidehito Horinouchi, of the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan, participated in the LUMINOSITY phase 2 (NCT03539536) clinical trial aiming to identify the c-Met protein-overexpressing NSCLC population best suited to Teliso-V monotherapy and expand selected groups for further evaluation.
For the purposes of this study, the researchers defined c-Met protein overexpression as greater than 25% tumor cells with more than 3+ staining (high:greater than or equal to 50% 3+; intermediate [int]: 25% to less than 50% 3+). Patients received 1.9 mg/kg intravenously every two weeks and the primary endpoint was Overall Response Rate (ORR).
In total, 172 patients with c-Met protein-OE EGFR WT nonsquamous NSCLC received at least one dose of Teliso-V, 57 of whom were Asian. A total of 48 Asian patients (c-Met high, n=26; c-Met intermediate, n=22) were evaluable for efficacy.
Median age in patients of Asian race was 65 years (range 47-82), 71% were male, and 67% had ECOG PS greater to or equal to 1. Overall, 92% received prior platinum therapy and 77% had prior immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. For the Asian population, the ORR was 46.2% (c-Met high), 22.7% (c-Met intermediate), and 35.4% (overall). Median duration of response was 6.9 months (c-Met high), 8.3 months (c-Met intermediate), and 6.9 months (overall). The most common adverse events were hypoalbuminemia (32%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (23%), and pneumonia (21%).
“Compelling and durable responses were observed in patients of Asian race with c-Met protein-OE nonsquamous EGFR WT NSCLC, especially in patients with c-Met high; these results are similar to the overall population,” according to Dr. Horinouchi. He added that Teliso-V had an acceptable safety profile that was clinically manageable.
Teliso-V is being evaluated as a monotherapy in patients with previously treated c-Met overexpressing EGFR wild type nonsquamous NSCLC in the randomized Phase 3 study TeliMET NSCLC-01 (NCT04928846), which is currently enrolling.
About the IASLC: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association’s membership includes more than 10,000 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit http://www.iaslc.org for more information.
About the WCLC: The World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting nearly 7,000 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit https://wclc2024.iaslc.org.
These results were presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer by Dr. Geoffrey Liu, from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. ROS1 fusions occur in approximately 2 percent of all non-small cell lung cancers and occur when the ROS1 gene attaches to another gene that results in uncontrolled cell growth and tumors.
In the pivotal Phase II TRUST-I study, taletrectinib demonstrated high overall and intracranial response rates, durable responses, and activity against the G2032R acquired resistance mutation, combined with favorable safety and tolerability.
Dr. Liu today presented updated Phase II results in TKI-naive and TKI-pretreated patients from the global, pivotal TRUST-II study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of taletrectinib in patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC. The results included in the presentation are as of June 7, 2024.
TRUST-II is a global, multicenter, single-arm study of taletrectinib, in which all patients received 600 mg of taletrectinib orally once daily. At the time of analysis, 105 patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC were treated with taletrectinib in two cohorts: Cohort 1 consisted of patients who were TKI naive with ≤1 line of chemotherapy while Cohort 2 consisted of patients who were pretreated with 1 prior ROS1 TKI (crizotinib or entrectinib) and ≤1 line of chemotherapy.
Dr. Liu presented the efficacy results from 101 of the 105 patients in these two cohorts who were response evaluable. The primary endpoint is confirmed objective response rate and key secondary endpoints include duration of response, progression-free survival, and safety.
Cohort 1: TKI naive, ≤1 line of chemotherapy (54/55 patients were response evaluable) Cohort 2: TKI pretreated, 1 prior ROS1 TKI and ≤1 line of chemotherapy (47/50 patients were response evaluable) Baseline Brain Metastases 35% 56% Prior Chemotherapy 20% 38% Prior Crizotinib NA 80% Prior Entrectinib NA 20% Confirmed ORR 85% (95% CI: 73-93) 62% (95% CI: 46-75) Intracranial ORR 67% (95% CI: 30-93) 56% (95% CI: 30-80) Common Adverse Effects (all grades) Increased ALT (68%), Increased AST (67%), Diarrhea (57%)
“Taletrectinib continues to demonstrate encouraging overall responses, robust IC activity, and a favorable safety profile with low incidence of neurologic AEs in both TKI-naive and TKI-pretreated patients with ROS1+ NSCLC,” said Dr. Liu. “The efficacy and safety of taletrectinib in TRUST-II remains highly consistent with TRUST-I.”
About the IASLC: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association’s membership includes more than 10,000 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit http://www.iaslc.org for more information.
About the WCLC: The World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting nearly 7,000 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit https://wclc2024.iaslc.org.
The data was presented today by Dr. Jacob Sands, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass., at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer.
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer have limited treatment options after lung cancer progresses on first-line therapies. Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) is a novel trophoblast cell surface antigen 2-directed antibody-drug conjugate under clinical evaluation in multiple solid tumor types.
The pivotal TROPION-Lung01 trial in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC had met its dual primary endpoint of improved progression-free survival versus docetaxel (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.91; P=0.004). Superior efficacy outcomes were observed with Dato-DXd in patients with non squamous lung cancer.
“Dato-DXd did not meet its overall survival endpoint, but the therapy has many positive upsides that make it an option for some patients with non-squamous NSCLC,” said Dr. Sands pointing out the multiple improved outcomes in the non-squamous group for Dato-DXd vs docetaxel including response rate (31.2% vs 12.8%), median PFS (5.5 vs 3.6 months), and a trend of improvement in OS (14.6 vs 12.3 months).
Dr. Sands reported baseline characteristics were balanced between arms, and median follow-up was 23.1 months for both treatment arms. Median overall survival was 12.9 months (95% CI, 11.0-13.9) with Dato-DXd versus 11.8 months (95% CI, 10.1- 12.8) with docetaxel (HR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.78-1.14; P =0.530) in the full analysis set.
However, Dr. Sands said that median overall survival was numerically longer in the prespecified nonsquamous subgroup with 14.6 months (95% CI, 12.4-16.0) with Dato-DXd vs 12.3 months (95% CI, 10.7-14.0) with docetaxel( HR 0.84; 95% CI, 0.68-1.05).
“The overall safety and efficacy profile of Dato-DXd supports its use as a potential new therapeutic option for patients with nonsquamous NSCLC who are eligible for subsequent therapy,” said Dr. Sands.
About the IASLC: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association’s membership includes more than 10,000 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit http://www.iaslc.org for more information.
About the WCLC: The World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting nearly 7,000 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit https://wclc2024.iaslc.org.
In the workshop, attendees will learn how to execute social media campaigns with measurable impact that achieve specific objectives that are clearly established. Participants will discover the differences in organic social media marketing versus paid social media efforts to drive donations, especially surrounding events like #GivingTuesday and other significant fundraising events for your nonprofit.
“I was so excited to receive the registration list and see some of the most prominent nonprofit organizations listed. I get great joy knowing that the social media skills I’ll be sharing in this three-hour, in-person workshop will have such a positive impact in our community and beyond. These strategies will help our nonprofit leaders to have more fundraising success and recruit more volunteers thus extending their reach with the amazing work they do at their respective organizations,” said Carnett, Faculty, Center for Nonprofit Leadership, California Lutheran University.
Learning outcomes from the three-hour in-person workshop include the following: 1. Identification of goals surrounding the utilization of social media marketing for your nonprofit (i.e. recruit volunteers, attract full-time staff, engage corporate donors, cultivate individual donors or promote upcoming fundraising events) 2. Clarity on the use cases for each social media platform as it relates to the objectives of your nonprofit. 3. Best practices in streamlining the development, editing, and scheduling of your social media content calendar utilizing social media scheduling tools with metrics. 4. Leveraging social media marketing as a component of a larger marketing or development campaign (i.e. collaborations with more highly visible creators and utilization of relevant hashtags). 5. Communicating social media impact to your Executive Leadership Team, Board, corporate donors or individual donors in alignment with your nonprofit fundraising objectives and mission match.
“The reach that social media provides makes it an essential tool for nonprofits to communicate with their audience and mobilize support. Yet, few nonprofits effectively leverage this opportunity. The CLU Center for Nonprofit Leadership is excited to offer this workshop with Lindsey Carnett to explore how nonprofits can harness the power of social media to increase organizational visibility, draw volunteers and supporters to their cause, and meaningfully convey mission-related messages,” said Brewster King, MBA, Associate Director, Center for Nonprofit Leadership, California Lutheran University.
California Lutheran University has just announced that Carnett, Faculty for California Lutheran University Center for Nonprofit Leadership, has joined its Board of Directors for the Community Leaders Association (CLA).
Please register here: Center for Nonprofit Leadership (neoncrm.com) The event is free to members of the Center and $55 for nonmembers. The CLU Oxnard Campus is at 2201 Outlet Center Drive.
About Lindsey Carnett:
Lindsey Carnett is a marketing and public relations professional who developed The Marketing Maven Method to simplify marketing by empowering leaders to make data-driven marketing decisions. Carnett is the CEO of Marketing Maven, a research, digital and PR firm headquartered in Ventura County, and author of the recent book, The Marketing Maven Method: Secrets of a Maven.
A two-time honoree of Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Independently Owned Companies in America, as well as an Entrepreneur 360 Most Entrepreneurial Companies in America award recipient, Lindsey has taken her business expertise global to enlighten marketing peers and business leaders about best practices in using PR to drive engagement, improve organic SEO, and grow a positive online reputation.
Having spoken at high profile national marketing and consumer products conferences and guest lectured at universities, Carnett has gained the reputation as an expert in the field of marketing and public relations. Her areas of specialties include: Public Relations, Social Media, Reputation Management, Direct Response Marketing, U.S. product launches, SEO, Market Research, and Spanish Media.
About The California Lutheran University Center for Nonprofit Leadership:
Since 1991, the Center for Nonprofit Leadership has been the point of convergence serving nonprofit leaders and organizations serving the region. As the only management training center of its kind in Ventura County, the Center has earned a reputation as the one-stop source for excellence in nonprofit leadership. It is the one place in Ventura County that provides a comprehensive approach to sustaining nonprofit-specific organizational and leadership development.
Through a broad array of programming that is accessible, relevant, timely and adaptive to the current needs of leaders and organizations, the Center plays a critical role in the organizational and leadership development of the nonprofit sector in Ventura County. By entrusting their time, energy and resources with us, leaders will attain higher levels of skills and capacity, and nonprofit organizations will achieve a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness. The success of the Center is tied closely with its role in the overall nonprofit ecosystem, where the Center wears multiple hats: as player and coach, leader and community partner, as well as provider of unbiased information and community data. We keep our finger on the pulse of the trends affecting the sector and adapt programming to reflect both best practices and emerging trends.
Skills-building opportunities provide a combination of hands-on management tools and peer networking opportunities that help nonprofit leaders strengthen skills and make valuable contacts for future collaboration. Faculty members are subject matter experts and respected leaders in their fields who provide practical perspectives that can be put to use immediately. Workshops are facilitated based on best practices of adult learning with the intent of fostering an adult co-learning environment where ideas are shared and resources optimized.
A byproduct of the Center’s learning model is the collaborative co-learning environment in which the faculty not only provides content expertise but also fosters co- learning and sharing among attendees. Attendees learn as much from each other as they do from subject matter experts, particularly organizational change strategies and how best to leverage new found skills and relationships in their daily work.
Recent air pollution exposure in the form of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) exposure may significantly impact lung cancer in women who have never smoked, with notable differences in stage IV diagnoses among EGFR+ patients, according to research presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Recent air pollution exposure in the form of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) exposure may significantly impact lung cancer in women who have never smoked, with notable differences in stage IV diagnoses among EGFR+ patients, according to research presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized outdoor air pollution and its key component, particulate matter PM2.5, as Group 1 carcinogens in 2013, indicating that they cause lung cancer. Associations between tobacco use and lung cancer account for a majority of lung cancers. Still, researchers and public health experts have not been able to identify an association that explains why individuals who do not smoke or have never smoked are diagnosed with lung cancer.
“The timing and duration of PM2.5 exposure that are most relevant for the development of lung cancer and lung cancer risk have not been well characterized. The purpose of our study is to compare the associations between recent versus long-term cumulative PM2.5 exposure in men and women who had never smoked and lung cancer EGFR mutation status,” said Dr. Yixian Chen, a researcher at British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.
The research team collected data from newly diagnosed lung cancer patients who never smoked that included information on their residential history from birth to the date of diagnosis. Dr. Chen and the team then geocoded each residential address and analyzed high-resolution concentration estimates of PM2.5 exposure from satellite data, chemical transport models, and ground measurements within roughly 10 x 10 kilometer areas corresponding to the time the individual lived at each address. The team obtained annual exposure data going back to 1996 when accurate air pollution information became available globally.
A total of 255 patients with known EGFR mutation status were included in the analysis. Significant associations were observed between EGFR mutation and cancer stage among women (p=0.197 in men, p less than 0.001 in women). Patients diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer displayed higher proportions of EGFR mutations compared to those without. Notable differences were also identified in the cumulative 3-year PM2.5 exposure before diagnosis in women who never smoked with EGFR mutations compared to those without (e.g., 19.0 vs 17.3 μg/m3, p=0.031). This trend persisted when examining cumulative 5-year exposure (33.7 vs 29.5 μg/m3, p=0.024) before diagnosis, with higher exposure observed in the EGFR-mutation positive group (EGFR+). Surprisingly, these associations were not evident in men who never smoked. Moreover, long-term exposure, such as 10-, 15-, and 20-year cumulative exposure to PM2.5, was not associated with EGFR mutation status in either men or women.
“These findings suggest a potential impact of recent exposure to PM2.5 on lung cancer in people who never smoked, particularly among women, with significant differences in stage IV diagnoses among EGFR+ patients,” said Dr. Chen. “Further studies are needed to confirm if PM2.5 measurement over 3 to 5 years is adequate for lung cancer risk assessment.”
About the IASLC:
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association’s membership includes more than 10,000 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit http://www.iaslc.org for more information.
About the WCLC: The World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting nearly 7,000 researchers, physicians and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit https://wclc2024.iaslc.org.
