Karmanos Cancer Institute Continues Community Education Series in June: Understanding Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Options

The Community Conversations on Cancer seminar series, in partnership with the Detroit Public Library, allows Michigan residents to learn from researchers and physician-scientists

DETROIT, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute's Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) continues the 2025 Community Conversations on Cancer series in June. The Road Ahead: Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment will feature a presentation from Ammar Sukari, M.D., medical oncologist, member of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team, member of the Molecular Therapeutics Research Program at Karmanos, and associate professor at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Karmanos is partnering with the Detroit Public Library to present this series. This session will be held in person at the Main Branch, located at 5201 Woodward Avenue (Detroit, MI 48202) or virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. Providing a virtual option allows residents across the state to participate.

"The community will be intrigued to learn about ongoing and new studies, research and treatments available that have really changed lung cancer outcomes," explained Hayley Thompson, Ph.D., associate center director of Community Outreach and Engagement, faculty supervisor of COE at Karmanos, and professor of Oncology at WSU. "Dr. Sukari and his colleagues have been at the forefront of many studies investigating more effective treatments that are helping patients overcome aggressive lung disease. Dr. Sukari will explain the difference in care that we are able to provide now versus in the past."

June's session will focus on what to expect after a lung cancer diagnosis, how to determine which treatments are best, what types of treatments are being studied now, and how newer treatments compare to the standard of care.

"Lung cancer is one of the most diagnosed and one of the deadliest cancers. It's preventable and we can screen for it, but in times where the disease is found in later stages, there are newer treatment options where patients have had a positive response," said Dr. Sukari. "One of the newly approved treatments that we have studied and have seen success with in and outside of clinical trials is immunotherapy."

The June session will be moderated by three community leaders and partners of COE: Jim Scott, Katrina Studvent and Patrick Yankee. Scott is an active member of the Cancer Action Councils that COE supports, informing, educating, and encouraging community members to become active in cancer research taking place in Detroit. Studvent is a representative of Blare, a non-profit that provides resources and tools for individuals and caregivers impacted by chronic illness and disease through programming, navigational support and advocacy. Yankee is the chief development officer at Corktown Health, which provides primary care, behavioral health, health insurance navigation, and more.

The Road Ahead: Understanding Your Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment begins at 6 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library Main Branch and can be viewed virtually.

Registration is required for in-person and virtual attendance. For more information and to register, click here or call 313-576-8911.

Download the flyer in Arabic, English and Spanish.

Additional upcoming Community Conversations on Cancer seminars:

• Wednesday, June 25 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment – Ammar Sukari, M.D.
• Wednesday, July 23 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment – Kevin Ginsburg, M.D., MS, and Frank Cackowski, M.D., Ph.D.
• Wednesday, Sept. 17 | Of Mice and Women: Connecting the Dots to Strengthen Uterine Cancer Research – Michael Wilson, Ph.D.
• Wednesday, Oct. 22 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment – Hadeel Assad, M.D., and Michael Dominello, D.O.
• Wednesday, Nov. 5 | How to Communicate with a Doctor to Get the Information and Support You Need – Lauren Hamel, Ph.D.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion. The Karmanos vision is a world free of cancer. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan. For more than 75 years, the administrative and research headquarters, along with the premier specialty cancer hospital, have been located in downtown Detroit. With 17 network sites, Karmanos delivers world-renowned care and access to clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio. The National Cancer Institute recognizes Karmanos as one of the best cancer centers in the nation with a comprehensive cancer center designation. Its academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education – defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About the Detroit Public Library
The Detroit Public Library (DPL) is the largest public library system in the state of Michigan. The Main Library and its neighborhood branches make it one of the most valuable and accessible public institutions in the state. On a daily basis, our libraries assist hundreds of Detroiters by providing computer and internet access, supporting residents who want to improve their literacy skills or who are seeking employment, and by offering quality fun and educational programs and activities for children, teens, adults and seniors.

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute