Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) Applauds National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) on the Release of Its Treatment Guidelines for Patients With Lung Cancer

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Sep 23, 2010, 10:48 ET

Commends LCA Board Member Deborah Morosini, MD, on Appointment to NCCN Foundation Board and Continued Lung Cancer Activism

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the only national organization devoted solely to patient support, community outreach and advocacy for all those living with or at risk for lung cancer, congratulated the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) on its release of "The NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Lung Cancer," updated treatment guidelines for those diagnosed with lung cancer.

The guidelines can be used by patients and their loved ones to discuss options with their physicians. LCA has utilized NCCN patient guidelines in the past when helping patients and caregivers navigate the treatment landscape. The guidelines released today reflect new developments in treatment options and the staging of the disease.

LCA President & CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose praised the new lung cancer guidelines, which along with breast cancer guidelines, are the first issued by the NCCN Foundation.

The NCCN lung cancer guidelines have been named in honor of the late Dana Reeve, sister of LCA Board Member Deborah Morosini, MD, who has also been appointed to the Board of Directors of the NCCN Foundation.

Dr. Morosini said she and her family were grateful for the special honor and fitting tribute to her sister. In addition, Dr. Morosini acknowledged the important role of LCA, which helps thousands of patients and caregivers every month better understand their diagnosis and treatment options.

"Dana would be so very pleased to know that an important resource is being made available to the lung cancer community," said Dr. Morosini, "and as an LCA Board Member I know she would appreciate LCA's diligence in ensuring that the most current, comprehensive, fact-based, and clearly written information is at the ready for the lung cancer community. I feel this is a great synergy – and I know Dana would too."

The NCCN patient guidelines are derived from NCCN clinical practice guidelines developed by multi-disciplinary panels of medical experts from NCCN Member Institutions and feature algorithms or "decision trees" that address treatment options from initial workup throughout the course of the disease.

Fenton Ambrose shared, "We have a win-win situation – the lung cancer community has access to important information vis-a-vis NCCN and has the benefit of Deborah's continued expertise, activism, passion and unflinching commitment to advancing better outcomes for all those affected by lung cancer. Thank you Deborah, thank you NCCN. LCA looks forward to our work together to end lung cancer as we know it."

To speak with LCA staff about treatment options, support services and advocacy programs visit www.lungcanceralliance.org or call our toll free information line at 800-298-2436.

To access the NCCN Guidelines for Patients free of charge, visit www.NCCN.com.

Lung Cancer Alliance, www.lungcanceralliance.org, is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to providing support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Lung Cancer Alliance is committed to reversing decades of stigma and neglect by empowering patients, elevating awareness and changing health policy.