HOPA Now is the official podcast of the Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy Association, an organization dedicated to supporting pharmacy practitioners and promoting the advancement of Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy to optimize the care of individuals impacted by cancer.

These educational podcasts are part of our BCOP Preparatory and Recertification Course, which is designed to prepare oncology pharmacists preparing to sit for the BCOP Certification Exam, as well as meet the BPS requirement to complete a BCOP Preparatory/Recertification Review Course.

In this episode of HOPA Now, Dr. Daniel Melzer explains the background and etiology of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. He highlights the main risk factors for lung cancer, details the pathophysiology and molecular biology of various kinds of lung cancers, and wraps up with an overview of the biomarkers that have revolutionized the way we treat lung cancer.

In this episode you will learn:

Lung Cancer Fundamentals

The background and etiology of lung cancer
Lung cancer has a higher death rate than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Main risk factors including smoking, pack per day history, exposure to secondhand smoke, family history, and radon exposure.
Treatments include cessation of smoking in addition to systemic and targeted therapies.
Pathophysiology of lung cancer and characteristics of subtypes of non-small lung cell cancer
Molecular biology of small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancers
Biomarkers regarding EGFR, ALK, and other resistance mutations of lung cancer and their most effective therapies

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

Tweetables:

“Lung cancer has a higher death rate than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer

“Lung cancer patients who stop smoking reduce their risk at five years.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer

“By reducing patient smoking by half a pack a day you can reduce your risk of lung cancer by 25 percent.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer

“Without treatment for lung cancer, patients can die within two to four months.” — Dr. Daniel Melzer