Facebook Live Recap – Discussion on Breakthroughs in Cancer Care

Last Thursday, June 12th, we held another Facebook live event. It was a little bit different than our previous events, which usually were centered around public policy issues. This time we hosted a discussion with Nabil Chehab, Medical Affairs, Head of the Lung Cancer Franchise at AstraZeneca, and we discussed innovation in cancer care and the next wave of progress in treatment. It was a joy to talk with Nabil about the people who are working diligently to find treatments and cures for the diseases that have such an impact on our lives. You can watch a recording of the event here, you don’t need a Facebook account to see the video.

I began the conversation by pointing out that cancer care has evolved dramatically over the past decade and how we must continue to keep the patient at the center, ensuring that we maintain equitable access to treatments for this disease. I commented that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle understand our concerns but still needed to keep our foot on the gas. I then turned the time over to Nabil for an introduction.

Nabil introduced himself and mentioned how honored he was to be part of the cancer team at AstraZeneca. He then revealed a startling, at least to me, goal of their team. He said, “(their) bold ambition as a company, as an organization, is to one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death.” I have never heard that ambitious goal before! He said they would accomplish this by learning more and more about the underlying cause and processes of cancer and how it evolves over time and focusing on treatment approaches that are novel.

I then pointed out that I have met with some of the scientists that are working so diligently to make these discoveries and have always been amazed at their singular focus. I then continued our discussion by asking Nabil a few questions. I first asked him to tell us a bit about the evolution of cancer care over the past decade and what progress has been made and what impact has it had on patients?

He said they have continued to follow the science and to understand the details around cancers and the different types within a specific type of cancer. He pointed out that not all lung cancers are the same. We used to think there were two types based on histology. Now we know there are up to 10 types based, not all on histology, but also based on the molecular underpinning of cancer. He said that in the last 10 years alone at AstraZeneca, they delivered eight new medicines for different types of cancers.

I then asked Nabil how we ensure that patients across various authenticities, backgrounds, genders, and status have access to these screenings and diagnostics and, most importantly, the newer medicines? He pointed out that developing new medicines is not enough, they need to get to the patients. They do that with a multi-pronged approach. First, they communicate about their medicines through scientific publications, then engage with many of the cancer societies and patient advocacy organizations, and finally embark on collaborations with academic institutions and community institutions.

I then asked if there were other problems that got in the way of getting medicines to the patients? Nabil mentioned that early detection is becoming even more important now that they can identify many types of cancer and have specific treatments for them. He discussed how they have therapies that can go in and seek out and target the cancer itself without some of the collateral side effects of broad chemotherapy. It has the ability to greatly improve the quality of life for those living with cancer.

I wondered if Nabil had seen any policy changes that had impacted a patient’s ability to get medicines? He pointed out that two recent changes that have helped, the $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket charges for medicines and the ability to spread those payments out over the year. These were two positive outcomes from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

I mentioned that Nabil had talked in his introduction about how the treatments of tomorrow starts today. I asked him to talk some more about this. He pointed out how expensive it was and how long it takes to get a new medicine approved and how there are many failures before you have success. He mentioned that some of the changes in the IRA disincentivized investment which will have an impact on the discoveries of tomorrow. He pointed out that the ORPHAN Cures Act is one way that discoveries concerning rare diseases can be continued.

I then asked how could people find out about treatments for them or a loved one? He reiterated how each patient’s battle with cancer is different, and their doctor and the specialists who are treating them are the ones that know each person’s health and condition best. They can also get you the information on any trials or new medicines that are available. We can’t let any bureaucracy get between you and the doctors that know you.

Finally, I asked Nabil how people can best advocate for themselves?  He said that we should take advantage of the yearly Medicare wellness check and stay up on tests that can help with early detection. He also mentioned that talking with your friends and sharing experiences is another way to get information.

I closed by encouraging people to stay engaged, to vote, and talk with their state and federal lawmakers – emphasizing that every voice is important. I encouraged people to go to http://www.seniorsspeakout.org to get more information and learn the best way to communicate with their lawmakers.

This was an enjoyable, informative discussion and I thank Nabil for taking his time to be with us.

Best, Thair