The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting kicks off June 2 in Chicago, convening one of the largest and most diverse gatherings in global cancer care. Amgen will be presenting new scientific and clinical research across its diverse oncology portfolio and pipeline at the annual meeting. With more than 25 abstracts from Amgen-sponsored and collaborative studies, including three oral presentations and two poster discussions, we are featuring data in hard-to-treat tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Additional information of the presentations can be found in our press release here.
In line with the meeting’s theme, “Partnering with Patients: The Cornerstone of Cancer Care and Research,” Amgen Oncology’s Patient Points of View series was launched and includes the stories of eight patients who have lived with NSCLC, SCLC, mCRC and gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. This series is meant to inspire the cancer community while honoring and spotlighting the people who are affected by this disease.
These stories highlight the uniqueness of each patient’s experience with cancer – from the emotions once diagnosed, to the physical impact that disrupts everyday activities – and were developed in collaboration with patients and patient advocacy organizations.
The trailer video for the series can be found below, along with a patient spotlight on Pamela, who is living with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Introducing Amgen Oncology’s Patient Points of View
Cancer is a personal disease. No two patients are alike, and neither is their journey through the treatment landscape. As science continues to advance personalized treatment options, it’s more important than ever that we highlight the raw and unique stories of those living with cancer.
From the first emotions after receiving a diagnosis, to the physical impact that disrupts everyday activities, recognizing the many ways cancer affects people allows us to better serve patients.
Pamela Shares Her Experience Fighting Stigma Associated with Small Cell Lung Cancer
Pamela, who is living with SCLC, shares the impact her diagnosis has had on her life, the stigma associated with the disease, and her role as a patient advocate. “I have to deal with the stigma every day. People assumed that I was asking for it,” says Pamela.
The stigma associated with lung cancer is well documented, regardless of smoking history. People with lung cancer are more likely to feel guilty and conceal their diagnosis due to fear of judgement from others. This can have profound effects on the care, treatment and quality of life for people with lung cancer.1 Studies have also shown that patients may also encounter challenges in receiving the support they need from their social network and healthcare providers.2
The impact of the stigma associated with the disease stretches beyond patients and healthcare professionals into research and advocacy as well. Nonprofit patient advocacy organizations face struggles in building a base of advocates and volunteers because of the loss, shame, and guilt felt by many patients and their loved ones.3 That’s one of the reasons Pamela remains so passionate about connecting with others living with this disease.
“I love advocating for patients with small cell lung cancer. It's very important for the patient,” Pamela says. “They need to be encouraged by someone not in their family, somebody who doesn't even know them.”
Small Cell Lung Cancer – Not a Small Problem
SCLC, which accounts for 10-15% of lung cancer cases, is known for being particularly aggressive and difficult to treat, with a 5-year relative survival rate of only 7%.3,4,5,6 For decades, treatment options have remained limited in SCLC, with chemotherapy being the mainstay.7
Amgen is committed to furthering research in SCLC.
To see more patient stories and learn more about Amgen's work in oncology, subscribe to Amgen’s YouTube, visit AmgenOncology.com, and be sure to follow Amgen Oncology on Twitter and LinkedIn for real-time updates throughout ASCO23.
References:
- IASLC Lung Cancer News. Ending Stigma in Lung Cancer: The IASLC Participates in a Collaborative Summit Held by the National Lung Cancer Roundtable. Available at: https://www.ilcn.org/ending-stigma-in-lung-cancer-the-iaslc-participates-in-a-collaborative-summit-held-by-the-national-lung-cancer-roundtable/. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
- Williamson TJ, et al. Ann Behav Med. 2020;54(7):535-540.
- World Health Organization. Lung. 2020. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/15-Lung-fact-sheet.pdfhttps://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/15-Lung-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed on May 12, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. What Is Lung Cancer? 2021. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Accessed on January 27, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2023. 2023. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2023/2023-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf. Accessed on February 28, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Lung Cancer Survival Rates. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
- Qin A, et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology Practice. 2018; 14:369-370.
