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Lungcast

American Lung Association & HCPLive

Join the American Lung Association and HCPLive every month as Dr. Al Rizzo interviews world-leading experts on the great challenges, accomplishments, and stories in respiratory medicine.

Get the latest lung health news, including future Lungcast topics and guests, by signing up for our newsletter at Lung.org.
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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 27 min
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  • January 22 · 10 min

    The Lungcast 2025 Recap

    To capture the breadth of the past year's discussions, HCPLive presents this Lungcast 2025 recap episode, highlighting a selection of standout conversations from across the series. While far from exhaustive, this collection reflects the themes, questions, and breakthroughs that defined the year in respiratory medicine and underscores Lungcast’s ongoing role as a forum for informed, forward-looking dialogue in pulmonary care. The episodes sampled are listed below: Race-Neutral Approach to Pulmonary Function Testing with Meredith McCormack, MD, and Loretta Que, MD (00:17) After the Smoke: Wildfire Cleanup & Air Quality Concerns with Afif El-Hasan, MD (01:51) Lung Cancer Screening: A Decade of Lessons Learned with Mary Pasquinelli, DNP (03:14) 2025 State of the Air: Dangers of the Air We Breathe with George Thurston, ScD (04:17) Going for GOLD: Updated COPD Guidelines with Gerard Criner, MD (05:43) The Lung-Gut Axis - Where Nutrition & Lung Health Intersect with Neal Barnard, MD (07:32) Resilience and Sustainability: Preparing Healthcare for the Future with Elizabeth Cerceo, MD (08:20)

  • Oct 13, 2025 · 22 min

    Lungcast: Resilience and Sustainability: Preparing Healthcare for the Future with Elizabeth Cerceo, MD

    In this episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Cerceo, MD to explore the critical role of resilience and sustainability in the healthcare industry. The discussion highlights how healthcare systems can adapt to crises like extreme weather events and pandemics while maintaining quality care. It also examines how sustainability efforts can reduce environmental impacts and safeguard health for future generations.

  • Aug 28, 2025 · 36 min

    Lungcast: Current Perspectives on Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer with Jacob Sands, MD

    While major advances in screening, targeted treatment and immunotherapy have transformed outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer, progress against small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has lagged behind. In this episode, Jacob Sands, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School joins us to share insights into the present state of SCLC treatment, from staging and standard therapies to new research on vaccines that could one day change the course of this aggressive disease.

  • Jul 22, 2025 · 23 min

    Lungcast: The Lung-Gut Axis - Where Nutrition & Lung Health Intersect with Neal Barnard, MD

    Microbiome is a mysterious medical frontier with more questions than answers. In this episode, nutrition expert Neal Barnard, MD, of George Washington University explores the connection between diet, gut microbiome and lung health. While fiber and plant-based diets have been shown to shape a healthier microbiome, this conversation sheds light on the growing evidence that what we eat may have far-reaching effects beyond the gut—including in our lungs.

  • Jun 20, 2025 · 37 min

    Lung Cancer Biomarkers: A New Frontier in Early Detection with Lindsey Cotton, D.O.Med, DHSc, MS

    This episode featuring clinician-scientist and expert in liquid biopsy development, Dr. Lindsey Cotton, who explores the evolving science of lung cancer biomarkers and their role in early detection. Listen in to learn more about the current landscape, benefits and challenges of both organ-specific and multi-cancer tests. The highly informative discussion aims to clarify what these tests can and cannot tell us today, along with a forecast for tomorrow.

  • May 29, 2025 · 28 min

    Going for GOLD: Updated COPD Guidelines with Gerard Criner, MD

    Earlier this year, the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines were updated to include a new emphasis on cardiovascular disease and pulmonary hypertension in COPD, among much more. Rejoining us for an episode exploring these revisions is Gerard Criner, MD, of Temple University, a foremost COPD expert who serves on the GOLD Board of Directors and GOLD Science Committee. He spells out the improvements, from interventions like smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation to the heightened importance of spirometry for diagnosis.

  • May 21, 2025 · 8 min

    Lungcast: ATS 2025, with Harold P. Wimmer and Francesca Polverino, MD, PhD

    This special episode features 2 interviews on-site at the 2025 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference in San Francisco: Harold P. Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association, and Francesca Polverino, MD, PhD, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine and spokesperson for the ALA. View the latest conference coverage from this meeting here: https://www.hcplive.com/conference/ats #Lungcast #HealthNews

  • May 13, 2025 · 31 min

    2025 State of the Air: Dangers of the Air We Breathe with George Thurston, ScD

    An internationally recognized leader in air quality, epidemiology and exposure assessment, George Thurston, ScD, of New York University headlines this important episode analyzing the Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report. With nearly half of the people living in the U.S. breathing unhealthy amounts of air pollution, Thurston delves into the acute and accumulative health impacts on communities across the country. Listen in to learn more about the report’s key learnings, from adverse effects of exposure to ground-level ozone pollution to the decade-long worsening trend of particle pollution. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Apr 22, 2025 · 35 min

    Lung Cancer Screening: A Decade of Lessons Learned with Mary Pasquinelli, DNP

    It has been more than a decade since lung cancer screening guidelines via low-dose CT, based on the USPSTF’s B recommendations, have been put into place. To discuss the guidelines’ ambitions and obstacles, we are joined by the University of Illinois Health System’s Mary Pasquinelli, DNP, who specializes in lung cancer, lung cancer screening and pulmonary nodule management. While a lifesaving procedure for at-risk individuals, the uptake of screening on a population-level—though increasing—has been slower than expected. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Feb 24, 2025 · 14 min

    After the Smoke: Wildfire Cleanup & Air Quality Concerns with Afif El-Hasan, MD

    For this hot topic, asthma and lung health expert Dr. Afif El-Hasan of Kaiser Permanente in California joins host Dr. Albert Rizzo to discuss the acute effects of wildfire smoke on air quality. The enlightening conversation also covers the massive cleanup efforts from the recent Los Angeles wildfires and how related exposures may pose health risks. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Jan 27, 2025 · 20 min

    Race-Neutral Approach to Pulmonary Function Testing with Meredith McCormack, MD, and Loretta Que, MD

    In this episode, Dr. Meredith McCormack of Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Loretta Que of Duke University to discuss “race-based normal values” in medicine, particularly in regard to pulmonary function tests (PFT). The controversial practice of using a patient’s self-reported race to adjust a standard “normal” range has been shown to lead to potential misdiagnosis and healthcare disparities. Drs. McCormack and Que talk at length about their key roles in the growing movement to phase out a reliance on race in PFT interpretation. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Jan 10, 2025 · 18 min

    This Year in Pulmonology: The 2024 Lungcast Recap

    Ever since the show first launched, Lungcast has provided pulmonologists and health care providers in general a chance to take part in ongoing conversations regarding lung health between experts, patients, and patient advocates. In this recap episode, the Lungcast team reflects on these conversations by highlighting some of the many interviews featured in 2024. The following are a set of examples of this year’s interviews, though several other memorable episodes are not on this list. We hope you enjoy this set of highlights. For more, view a summary here: https://www.hcplive.com/view/this-year-in-pulmonology-a-2024-lungcast-recap Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Dec 7, 2024 · 33 min

    2024 State of Lung Cancer: The Hopes and Hurdles of Precision Oncology with Dr. Jacob Sands

    For a probing discussion detailing the American Lung Association’s recent 2024 “State of Lung Cancer” report, we are joined by esteemed thoracic medical oncologist Dr. Jacob Sands of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. Offering insight into actionable targeted mutations, Dr. Sands addresses how precision oncology is fundamentally changing lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The novel immunotherapy drugs, though proven to be safe and effective with significant improvements in response and survival rates, have challenges as well—this episode covers the gamut. Episode Highlights 0:00 Start 1:00 Topic of discussion 2:42 Introducing Jacob Sands, MD 3:39 NCCN guidelines for lung cancer 6:51 Recently-approved drugs for lung cancer 13:46 Patient responses to targeted mutations 17:58 Off-target side effects with drugs 21:34 State of Lung Cancer report 23:04 Estimated number of candidates for targeted therapies 26:13 Insurance coverage for biomarker testing 28:12 Other issues with ordering biomarkers 31:20 Closing comments 32:36 Outro Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Nov 13, 2024 · 28 min

    Physician, Patient & Partner Perspectives on AERD with Dr. Mitchell Grayson, Rhonda Nelson & Wayne Nelson

    In this episode, multiple points of view are presented regarding Asthma Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). Lungcast host Albert Rizzo, MD, was joined by allergist and immunologist Mitchell Grayson, MD, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, as well as patient advocate Rhonda Nelson and her husband Wayne Nelson of The Little River Band. This discussion delves into the trials and tribulations of diagnosing—and living with—AERD, from disease misconceptions to daily management. Join the discussion as these guests focus specifically on the role of AI in chest imaging and uncover how these advancements are improving the future of patient care. Episode Highlights 0:00 Start 1:00 Focus of each guest 2:55 Sampter’s triad and AERD 6:30 Patient experiences with AERD 10:18 Delayed diagnosis and recent changes 11:35 Therapy for AERD 16:32 Resources for patients with asthma 19:01 Day-to-day AERD management 24:14 Importance of keeping a medical journal 27:42 Outro Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Oct 29, 2024 · 26 min

    The Quest to Intercept Lung Disease with Drs. Ravi Kalhan, Amy Olson & George Washko

    Episode Highlights 0:15 Intro 1:10 Introducing the Lung Health Cohort Research Study 3:49 The enrollment strategy 7:10 Seeking “the cholesterol of lung disease” 11:50 The role of industry support 14:09 Imaging strategies for long-term lung assessment 17:59 Recruitment challenges 23:05 Final thoughts 26:20 Outro For our 50th episode, Ravi Kalhan, MD, of Northwestern Medicine, George Washko, MD, of Harvard University, and Amy Olson, MD, Executive Director of Medical Affairs for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, join us for a panel discussion around improving patient outcomes through innovative lung health research, such as with the American Lung Association Lung Health Cohort Research Study. Tune in to learn more about their collaborative efforts to help identify biomarkers and lifestyle patterns for more accurate identification of disease processes, ideally at onset. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Sep 30, 2024 · 32 min

    Lung Imaging 2.0: How AI is Shaping the Future with Dr. Rachel Eddy

    In this episode, Dr. Rachel Eddy of the University of British Columbia explores the evolving field of medical imaging technology and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. While applications of AI have expanded beyond traditional radiology, it delves into cutting-edge techniques like 3D printing and molecular imaging that are redefining diagnostics and treatment planning. Join us as we focus specifically on the role of AI in chest imaging and uncover how these advancements are improving the future of patient care. Episode Highlights 0:15 Intro 1:10 The history of medical imaging technology 3:02 Artificial intelligence terminology 8:56 Use of AI to assess asthma airway and mucus changes 13:02 Imaging biomarkers for ILD 16:52 Using AI to observe longterm decline of lung function 21:00 Dysanapsis analysis through CT scans 24:04 Xenon-enhanced MRIs for microstructural lung abnormalities 28:50 How will AI us continue to evolve in pulmonology? 31:58 Outro Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Aug 12, 2024 · 30 min

    Prepare Your Lungs for Back-to-School with Juanita Mora, MD & S. Christy Sadreameli, MD

    Episode Highlights 0:16 Intro 2:24 Asthma action plans 3:52 Asthma Peak Week 6:28 School nurse’s role 11:05 SMART inhaler strategy for kids 14:25 Addressing vaping among students 20:18 Discussing vaccines with children and parents 24:01 School air quality issues? 27:50 Final thoughts 29:42 Outro As families jump into the new school year, this episode brings together Chicago-based allergist and immunologist Dr. Juanita Mora and pediatric pulmonologist Dr. S. Christy Sadreameli of Johns Hopkins Hospital to share their tips for making the return to school as smooth as possible in regard to lung health. The lively conversation homes in on asthma control and the phenomenon often referred to as ‘peak week,’ along with the prevalence and hazards of vaping and e-cigarettes affecting the school aged population. Grab your pencils and take notes! Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Jul 22, 2024 · 38 min

    The Health Consequences of Climate Change with Janelle Bludorn, PA-C, MS

    Episode Highlights 0:15 Introduction 2:35 Introducing Janelle Bludorn, MS, PA-C 3:27 Common heat-related illnesses 8:43 How to screen for individual health-related risks 15:27 Respiratory consequences of heat 19:49 The interplay of medicines with heat 26:49 National Weather Service HeatRisk tool 32:58 Behavioral interventions for heat-risk patients 36:27 A FEMA system for heat emergencies? 38:10 Outro For our July episode, we are visited by Duke University’s Janelle Bludorn, PA-C, MS, for a comprehensive overview of heat-related respiratory illnesses. Due to climate change in all regions around the world, extreme heat has become a significant environmental and occupational health hazard with heatstroke classified as a medical emergency. Listen in to better understand the serious risks of exposure to high temperatures. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Jun 24, 2024 · 32 min

    Stopping Lung Cancer Before It Starts with Drs. Steven Dubinett & Avrum Spira

    Episode Highlights 0:15 Intro 3:39 Update in pre-lung cancer genome atlas research 17:06 Next steps: applying innovations in bronchoscopy 21:45 When we can anticipate results 25:05 Understanding the lung’s microbiome 29:21 Utility of fragmentomics 31:01 Outro Dr. Steven Dubinett at University of California, Los Angeles and Dr. Avrum Spira at Boston University revisit our virtual studio to provide an update on their lung cancer interception research, as currently funded by the American Lung Association and LUNGevity Foundation. With the goal of combating cancer at a preliminary stage, Drs. Dubinett and Spira are focused on refining molecular and imaging markers to help identify high-risk premalignant lesions. These findings hope to lead to future therapeutics halting the progression of cells likely to cause invasive cancer. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

  • Jun 6, 2024 · 27 min

    Changing Landscape of Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Dr. Thomas File

    0:16 Intro 2:29 Updated community-acquired pneumonia guidelines 5:41 Diagnostic tools for CAP following COVID-19 9:35 Procalcitonin levels as a biomarker 12:30 The CAP treatment algorithm 18:36 Best practices for antibiotic stewardship 20:40 New CAP therapies on the horizon 22:36 ACIP recommendations for vaccination 24:30 Remaining areas of CAP uncertainty 26:30 Final thoughts 27:25 Outro Featuring infectious disease expert Dr. Thomas File of Summa Health in Ohio, this episode delves into how community-acquired pneumonia has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It additionally covers the role and importance of antibiotic stewardship and the concern of ‘superbugs’ due to antimicrobial resistance. Want more Lungcast? Visit us at HCPLive.com/podcasts/lungcast or www.lung.org/professional-education/lungcast

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