Game Changers & Hard Truths: Dr. Balazs Halmos Unfiltered

In this episode, Dr. Narjust Florez is joined by Dr. Yasir Elamin and Dr. Liliana Faroni to explore the evolving management of oligometastatic lung cancer. They break down key definitions, discuss when and how to use consolidative therapies like radiation and surgery, and examine patient selection, limitations, and emerging tools such as ctDNA that are shaping a more precise approach to care. Guests: Yasir Elamin, MD Associate Professor of Thoracic Medical University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Liliana Faroni, MD, PhD Radiation Oncologist, Oncologia D’Or Rio de Janeiro

In this Korean-language episode of Lung Cancer Considered, Dr. Chul Kim is joined by Dr. Hye-Ryun Kim and Dr. Young Kwang Chae to discuss the evolving role of immunotherapy across the lung cancer treatment continuum. They explore perioperative strategies for resectable NSCLC, treatment selection and biomarkers in advanced disease, emerging research, and what they are looking forward to at WCLC 2026 in Seoul. Guest Host: Chul Kim, MD, MPH Thoracic Medical Oncologist and Associate Professor Georgetown University Guests: Hye Ryun Kim, MD, PhD Medical Oncologist Chief of Lung Cancer Center Yonsei Cancer Center Young Kwang Chae, MD, MPH, MBA Professor, Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Host Dr. Stephen Liu is joined by José Luis Castro, WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases, for a thought-provoking discussion on why lung cancer must be recognized as a global health priority. They explore the challenges of raising awareness, reducing stigma, expanding equitable access to lung cancer screening and care, and advancing the policies and partnerships needed to improve outcomes worldwide. The conversation also offers a preview of Castro's keynote message ahead of his appearance at the 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Seoul this September. Guest: José Luis Castro World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases

In this episode of Lung Cancer Considered, host Dr. Narjust Florez is joined by Dr. Mark Lewis and Dr. Michael Maddaus for a candid conversation about physician wellness, burnout, grief, and resilience. Drawing from their personal and professional experiences, they explore the hidden emotional toll of caring for patients with cancer, the limitations of the “just be more resilient” mindset, and the importance of self-compassion, vulnerability, and seeking support. Dr. Mark Lewis is Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Intermountain Health. He has become a leading voice on physician well-being, patient-centered care, and the emotional realities of oncology practice. Dr. Michael Maddaus is a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at the University of Minnesota.

As part of IASLC’s ongoing series of Lung Cancer Considered podcasts in world languages, Dr. Molly Li moderates a discussion in Cantonese with Dr. Tony Mok, Dr. Chao Zhang, and Dr. Wen-Zhao Zhong. The discussion reviews advances in ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Thymic epithelial tumors are rare but complex thoracic cancers that require specialized diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. In this episode of Lung Cancer Considered, Dr. Stephen Liu is joined by Dr. Nicolas Girard and Dr. Erica Pietroluongo to discuss the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of thymoma and thymic carcinoma, including current standards of care, evolving systemic therapies, and promising areas of research. They also highlight the importance of international collaboration in advancing care for patients with these rare malignancies. Guests: Nicolas Girard, MD, PhD Head of the Thorax Institute Curie Montsouris, Institut Curie, Paris, France Erica Pietroluongo, MD, PhD Medical Oncologist, University Federico II, Naples Visiting Scholar, University of Chicago

Patients with ROS1-positive NSCLC have a new treatment option following the FDA approval of zidesamtinib for those previously treated with a ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In this episode, Dr. Stephen Liu, Dr. Alexander Drilon, and Dr. Rosario Charo Garcia Campelo discuss the ARROS1 trial results, the drug's efficacy and safety profile, CNS activity, and where zidesamtinib may fit into current and future treatment strategies for ROS1-positive lung cancer. Guests: Alexander Drilon, MD Chief, Early Drug Development Service Attending Physician, Thoracic Oncology Service Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Professor, Weill Cornell Medical College Rosario Charo Garcia Campelo, MD Head of Medical Oncology and Thoracic Tumor Unit, Chair, University Hospital Head of the Oncology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute A Coruna Spain

How could cellular therapies and cancer vaccines transform the future of treatment for ALK-positive lung cancer? Host Dr. Narjust Florez sits down with Dr. Vincent Lam and Dr. Carmen Mecca to explore the latest research, the science driving these innovative approaches, and what these advances could mean for patients and the future of precision oncology. Key Topics Covered: • ALK-positive lung cancer • Cellular Therapy • Vaccines Guests: Vincent Lam, MD Associate Professor of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Director, Thoracic Oncology Clinical Research Program Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Carmen Mecca. PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, Chiarle Lab Department of Pathology Boston Children’s Hospital

Starting your first faculty position can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this episode of Lung Cancer Considered, host Dr. Narjust Florez is joined by Dr. Arthi Sridhar to discuss the transition from fellowship to independent practice, sharing practical insights on navigating clinical responsibilities, building professional relationships, balancing personal and professional priorities, and developing a sustainable career in oncology. Whether you're beginning a career in academic or community practice, this conversation offers actionable advice to help you thrive in your early years as faculty. Guests: Arthi Sridhar, MD - [email protected] Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center UT Southwestern Medical Center

In this episode of Lung Cancer Considered, Dr. Balazs Halmos reflects on a career at the forefront of thoracic oncology, sharing the pivotal moments, lessons learned, and hard truths that have shaped modern lung cancer care. Guest: Balazs Halmos, MD, MS Professor of Medicine Associate Director, Clinical Science Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center