July 2026
Volume 1, No. 2

Welcome to the second issue of the Chen-Huang Center for EGFR Mutant Lung Cancers! This biannual newsletter gives an overview of the Center’s latest activities, research updates, patient stories, upcoming events, and more. If you missed January’s issue, you can find it here.

Other Center faculty members and I recently returned from the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, where we connected with other thoracic oncologists from around the world to discuss the latest research and form collaborations. We will attend other conferences in the second half of the year, such as the World Conference on Lung Cancer in the Republic of Korea in September. We are looking forward to continuing to advance our work in the detection and treatment of EGFR mutant lung cancers.

We encourage you to connect with us with questions or ideas.

Pasi A. Jänne, MD, PhD
Director, Chen-Huang Center for EGFR Mutant Lung Cancers Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

This spring, we launched two new webpages with information that may be helpful for patients and caregivers. Check them out below!

This page on the Center's website includes short videos from providers explaining common questions about EGFR mutant lung cancers.

This page on the main Dana-Farber website takes a step back and explains EGFR mutant lung cancers, gene mutations, genetic testing, and treatment.

Dr. Jaclyn LoPiccolo is an attending physician and researcher in the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology and Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber, and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Would you briefly describe your main research interests?

My research focuses on inherited (also called genetic or germline) predisposition to lung cancer, particularly EGFR mutant lung cancer and lung cancer that occurs in younger people and those who have never smoked. I'm interested in understanding why some people develop lung cancer despite having little or no traditional risk factors. Ultimately, my goal is to use these discoveries to improve lung cancer screening, prevention, and treatment.

How do your research findings make their way into patient care?

Our research has led to studies such as INHERIT and the Biology of Young Lung Cancer Study, as well as a larger research effort offering inherited genetic testing to patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer. These studies help us better understand who may be at increased risk for lung cancer and identify individuals and families who may benefit from genetic counseling and cancer screening. In some cases, this information can also help guide treatment decisions, with the ultimate goal of translating research discoveries into better care for patients and their families.

What do you like to do for fun outside of work?

I have two young children, a four-year-old and a six-month-old, who keep me very busy! Outside of work, you'll usually find us at the playground, exploring local parks, or enjoying our Friday night tradition of dinner at my daughter's favorite neighborhood restaurant.

Our Director, Dr. Pasi Jänne, was named as one of Boston magazine 2026 Top Doctors™, along with over 144 other Dana-Farber-affiliated physicians. You can find the magazine piece here and Dana-Farber’s press release here.

Patients and families are at the forefront of our mission, and we always appreciate hearing about their journeys through diagnosis and treatment, as well as other meaningful parts of their lives. Patient Debbie kindly agreed to share her story for this issue of the newsletter. Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

When were you first diagnosed with EGFR mutant lung cancer? Briefly, what has been your treatment journey?

My journey started in December 2021 when I noticed I was having trouble breathing. It was very unusual for me to go on a short walk and need to stop and call for a ride home instead of walking back myself because I was so short of breath. I reached out to my primary care provider’s office; they gave me a COVID test, which was negative, and performed a chest x-ray. From there, everything went at the speed of light—I had a CT scan and a scope done by the first week of January 2022. I started Tagrisso at my local hospital few weeks later, which for a while stopped the growth of my cancer. When that stopped working, I was referred to a clinical trial at Dana-Farber and started that in October of 2023. This trial is focused on my specific type of cancer cells, and I am still a participant to this day.

Here is a tip for new patients: the term EGFR was hard for me to remember, so I came up with a mnemonic device to help me: Every Girl/guy Finds Romance.

What is something you would want a new patient considering a clinical trial to know?

New patients need to know that although they might be frightened to try a new medicine or combination of medicines that are being tested and they don’t know if it will help or if they will experience side effects, they need to put their trust in the research team. This was a new path for me, and there were tests, Zoom visits, and trips to Boston (I live a couple of hours’ drive from the city), which took some getting used to. I knew from the beginning that I had the right to drop out of the study if it wasn’t working. But I trust the research team and they always get back to me when I send a message in the patient portal and answer my questions. This has helped me ensure that I am getting accurate information about my cancer and my treatment.

I also want new patients to know that being on a trial did not cause me financial strain since the medicine is paid for by the trial. There are co-pays, of course, but the medicines were covered, which was a big help for me and my family.

What has helped you along the way?

It used to be that cancer was not something that could be spoken about publicly. But since it can be out in the open now, I have been able to get support from family, friends, and neighbors, which has been very helpful for me.

My daughter created a “Jar of Kindness” for me after I was diagnosed. I was astonished at the outpouring of love and support. This was simply a large jar filled with notes and cards of acknowledgement of my cancer; people understood how much I needed this. My family, friends, neighbors, and the research team are my rocks. I am also very grateful for the prayers that continue for me across the country from family, friends, and people I have never met.

What is an activity you enjoy doing over the summer?

I like to enjoy the beauty of what is out there without having to go anywhere. For example, I like watching sunrises and sunsets and planting vegetables in my garden. My daughter and I use an app to identify birds by what they look and sound like, which is fun. I find myself filling the birdbath three times a day for all the birds—there is a robin who uses it more than once a day and gets the water dirty!

I also appreciate the ability to use my cell phone on a daily basis to take pictures of things that bring me joy. I share the pictures to put smiles on other people’s faces.

If you are a patient or caregiver and would like to be featured in a future newsletter, please reach out to EGFRcenter@dfci.harvard.edu!

Daniel Glidden, PA-C, MS, is a Physician Assistant at the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber

Tell us about your role at Dana-Farber. What kind of work does an Integrative Medicine Physician Assistant do?

I perform integrative oncology consultations with patients through the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana Farber. This entails meeting with patients at any point along the cancer care continuum (either referred by their oncology team or self-referred) and learning about any factors impacting their quality of life. I then provide guidance on lifestyle changes (exercise, nutrition) and integrative therapies (i.e. acupuncture, massage, mind-body therapies, etc.) to help alleviate or mitigate their symptoms and side effects. We provide emotional support and utilize integrative therapies to help manage anxiety and depression. Additionally, we have an integrative oncology pharmacist that works with us to help review patients dietary supplements for interactions, toxicities, or cancer-specific interactions otherwise, and I then provide guidance to the patients based on this review.

What are some common questions you receive from patients about integrating herbal medicine into their care?

I am commonly asked about herbs and/or dietary supplements, and what may help with side effect management, and also what may help augment their cancer therapy. Importantly, we do not make many recommendations for supplements, as there is a lack of high-quality clinical trial data to support their use in the oncology space. We know that some may interfere with cancer treatment, and there are many unknowns about the quality of herbs and supplements on the market.

What tips would you give to a patient who has identified a type of herbal medicine they would like to try?

I would advise that they speak with their oncologist about their planned or current herb/supplement use and request a referral to our service to review and discuss. I would advise approaching supplements with caution, as some may interfere with their treatment, sometimes leading to worsened side effects, and sometimes leading to reduced treatment efficacy. I would also advise aiming to obtain all of their nutritional needs through their diet alone.

How can patients get in touch with your team if they are interested in exploring integrative medicine?

They can ask their team for a referral, or simply call our clinic at (617) 632-3322 to schedule a consult to learn more about integrative medicine. 

Patients and providers can also visit the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) web page, which has many resources for patients and providers, including links to guidelines published by SIO in collaboration with ASCO. We have guidelines for the management of pain, anxiety/depression, fatigue, and we will soon have guidelines for insomnia and prostate cancer.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I really enjoy listening to people and providing space for them to open up about their cancer experience. My focus is to get to know the patient: what is most important to them, what (if anything) is difficult about their experience, and then formulating a plan to support their quality of life so they can continue pursuing their best life while on their cancer journey. I became a PA in 2015 and began my career in emergency medicine. I then transitioned to genitourinary medical oncology at DFCI and nearly 3 years ago transitioned to integrative oncology. I can confidently say that I have found my niche in medicine and derive so much joy and fulfillment from the work I am privileged to do every day. I look forward to meeting patients and doing my best to support them by bringing that energy with me into the clinic.

Like the Chen-Huang Center, the Dana-Farber Young Lung Cancer Program is housed in the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology. We are highlighting their work here for young adult patients with EGFR mutant lung cancers who may be interested in their resources.

The Young Lung Cancer Program provides expert, holistic care tailored to young adults with lung cancer. The program combines personalized treatment, research and community support to address the unique challenges young patients face. To learn more about the Young Lung Cancer Program, please visit the Dana-Farber Young Lung Cancer Program webpage or contact us at younglungcancerprogram@dfci.harvard.edu.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter for program updates, resources, and upcoming events.

The EQUAL study is a research study evaluating a blood-based test designed to detect specific genetic changes (EGFR mutations) that may be associated with lung cancer. This study focuses on individuals of East Asian and Latinx/Hispanic background who do not currently smoke and may not qualify for routine lung cancer screening. Participation will include a blood draw, with optional surveys or focus groups about experiences and perspectives related to lung cancer screening. Some participants may also choose to contribute samples to an optional biobanking study. Study results may help improve future approaches to lung cancer screening for communities that are currently underrepresented in research.

Email: Equalstudy@dfci.harvard.edu
Phone: 857-215-2794
Website : https://equalstudy.dana-farber.org/

Join Team Lung Cancer and support Dana-Farber’s mission to defy cancer by participating in the Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, October 4, 2026! Participants have the option to walk a marathon, half-marathon, 10k, or 5k. Those who are not local to the Boston area can participate virtually. Learn more and register here!

Save the date for our sixth annual Living with EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer: A Virtual Forum for Patients and Caregivers! This virtual event will include presentations on research advances, current studies and programs in the Dana-Farber Thoracic Oncology Program, a patient panel, and more. Watch recordings from last year’s Forum here.

Sitara Mahtani, MPH, is the Program Administrator at the Chen-Huang Center

Tell us about your professional background and what led you to Dana-Farber.

I have been interested in healthcare since college, and have since had the privilege of working alongside and learning from patients, caregivers, providers, researchers, and community advocates who are all committed to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer. Immediately after finishing my Masters of Public Health, I joined Dana-Farber doing cancer prevention, communication, and equity research at both global and local levels for five years before transitioning to my role in the Chen-Huang Center in April 2025.

What is your role as Program Administrator?

My role is to plan programming for patients and caregivers (such as our Annual Forum), organize an annual lecture for faculty and staff, develop patient education materials, manage communications for the Center (such as our website, social media, and this newsletter), and strategize around the overall goals and direction of the Center. I also focus on ensuring that patients with EGFR mutant lung cancers are aware of the resources Dana-Farber has to offer and the opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

What is something you want new patients to know about the Center?

I want patients to know that they should not hesitate to contact me with questions about resources available at Dana-Farber and/or suggestions for how the Center can best support them. The Center is still relatively new (it launched in 2020), and we are eager to hear patients’ ideas, especially as the number of patients with EGFR mutant lung cancers treated at Dana-Farber is growing. The best way to reach me is via e-mail (EGFRcenter@dfci.harvard.edu), but you are also welcome to call (857) 215-4953. (Please note that all clinical questions should be directed to your care team.)

What is a fun fact about you?

My spouse and I have a spunky young tabby cat named Agatha. Her interests include seafood-flavored kibble, jumping on the kitchen counter, and snoozing in the sun!

Agatha sitting smugly on the kitchen island (where she does not belong!)

Questions or comments?
Reach out to us at EGFRcenter@dfci.harvard.edu.