An internationally recognized lung cancer expert, IASLC CEO Karen Kelly, MD, has investigated many aspects of this disease from prevention to treatment. Recently, ILCN had the opportunity to ask Dr. Kelly about the 2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer. In the following Q&A, hear which WCLC presentations may influence Dr. Kelly’s practice considerations going forward.
ILCN: Now that you’ve had some time to reflect on WCLC 2022, what will you remember most from this meeting? What moment, interaction, or presentation left the most-lasting impression for you?
Dr. Kelly: I am going to remember the positive atmosphere that resonated throughout the conference. Our in-person delegates were thrilled to see each other, and the virtual component was seamless. Seeing old colleagues and meeting new colleagues was my personal highlight. I loved how everyone is so passionate about all aspects of thoracic malignancies and the clinically meaningful advances we are making. Ms. Annabelle Gurwitch’s mesmerizing story of her lung cancer journey during the opening plenary session was an energizing kickoff to the meeting.
Watch On-Demand — Opening Plenary 1: Immunotherapy & Vaccines
In-person and virtual attendees can watch WCLC 2022 sessions on-demand through December 31, 2022. If you couldn’t make the meeting, it’s not too late to register and enjoy on-demand content through the end of the year.
ILCN: What data did you see presented that will help build the evidence base or improve clinical decision-making?
Dr. Kelly: The presidential symposium focused on early-stage lung cancer will change my practice considerations. Recommending sub-lobar resection for small peripheral tumors to preserve lung and lung function is a clear benefit for patients.
I was also very impressed with the overall survival and progression free survival results with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus nivolumab in resectable stage III NSCLC patients and will consider this regimen for future patients.
The overall survival data from the Impower 010 study was also intriguing. It supports my use of adjuvant atezolizumab in resectable NSCLC patients whose tumors express PD-L1 50% or greater. We are looking forward to the upcoming results from several other randomized trials with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors.
ILCN: Among the many interesting and relevant abstracts presented during WCLC 2022, did you hear any data or results that you found surprising or unexpected?
Dr. Kelly: Being a positive person, I am always optimistic when it comes to data. New knowledge from both positive and negative findings is meaningful, and we can build upon it. So, no, I don’t recall anything that really took me by surprise, but certainly there was a lot that piqued my interest.
ILCN: As you look ahead to WCLC 2023 in Singapore, what lessons did you learn from WCLC 2022 that will influence the planning process in the coming year?
Dr. Kelly: The positive energy from WCLC 2022 is motivating us to make WCLC 2023 even better! Since many of our colleagues in Asia could not join us in Vienna, we want our members to rally around them in Singapore for WCLC 2023. Please save the date and plan to join us!