Today’s blog presents Christine Lovly, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research, and Co-leader of the Translational Research and Interventional Oncology Research Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Lovly was recently named Chair of our Scientific Leadership Board. She is a highly recognized oncologist and physician-scientist. This article provides some insights into her research and work with patients.

GO2: As a physician-scientist, you are a clinician seeing patients and working steadily on translational research studies in the laboratory. Can you provide insights into the meaning of translational research and why it is so important for both science and the patient?

Dr. Lovly: ‘Translational Research’ encompasses bidirectional bench to bedside and bedside to bench studies that seek to improve patient care through rigorous scientific inquiries. Key patient observations in the clinic are brought to the scientific research lab for detailed analyses, and highly validated experimental studies are brought to the clinic. The overall goal is to facilitate bringing cutting edge science in as nimble a way possible to best serve all our cancer patients.

GO2: What initially attracted you to translational science?

Dr. Lovly: When I was 16, I did a summer research program at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. I had never been to a hospital or a research lab before that time, and I completely fell in love with the idea of bringing cutting edge scientific observations to the clinic in order to make better treatments for all cancer patients. Since age 16 (now several decades ago!), I have not faltered from my passionate pursuit of this goal. Science and clinical medicine are spoken in completely different languages, yet the fluent and fluid translation of these two languages is absolutely necessary in order to best serve our patients and the health of our community at large. It has been such an incredible journey – one which I would do again in a heartbeat! I feel fortunate to be able to work with top-notch scientists and health care providers in a multi-disciplinary manner. We all share the common goal of wanting to help patients. It has also been a tremendous joy to be involved with training and mentoring the next generation of translational cancer researchers at all levels.

GO2: In your experience, what is the value of adding the patient voice into research initiatives?

Dr. Lovly: Patients are our partners in research. Their voice is critically needed in order to best identify, address, and overcome key challenges so we can provide the best care for the cancer community. I have been very fortunate to work with incredible patient advocacy organizations, such as the ALK Positive group, the EGFR Resisters, and the ROS1ders. These patients / advocates provide tremendous passion for and commitment to improving cancer care, which is truly an inspiration.

GO2: We often speak of enhancing the quality of life for all of those touched by lung cancer, including physician-scientists like you. How do you focus on moving forward and living with hope?

Dr. Lovly: Hope is a choice we make every day. We choose to believe in and see the good around us. Yes, there are sometimes setbacks in the work of a translational lung cancer researcher. And, in the clinic, too often we see our patients dealing with unexpected and difficult circumstances. But hope carries us through. I find hope in every interaction I have with my patients and their families. I find inspiration in the incredible work from organizations like GO2 for Lung Cancer and from patient groups, like ALK Positive, the EGFR Resisters, and the ROS1ders. Patients teach us very acutely the value of every precious moment we have. I find incredible hope in the resilience and love I see from the patients, family members, and research colleagues I work with every day.

GO2: Tell us something about yourself not related to science and medicine?

Dr. Lovly: Outside of work, I love dogs and horses. They are such incredible animals with tremendous healing powers 😊 I have a boxer named Teagan who was born deaf, knows sign language, and is a cancer survivor himself. I have never owned a horse, but I would love to one day. I would love to do pet therapy with dogs and horses (for horses, there is a special type of therapy called EGALA – amazing). I love exercise that challenges my body and my mind – like boxing and dancing, and I am grateful that some of my closest friends have come from participating in these activities. I do not have any children myself, but I have 5 nephews and 3 nieces who bring laughter and joy. My large family has been doing weekly trivia since the start of the lock down in March 2020 – we stay connected while being apart. I’ve been keeping a 2020 Album of Zoom screenshots so that I can remember all the fantastic friends and colleagues I have been in contact with during this challenging time. I know I will look back at this Zoom Photo Album in years to come and reflect on how we all helped each other to get through a challenging time.

GO2: What are your words of wisdoms for the lung cancer community?

Dr. Lovly: Live with Hope. Find your hope and hang onto it at all costs. Empower yourself and those around you with knowledge and don’t take no for an answer. We must make lung cancer outcomes better – there is no other choice. Remember that kindness counts – I sincerely believe that, as I also believe that we should all share and spread love and support for one another – we are all connected.

Read more about Dr. Lovly’s appointment to our Scientific Leadership Board and meet the other SLB members.