LUNGevity Foundation Announces Additions to Scientific Advisory Board

New Members Contribute Expertise and Vision to LUNGevity's Research Program

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- LUNGevity Foundation, one of the nation's premier lung cancer research foundations, announces two key additions to its Scientific Advisory Board: Dr. Julie Brahmer of Johns Hopkins and Dr. John Heymach of MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Scientific Advisory Board is an integral part of the foundation, guiding LUNGevity's funding of research into early detection techniques and more effective therapies for lung cancer.  The foundation seeks to get the most promising science to the patients as quickly as possible.

Julie R. Brahmer, MD, is Associate Professor of Oncology at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Brahmer's research and clinical practice focuses on the development of new therapies, including immunotherapies, for the treatment and prevention of lung cancer and mesothelioma.  Dr. Brahmer is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Thoracic Committee and Cancer Prevention Steering Committee.

John V. Heymach, MD, PhD, is Professor and Chairman, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Heymach's research focuses on investigating mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, understanding the regulation of angiogenesis in lung cancer, and developing biomarkers for selecting patients most likely to benefit from targeted agents. He also serves as a co-leader of the MD Anderson Lung Cancer Moon Shot Project.

"Drs. Brahmer and Heymach bring highly regarded expertise in fields that are showing great promise in lung cancer.  LUNGevity is focused on ensuring that we drive additional funds into the most promising areas of research.  Drs. Brahmer and Heymach will complement our Scientific Advisory Board to guide us in this endeavor," said Andrea Stern Ferris, President and Chairman of the Board of LUNGevity. "We are honored that they will be working with us to fulfill our mission."

Since 2002, LUNGevity has funded projects representing more than $16 million spent on 100 research projects at 56 institutions in 23 states and has connected people to lung cancer survivorship through research, education, and support. Throughout the year, LUNGevity coordinates grassroots and large-scale initiatives with the goal of funding research in order to extend patients' lives and improve quality of life post-diagnosis. The research is specifically focused on expediting development of an effective early-detection strategy and identifying therapeutic agents that provide customized genetic treatments for lung cancer.

About Lung Cancer

• 1 in 14 Americans is diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.
• About 60 percent of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.
• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, regardless of gender or ethnicity.
• Lung cancer kills almost twice as many women as breast cancer and more than three times as many men as prostate cancer.
• Only 16 percent of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, but if it's caught before it spreads, the chance for 5-year survival improves to 52 percent.

About LUNGevity Foundation

LUNGevity Foundation is firmly committed to making an immediate impact on increasing quality of life and survivorship of people with lung cancer by accelerating research into early detection and more effective treatments, as well as by providing community, support, and education for all those affected by the disease. Our vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. For more information about LUNGevity Foundation, please visit www.LUNGevity.org.

SOURCE LUNGevity Foundation