To learn more about coronavirus and its impact on the lung cancer community, please review resources available on our coronavirus webpage.

Dear Members of the Lung Cancer Community,

As we continue to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving spread of the coronavirus (that causes COVID-19), we will stay in touch with you, share updates, and reinforce that our top priority continues to be the health and well-being of you, our partners in communities across the country, and our GO2 for Lung Cancer staff team members.

Our mission of saving, extending and improving the lives of all those touched by lung cancer has not slowed down or stopped because of this public health crisis. We will remain a steady beacon for you by adapting our support and services to the current situation. We deliver on our promise. Whatever it takes. Whatever the need. We get it done together.

Last night, we held a special GO2 for Lung Cancer “Lung Cancer Living Room” episode focused on the coronavirus and what it means for the lung cancer community. Amy Moore, PhD, GO2 for Lung Cancer, Director of Science & Research, moderated the program. Natalie Thornburg, PhD, Respiratory Virus Immunologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Max Diehn, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, joined Dr. Moore as panelists. The questions from patients and caregivers were exemplary and the answers from our panel were equally as educated and informative.

You can watch the entire episode, but we have recapped the highlights of the discussion below:

  • Follow CDC guidelines. For higher risk people, shelter-in-place, which means protecting yourself by isolating at home.
  • Call your healthcare provider first to discuss future appointments or individual situations.
  • We do not have data that indicates that patients with compromised lung function would get the virus at a higher rate. There is concern that individuals with compromised lung function could have complications if they were to get the severe form of the virus.
  • We do not know the effects yet of being on immunotherapy or targeted therapy (TKIs). Do not assume that taking immunotherapy will make your immune system stronger to fight this; there may be side effects that make COVID-19 more problematic. Patients who need active treatment should generally continue treatment. All treatment decisions need to be made in an individualized setting where personal risks and benefits can be assessed. There is no one answer.
  • Be aware of your interactions with high-touch places, like a grocery store pin pad, that could house the virus. Make sure that you wash hands extensively after touching those items and before touching your face.
  • There is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, specifically for COVID-19, which is the best test for diagnosis. Testing is being scaled up and becoming more widely available.
  • A patient went on a Phase I clinical trial of a possible vaccine this week. Even with this accelerated timeline, it is likely to be at least 18 months before a vaccine could be developed and available.
  • There is no existing treatment. There are now clinical trials of anti-viral treatments that could potentially be used to treat COVID-19.
  • We are not yet seeing the patient prioritization problems that other countries are seeing. However, we are a few weeks behind other countries. To avoid and minimize these problems, we all need to practice social distancing.
  • Good news: the majority of the people who get the virus have a mild to moderate case. However, it is important to remember that infected individuals may not show symptoms of COVID-19 but can still spread the virus to others.
  • If we take these proactive steps now, we have HOPE that we can keep the situation from getting as bad here as it is in other countries. Please help our scientists and medical professionals and those in vulnerable groups by taking social distancing seriously.

In addition to this information, we want to again share that we are here to serve you.

  • GO2 FOR YOU – PATIENT & SUPPORT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE
    Patients and caregivers can reach our HelpLine & Support Services by calling 1-800-298-2436 (Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm ET) or by emailing support@go2.org. Our caring and compassionate staff are standing by to provide free, up to date and personalized resources, information and support, including the impact of COVID-19 on our vulnerable population, precautions for patients and caregivers, and frequently asked questions (link to new website page).
  • GO2 IN MOTION – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
    Events and meetings in March and April are being cancelled or postponed. More information on status of future events will be forthcoming but please visit our website events calendar for changes in event status. Please consider supporting GO2 by becoming a virtual participant. Now more than ever, we need to make sure our supportive services, research and advocacy continue for the millions living with and at risk for lung cancer.
  • GO2 IN ACTION – LUNG CANCER VOICES SUMMIT
    We are postponing registration for the Voices Summit originally scheduled to take place on June 15-16 in Washington, D.C. Stay tuned for updates in early April. You can take direct advocacy action right now to raise awareness of our community’s needs during this unprecedented time by sharing your story with policymakers.

We can only do what we do with your ongoing help and support. We are grateful for your commitment during the unchartered weeks ahead.  Together we can continue to harness our energy and reach people with life-saving, personalized care, and comprehensive services to improve outcomes for the lung cancer community.

Please know that we are here for you and will continue sending along critical updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at support@go2.org.

With gratitude,

                 

Bonnie J. Addario                                     Laurie Fenton Ambrose
Co-Founder and Board Chair                   Co-Founder, CEO and President