Doctor with Lung Cancer Tells His Story

Santa Monica - Lung cancer kills more Americans than most other forms of cancer combined. Many of the victims never smoked. It happened to a doctor in Santa Monica, who suddenly became a patient. He wants to tell his story so we all pay more attention to this deadly disease.

Dr. Michael Weitz, an E.R. physician in Santa Monica, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in 2006. His initial prognosis: 4-6 months to live. He underwent surgery to remove his left lung, chemotherapy and radiation as well. These aggressive therapies, while slowing the growth of his cancer, did not stop it. His cancer was continuing to grow and spread.

Last November, his mother heard about a novel trial at UC Irvine in which doctors were testing a therapy to target a genetic mutation present in roughly 2% of lung cancer patients. Dr. Weitz's tumor tested positive for this mutation -- known as the ALK mutation -- and he entered the trial. The trial involves oral medication only.

Dr. Weitz's most recent 16 week scans show that several cancerous lymph nodes in his chest are no longer visible and his exercise capacity has increased. Still unknown is how long this treatment will work.

The UCI protocol is considered "targeted therapy" meaning it targets only the genetic mutation believed to be responsible for the cancer. Side effects of treatment are greatly reduced since healthy tissue is not being attacked.

Lung Cancer patients in Southern California may be eligible for free tissue testing to see if their tumor contains any of the genetic mutations being targeted in a clinical trial.

To learn more visit the Lung Cancer Foundation of America at www.lcfamerica.org

To contact Kim Norris, founder of the Lung Cancer Foundation of America directly, here's the contact information:

Kim Norris
KNorris@LCFAmerica.org
310-375-0211 - office/fax
562-547-5441 - mobile