GO2 for Lung Cancer Presents 10 Research Studies at 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer
September 14, 2026
Research highlights real-world opportunities to improve equitable screening, biomarker testing, and clinical trial access
GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) presented 10 research studies at the IASLC 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer hosted by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, taking place September 12-15 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The research reflects GO2’s collaborative, cross-departmental approach to identifying real-world barriers and developing practical solutions across lung cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, smoking cessation, clinical trial participation, patient education, and psychosocial support.
The portfolio includes findings generated through GO2's Centers of Excellence network, LungMATCH program, and community-based initiatives, as well as a shared decision-making study conducted with Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington. Together, the posters elevate the perspectives of patients, health care professionals, and community partners and point to actionable ways to make high-quality lung cancer care more accessible and equitable.
“Research matters most when it changes what people experience,” said GO2 For Lung Cancer CEO David Benson. “These studies identify barriers that prevent people from receiving the care they need and benefiting from scientific advances. More importantly, they offer practical solutions for overcoming those barriers and improving outcomes.”
GO2 research presented at WCLC 2026:
Integrating Restorative Practices to Enhance Shared Decision-Making and Lung Cancer Screening Uptake in Black Communities
Led by GO2 in partnership with Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington, this 12-month equity grant study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of “SDM Circles,” a restorative justice-informed, community-engaged model designed to make lung cancer screening conversations opportunities for trust-building, healing and empowerment. Findings will inform a scalable, community-informed model to reduce structural barriers to early detection. Lead GO2 authors include Joelle Fathi and Cyndi Lemery.
Monitoring Stage Shift in a National Network of Screening Programs: Successes and Challenges in Real-World Implementation
Using data from GO2's Centers of Excellence Benchmarking and Practice Variation Survey, researchers found that 68% of responding screening programs tracked lung cancer diagnosis rates, but more than half did not track stage breakdown. Even among programs that tracked stage, 34% of reported diagnoses had an unknown stage, underscoring the need for stronger documentation and information-sharing across clinical departments. Angela Barry is the lead author.
A Revealing Snapshot into Implementation of Smoking Cessation Services Across Academic and Community-Based Facilities
Using data from GO2’s Centers of Excellence network, researchers examined how smoking cessation services are implemented across academic and community-based lung cancer programs. The findings reveal variation in how patients are identified, referred to services, and supported in quitting, highlighting opportunities to better integrate evidence-based cessation care into routine practice and ensure more people receive consistent support. Joelle Fathi is the lead author.
Real World Assessment of Biomarker Testing Turn Around Time Impacts in US-Based Lung Cancer Treatment Programs
A survey of 82 U.S. facilities in GO2's Centers of Excellence network found that most treatment teams would likely begin first-line therapy before biomarker results were available if turnaround exceeded two weeks. Nearly all respondents used send-out testing, and reflex-testing workflows varied widely. The findings point to the potential for standardized protocols and adequately resourced reflex testing to support more timely treatment decisions. Andrew Ciupek is the lead author.
Reality Check: Identifying Real-World Barriers to Clinical Trial Engagement
Drawing on patient-reported data from 300 LungMATCH participants and clinician-reported data from GO2's Centers of Excellence network, the analysis found a gap between screening patients for trial eligibility and enrollment: responding centers reported screening all potential patients, yet median enrollment was only 5%. Both patients and providers identified stringent eligibility criteria as a leading barrier. The authors call for earlier, shared decision-making conversations and greater patient and frontline provider input in trial design. Brittney Nichols is the corresponding author; Andrew Ciupek is the lead author.
Community-Based Biomarker Education Improves Clinical Trial Readiness in Black Communities
Developed and delivered with a community advisory board and local partners in Broward County, Florida, this culturally tailored education program reached 296 adults, 80.5% of whom identified as Black or African American. Participants showed significant gains in biomarker-testing knowledge and confidence discussing testing with a provider, while phase-specific education increased willingness to consider clinical trials. The work was conducted through Ready Lung, a partner-funded program that concluded at the end of 2025. Shanada Monestime is the lead author.
From Community Outreach to Lung Cancer Screening: A Navigation Model for Black Communities
This community-based model used independent pharmacies in Washington, D.C., and a mobile health unit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to identify screening-eligible adults and connect them with navigation and low-dose CT screening. Among 450 people assessed, 80 enrolled in navigation and 21 completed screening. The findings identify appointment scheduling as the largest point of drop-off and suggest that virtual shared decision-making and screening offered at the point of interest may reduce barriers. The work was conducted through Program Connect, a partner-funded program that concluded at the end of 2025. Shanada Monestime is the lead author.
Hidden Barriers, Real Conversations: Health Literacy and Health Equity Insights from the Lung Cancer Living Room®
A review of Lung Cancer Living Room sessions from the previous year identified recurring barriers involving screening awareness, stigma in conversations about smoking history, communication about clinical trials and access to specialty care. The findings show how a community-centered hybrid forum can surface real-world gaps and inform strategies that use plain language, expand access to early detection and strengthen clinical trial navigation. Chaya Estrin-Lebovic is the author.
Who Needs Another Podcast? You Do! Creating the Coping with Lung Cancer Podcast
Developed by GO2 and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation as part of a broader international collaboration, the Coping with Lung Cancer podcast addresses a gap in information about psychosocial programs and services for people affected by lung cancer. The series grew from expert interviews and a project focused on coping-related needs, resources, and best practices, demonstrating how collaboration can make proven support strategies more accessible worldwide. GO2's Maureen Rigney is the lead author.
Education and Connection: What the Small Cell Community Wants
A national GO2 survey of 106 people affected by small cell lung cancer found strong interest in peer-led advice, treatment options, clinical trials and side-effect management. Respondents also prioritized information and resource connections, help identifying clinical trials and opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences. GO2 is using the findings to shape small cell lung cancer education, navigation and peer-support offerings. Maureen Rigney is the lead author.
Learn more about WCLC 2026 at wclc.iaslc.org.