The therapeutic landscape of thoracic oncology has changed dramatically over the past several years. The implementation of molecular testing has expanded treatment options for non-small cell lung cancers in both the curative and palliative-intent settings. Novel therapeutics are also making their way into the small cell lung cancer treatment paradigm improving outcomes for this disease that has historically had poor outcomes. This activity will help learners understand the various aspects of treatments in both NSCLC and SCLC, understand treatment indications for select biomarker-driven NSCLC, and appreciate nuances of therapy in NSCLC, SCLC, mesothelioma, and thymic tumors.
Course Accreditations
Course Summary
| Events Starts | Events Ends |
|---|---|
| 1/1/2025 | 12/31/2025 |
Faculty
Chetan Vakkalagadda (MD)
Dr. Chetan Vakkalagadda is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and medical oncologist in his second year on faculty at OHSU, specializing in lung cancer care. After earning his MD from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, he completed his residency and fellowship training at Northwestern, developing expertise in medical oncology with a focus on advancing patient outcomes. As site PI for multiple clinical trials, Dr. Vakkalagadda is actively involved in research exploring novel biomarkers and improving quality-of-care strategies, contributing to the evolving landscape of lung cancer treatment. At the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, he serves on the protocol review committee and chairs the oncology grand rounds committee. He is a core member of the multidisciplinary lung cancer program, working alongside thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists in the weekly multi-D lung cancer clinic to bring a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care. His commitment to advancing lung cancer treatment remains deeply rooted in research, leadership, and continuous learning.
Disclosure
Financial relationships Yes, I have had a financial relationship with an ineligible company within the past 24 months. Financial relationships: Attribution: Self Type of financial relationship: Independent contractor Ineligible company: Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Topic: Advisory Board Relationship end date: 02/08/2024 Attribution: Self Type of financial relationship: Independent contractor Ineligible company: AstraZeneca Topic: Advisory Board, Steering Committee Relationship end date: 06/09/2025 Attribution: Self Type of financial relationship: Independent contractor Ineligible company: Merus Topic: Advisory Board Relationship end date: 12/13/2024 Attribution: Self Type of financial relationship: Independent contractor Ineligible company: Belay Diagnostics Topic: Consulting fee Relationship end date: 05/31/2025
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Surgical oncologists
- Oncology residents/fellows/NPs/PAs
- Oncology pharmacists
Target Audience
- Select appropriate targeted and immunotherapy options based on biomarkers in lung cancer.
- Apply recent clinical trial data to treatment decisions in NSCLC and SCLC.
- Differentiate first-line and adjuvant therapies across thoracic malignancies.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this educational activity, participants will be able to: