Lung Cancer 2025: Navigating the Patient Journey from Early Detection to Advanced Therapies - 2025S CME

Friday, April 18, 2025, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Other, Nashville, TN

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (7.00 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (7.00 hours)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with an estimated 240,000 new diagnoses of lung cancer every year resulting in more deaths than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. Although the number of new cases of lung cancer is declining, the death rate from lung cancer continues to be staggering. Among new diagnoses in the United States, approximately 40% occur in current smokers, 40% in former smokers, and 20% in individuals who have never smoked. The poor prognosis of lung cancer is largely driven by the fact that lung cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage when curative treatment is no longer possible. Despite evidence that lung cancer screening using low dose CT scans is beneficial and can shift the trend from late to early-stage disease at time of diagnosis, less than 20% of the US eligible population is currently being screened for lung cancer. Recent advances in lung cancer research have provided improved understanding and stratification of the different types of lung cancer, and unprecedented advances in the fields of targeted- and immunotherapy have substantially improved life expectancy and quality of life. As diagnostic and management strategies become more complex, a multidisciplinary approach is increasingly needed, requiring improved communication between relevant stakeholders and patients, and efficient processes to expedite treatment. This activity is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs in lung cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment and to address common from primary care providers, pulmonologists, oncologists and patients.

1. Identify patients at risk for lung cancer, because of smoking history or other and emerging risk factors.
2. Understand the benefits of lung cancer screening and the criteria for referral to a lung cancer screening program
3. Review the optimal approach to lung cancer diagnosis and staging, and the need for multidisciplinary approach to expedite lung cancer care.
4. Understand the novel therapeutic interventions in lung cancer, both at early and late stages
5. Recognize the appropriate management of patients who have been treated for lung cancer once referred back to the primary care provider, pulmonologist or oncologist
6. Identify effective strategies for smoking cessation and risk mitigation