LUNGevity Foundation, a lung cancer research and patient advocacy nonprofit with an office in Bethesda, Maryland, announced on October 27, 2026 a multi-year research program focused on improving care for people with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Part of the foundation’s broader Small Cell Lung Cancer Initiative, the program brings together five projects addressing patient experiences, treatment preferences, access to emerging therapies, and gaps in healthcare delivery.
“But scientific breakthroughs only matter if they reach the patients who need them,” said Andrea Ferris, President and CEO of LUNGevity Foundation.
Five Projects Target Barriers to Cancer Care
The initiative combines patient-centered research with efforts to improve treatment access and care coordination. The Living with Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer project will examine patients’ experiences managing the disease, while AMPLIFY will explore how patients and caregivers weigh treatment benefits, risks, and practical challenges compared with clinicians’ perspectives.
Through Project Lighthouse, LUNGevity will work with community oncology practices to help eligible patients access emerging therapies locally or through coordinated referrals. Its Patient Activation and Survivorship Programming will expand educational resources, clinical trial information, and peer support, while the Small Cell Lung Cancer Coalition will bring stakeholders together to develop care practices as treatment options evolve.
Responding to Advances in SCLC Treatment
The program comes as new antibody-drug conjugates and immune-based therapies create additional treatment possibilities for small cell lung cancer. Recent clinical studies have reported survival improvements with investigational therapies, although these developments also introduce new challenges involving specialized monitoring, side effect management, and coordination between healthcare providers.
By identifying barriers within community oncology settings and incorporating patient perspectives into care decisions, LUNGevity aims to help ensure that advances in treatment translate into improved access and support.
About LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation supports lung cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services. Its work includes funding scientific research, improving access to care, and providing resources for patients and caregivers.
