Anne Chiang, MD, PhD, is a thoracic medical oncologist who cares for patients with lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer—the most common kind—and small cell lung cancer. She has concentrated on building a small cell lung cancer program with a comprehensive portfolio of clinical trials testing novel therapeutics for these patients. In addition, she is active as a lung cancer investigator, running a national cooperative group trial for over 800 patients to understand the best frontline therapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients who are PDL1 marker positive.
Researchers are continually investigating new approaches and treatments for all types of cancer, Dr. Chiang says. “I am so optimistic and excited about the impact of clinical research and advances in the field that are helping patients to live longer and better lives, even with a diagnosis of lung cancer,” she says. Her own research background includes translational studies of metastasis, and the development of clinical trials and translational studies to test novel agents and combinations with immune checkpoint inhibitors for both small cell and non-small cell lung tumors.
“I am dedicated to quality improvement for patient-centered cancer services and champion the use of patient-reported outcomes,” she says.
Dr. Chiang recently received the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2020 Joseph V. Simone Award and Lecture for excellence in Quality and Safety in the Care of Patients with Cancer. This award was created in honor of Joseph V. Simone, MD, to recognize an extraordinary individual who has made significant contributions to the quality and safety of cancer care. The recipient is an innovator and leader with proven ability to bring projects from conception to broad implementation.
“Listening to and guiding patients when they are diagnosed with cancer is so important,” says Dr. Chiang. “This is a particularly vulnerable time for patients and their families. Good communication can make such a difference on the impact of the diagnosis as well as on the treatment experience.” When seeing a new patient, she often says, “You are in the right place. Our team is here to support you and your family however we can, and to always go the extra mile.”
