A newsletter from the Young Lung Cancer Program 

 Welcome to the first newsletter from our Young Lung Cancer Program at Dana-Farber. Led by Jaclyn LoPiccolo, MD, PhD,and Narjust Florez, MD, our program provides expert, whole-person care for young patients with lung cancer. In this newsletter, we’ll share updates on care innovations, helpful support programs for patients, recent research, and our work to advance equity. 

MISSION

To deliver individualized treatment to young patients with lung cancer and to conduct research that improves their outcomes and overall quality of life

 One of the first U.S. programs dedicated exclusively to patients age 50 and younger with lung cancer.

Combines specialized clinical care, comprehensive support services, and innovative research to better understand and meet the needs of younger adults facing lung cancer.

Advocacy and Community

Raising awareness of the rising incidence of lung cancer in young-adults and eliminating stigma

Research and Innovation

Designing and conducting innovative studies and therapeutic trials for young cancer patients

Comprehensive Clinical Care

Providing state-of-the-art, personalized, holistic, multidisciplinary care to patients and their families

Program Co-Director Jaclyn LoPiccolo, MD, PhD, leads our basic science and genomics efforts. She holds dual appointments in Thoracic Oncology and Genetics and focuses on inherited risk in young-onset lung cancer, including cancers driven by specific gene changes such as EGFR. Her work translates discoveries into better screening, prevention, and treatment. She is an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and has received awards from ASCO and the LUNGevity Foundation. 

Program Co-Director Narjust Florez, MD, leads a clinic for young adults with lung cancer. She directs research on who is affected by this disease, treatment outcomes, and patients’ emotional and social needs. She is also associate director of Dana-Farber’s Cancer Care Equity Program and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She has been recognized with awards from ASCO and the LUNGevity Foundation.

Taryn Lipiner, MPH, is Program Administrator for the Young Lung Cancer Program. She serves as a dedicated resource for young adults with lung cancer, helping build community and connection through monthly newsletters, event sign-ups, and other engagement opportunities. Taryn also helps plan and run Young Lung symposiums and other initiatives that empower patients and expand program outreach. 

Victoria Williamson, BA, is a Clinical Research Project Manager for the Young Lung and INHERIT studies. She oversees projects that aim to better understand lung cancer in young adults and people with inherited risks. She manages key parts of the studies, including enrolling participants, coordinating genetic testing, and overall project oversight. Victoria earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Bowdoin College. She is committed to making the research process easier and more supportive for patients and families. Victoria hopes to attend medical school in the coming years and plans to advocate for equitable access to high-quality cancer care for patients and families. 

Angela Morabito, BS, is a research assistant in the Florez Lab She supports projects to improve lung cancer care, particularly for vulnerable populations. Angela earned her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University. In the lab, she has been involved in initiatives such as the #HearHer campaign and manages the lab’s social media and infographics to promote research, share patient stories, and amplify their voices. She hopes to attend medical school and use insights from her lab experience to advocate for patient-centered care. 

Jose Avila, BS, earned his bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Northeastern University, bringing both industry and clinical research experience from his undergraduate years. He is the study coordinator for the Young Lung and INHERIT Studies at Dana-Farber. Jose is committed to engaging with patients and amplifying their voices throughout research and care. Looking ahead, Jose hopes to attend medical school and continue bridging science, clinical care, and patient advocacy. 

Explore Integrative Therapies at the Zakim Center 

Dana-Farber’s Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living offers patients a wide range of integrative therapies, including acupuncture, expressive art therapy, mindfulness meditation, Reiki, massage therapy, and exercise and nutrition consults. 

Self-Guided Toolkits 

The center also offers short, self-guided videos to help manage symptoms of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, neuropathy, and insomnia. In each video, Zakim staff demonstrate evidence-based techniques and share practical tips to help ease symptoms. 

View the toolkits: 

Support for Young Adults 

Dana-Farber’s Young Adult Program (YAP) provides emotional support services, opportunities to meet other young adults in treatment, and educational programs. 

“Young adult” is defined broadly as individuals ages 18 through the early 40s. To learn more or confirm eligibility, please email yap@dfci.harvard.edu or call 857-215-2291. 

Elephants and Tea

Elephants and Tea is a nonprofit online magazine for and by adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Its mission is to build community and support for the AYA cancer community through wellness, storytelling, education, and research. They regularly offer online community events, including informative programs, caregiver programs, and support groups. 

Join iaya 

“iaya” is a smartphone app created by the Young Adult Program to help build community around coping skills. It is open to any young adult (age 18-early 40s) treated at Dana-Farber. 

Funds directed to the Young Lung Cancer Program directly aid young patients through services like patient navigation, events, research and community engagement.

These recent studies published by our program leaders share new insights that may improve care and support for people with cancer. They’re written for medical professionals, so we’ve added brief, plain-language summaries. If a topic interests you, your care team can explain how the findings might apply to you. 

Young lung cancer: from diagnosis to survivorship (Frontiers in Oncology, 2025) What it covers: The unique needs of people diagnosed with lung cancer in their teens, 20s, 30s, and early 40s - from diagnosis through survivorship. Topics include fertility, mental health, work/school, and personalized treatment. Why it matters: Helps clinicians tailor age-specific, whole-person care. Read the study: https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2025.1570143 

‘Are those all my options?’ Communication in treatment and clinical trial discussions by race and gender (Supportive Care in Cancer, 2025) What it covers: How oncologists discuss treatment choices and clinical trials with patients, and how these conversations can differ by race and gender. Why it matters: Identifies ways to make care discussions more clear and equitable; offers insights you can use to advocate for yourself (e.g., ask about all options and trials). Read the study: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09491-w 

Addressing the sexuality of women during cancer: from diagnosis to survivorship (The Oncologist, 2024) What it covers: Practical guidance for managing changes in sexual health and intimacy during and after treatment (e.g., pain, dryness, libido, body image). Why it matters: Sexual wellbeing is a key part of quality of life; the paper outlines care options and when to seek specialty support. Read the study: https://doi.org/10.1093/oncolo/oyae242