Spicer has spent the last 15 years helping others grow and succeed, specializing in human resources, leadership and development, organizational effectiveness, coaching, and assessments for companies such as Walmart, Hewlett Packard, State Farm and Ingram Micro. Prior to joining BioLab, she worked at OnTrac as the manager of talent management and center of excellence, supporting their training, facilitation, leadership, workforce development, and learning needs. Spicer holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and business and a master’s degree in psychology/therapy with a focus on neuroscience.
In this role, Spicer aspires to build and foster a learning ecosystem and culture that empowers BioLab’s workforce. To achieve this, she envisions managing a just-in-time, one-stop-shop hub where employees can access tailored learning resources and tools to support their individual development plans, career goals, and aspirations. Through strategic collaboration and trust, Spicer plans to help staff reach and unleash their maximum potential.
“Heather’s experience and attitude is exactly what we were looking for and we look forward seeing the company and employee growth that she brings to BioLab,” said President and Co-Founder Jaime Leija. “Adding a learning and development manager to our team is an important step in our long-term strategy as we take our business to new heights.”
For more information on BioLab Holdings Inc. and its career opportunities, visit biolabholdings.net.
About BioLab Holdings, Inc.
BioLab Holdings, Inc. is a Phoenix-based medical manufacturer specializing in wound healing. Its products, Membrane Wrap Lite™, Tri-Membrane Wrap™, Membrane Wrap™, and Membrane Wrap – Hydro™, use human tissue allograft derived from amniotic membrane that provides structural tissue for use as a wound protectant covering. The products are minimally manipulated, preserving the properties that the tissue exhibits in its natural state. The company’s mission is to manufacture reliable and safe products with the highest quality to help optimize body performance through continuous innovation, education, superior customer service and teamwork. For more information, visit biolabholdings.net.
Some specific areas to be featured include the hospital’s LifeFlight helipad, various entryways to the facility, and the original main lobby located along North Avenue. Filming at AGH is expected to span a few days this week. Hospital officials say that neither patient care nor hospital operations will be impacted.
“We are thrilled to welcome the production of ‘The Pitt’ to AGH as it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase on a national level our beautiful hospital which has proudly operated in the heart of the City of Pittsburgh and the Northside for more than a century,” said Imran Qadeer, MD, president of the hospital. “We look forward to seeing AGH come to life on screen as part of this new series which stands to highlight the vital role that health care professionals play in our communities.”
While some scenes will be filmed onsite at AGH, most interior scenes will be filmed on set at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif. The set was designed to replicate AGH with creators paying special attention to the unique architectural and historic details of the more than 100-year-old hospital.
Produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, the series will run for 15 episodes on Max. The series is slated to premiere in 2025. Among the show’s executive producers are Carnegie Mellon University graduates John Wells and Michael Hissrich.
“We are thrilled to partner with Allegheny General Hospital on ‘The Pitt.’ Pittsburgh is a city full of everyday folks doing extraordinary things, especially those serving on the frontlines in a post-pandemic world. It’s a working-class town, that is also a center of medical excellence and technology – and AGH has been at the forefront of that innovation. We couldn’t think of a better place to shoot ‘The Pitt’,” said Pittsburgh-native Hissrich.
Located on Pittsburgh’s Northside, AGH has been a leading provider of advanced healthcare services since opening its doors in 1886. The hospital is currently home to some of the nation’s foremost institutes for cancer care, cardiovascular medicine and surgery, neurosciences, orthopaedic surgery, trauma care, and organ transplantation, among other specialties. It is the region’s premier Level 1 trauma center and a regional referral facility for the sickest patients and most complex cases. Its more than 5,000 employees help care for hundreds of thousands of patients annually.
About Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 23,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The Rhythm of Well-Being Community Concert & Honors Celebration will be headlined by the internationally renowned reggae band, Big Mountain, with next-generation musical performances by students from the Arizona School for the Arts. The event will also feature special appearances by an array of local luminaries, including Nicole Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals co-owner; former NFL-Raiders wide receiver AC Caswell; Lord of the Rings Academy award winning special effects artist Roman R. Reyes, and IFBB professional bodybuilder Rusty Jeffers. The evening promises to be a powerful testament to the importance of health equity, filled with inspiring stories, live art and music, and opportunities for community engagement.
Celebrating Health Equity Champions
The inaugural class of Health Equity Champions have been selected for their unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare and societal landscape. These trailblazers have dedicated their careers to breaking down barriers to whole-person care, addressing social determinants of health, creating access to mental health support, and advocating for policies that support the well-being of all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
“We are profoundly honored to recognize these exceptional leaders who have devoted themselves to advancing health equity in our communities,” said Equality Health Foundation Board Chairperson, Frank Placenti. “Their tireless efforts not only uplift those most in need but also inspire us all to pursue a more just and inclusive society. Equality Health Foundation remains committed to championing the transformative work that brings dignity and whole-person care to every individual.”
Health Equity Champion – Healthcare: Copa Health, AZ
Shar Najafi-Piper, PhD, CEO
Copa Health, under the leadership of Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper, has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, culturally competent whole-person care to underserved populations who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with mental health disorders. Through innovative programs and partnerships, Copa Health has made significant strides in reducing health disparities and addressing health-related social needs. By utilizing data-driven, evidence-based practices, the organization tracks its progress, ensuring impactful and lasting improvements in health equity.
Health Equity Champion – Community: Community Health Development Incorporated (CHDI), TX
Mayela Castañon, CEO
Community Health Development Incorporated, led by CEO Mayela Castañon, has been honored for its unwavering commitment to improve health and well-being of the people they serve, and helping Uvalde residents through the recovery and healing process after the tragic school shooting that impacted an entire community. By engaging marginalized populations to understand their unique health needs, CHDI has developed culturally relevant interventions that effectively promote health equity. Through collaboration with healthcare providers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders, CHDI continues to break down systemic barriers and mobilize resources, significantly improving health outcomes for all community members.
Health Equity Champion – Education: Arizona Community Health Workers Association (AzCHOW), AZ
Floribella Redondo, CEO and Co-Founder
Arizona Community Health Workers Association (AzCHOW), under the leadership of Floribella Redondo, has been recognized for its pioneering efforts in integrating health equity principles into educational and training programs for culturally diverse community health workers. AzCHOW has developed impactful education programs and community outreach initiatives that raise awareness of the important role of CHWs and promote equity across Arizona. Through strategic collaboration with community organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government entities, AzCHOW addresses educational barriers, health disparities, and access to care by strengthening the CHW workforce in Arizona.
Health Equity Champion – Business: Highlands Physicians, Inc. and Healthy Kingsport, a program of the Kingsport Chamber
Victoria Blanken, Executive Director, Highlands Physicians Inc.
Highlands Physicians, Inc. and Healthy Kingsport, a program of the Kingsport Chamber, are being recognized for their unwavering commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and a healthier community. By actively promoting healthy living across three key areas—community, schools, and workplaces—these organizations have made significant strides in improving the well-being of individuals and low-income families throughout the region. Through their “Small Starts” initiative, they empower every person to take meaningful steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, their efforts in schools help create a supportive environment for students, teachers, and families, while their workplace initiatives provide essential tools to enhance the health and well-being of employees. This comprehensive approach to health and wellness exemplifies their dedication to creating a thriving, inclusive and vibrant community.
“We’re honored to celebrate these incredible organizations and their trailblazing leaders and staff that reflect the rich diversity of communities across America,” said Tomás León, president of Equality Health Foundation. “Their contributions and commitment to advancing health equity are vital in creating a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone. This event is not just about recognizing our honorees; it’s about celebrating the vibrant tapestry of those we serve and the collective impact we can achieve together.”
Entertaining, Educating, and Inspiring the Community
The Rhythm of Well-Being Community Concert and Leadership Honors Celebration is designed to entertain, educate, and inspire the community. This year’s public health theme will focus on mental health, a critical issue that will be highlighted through impactful Public Service Announcements before the event and throughout the evening. Proceeds from the Rhythm of Well-Being event will be directed to the Community Well-Being Fund, a vital resource that supports programs and initiatives serving thousands in underserved and under-resourced communities.
Showcasing Artistic Excellence
The event will also feature the works of two acclaimed artists, Laura (Ortega)Thurbon and Luis Mena. Laura Thurbon’s creative talents will be on full display with her live art capturing the essence of the event, adding a unique artistic dimension to the celebration. Additionally, Luis Mena, a renowned sculptor, will create the unique bronze sculptures that will be presented to each honoree. His work, known for its depth and cultural resonance, will serve as a lasting symbol of the honorees’ impact on advancing health equity and well-being for all.
Join Us in Honoring Our Champions
Equality Health Foundation, the philanthropic partner of Equality Health, is an organization dedicated to advancing health equity and improving well-being access for historically marginalized populations in underserved and under-resourced communities. The nonprofit serves residents and communities in Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and Louisiana.
Tickets for the Rhythm of Well-Being Community Concert and Leadership Honors Celebration are available now. For information about VIP experiences and sponsorship opportunities, and to purchase tickets, please visit Equality Health Foundation Rhythm of Well-Being or go directly to Etix.
About Equality Health Foundation
Established in 2019, Equality Health Foundation envisions a world of vibrant and inclusive communities where all individuals have the opportunity to live healthier and longer lives. A bold vision like this cannot be accomplished alone and requires extensive collaboration across local communities around the country to level the playing field and make a sustainable and transformative change—a movement for advancing equal access to health and well-being for all. For more information about Equality Health Foundation, visit equalityhealthfoundation.org/ or follow Equality Health Foundation on Facebook, @EQHFoundation on Twitter, and Equality Health Foundation on LinkedIn.
About Equality Health
Equality Health is a technology-enabled primary care platform that leverages the proven capabilities of value-based payment models to transform healthcare for diverse and often marginalized populations. From predictive modeling to advanced care-tracking tools, utilizing Equality Health’s proprietary software, participating PCPs can streamline value-based administration and stay one step ahead of a patient’s journey. Equality Health’s care model is Medicaid-first in design, partnering with over 3,200 PCPs and 750,000 lives across Arizona, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Virginia. Equality Health partners with practices to close care gaps, optimize performance, increase compliance, and improve profitability. Members engage with holistic and personalized programs delivered through the lens of social and cultural needs. Equality Health is revolutionizing how care is delivered through hyper-local resources at scale and establishing critical linkages with payers, providers, members, and community resources. For more information about Equality Health, visit equalityhealth.com or follow EqualityHealth on Facebook, @EqualityHealth on Twitter, and EqualityHealth on LinkedIn.
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/
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.
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.
