Jhalene Mundin, a 35-year-old mother diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in July 2023, has experienced a remarkable turnaround thanks to targeted therapies and clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Her journey underscores the importance of molecular testing and personalized treatment approaches in advanced lung cancer, particularly in young, non-smoking women.
Mundin's initial symptom was a persistent cough, eventually diagnosed as metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Comprehensive molecular testing revealed a mutation in the EGFR gene, a common driver in lung cancer, especially among younger women who have never smoked. According to MSK thoracic oncologist Helena Yu, MD, approximately 20% of lung cancers diagnosed annually occur in never-smokers, equating to about 40,000 cases per year.
Personalized Treatment Strategy
Upon diagnosis, Mundin was immediately presented with multiple treatment options, including enrollment in clinical trials and standard targeted therapies. "The best thing about coming to MSK was that I felt like I had lung cancer treatment options I wasn’t going to get anywhere else," Mundin stated. She initially enrolled in a clinical trial combining osimertinib (Tagrisso®), a well-established EGFR inhibitor, with patritumab deruxtecan, an experimental antibody treatment.
However, due to intolerable side effects, she transitioned to osimertinib monotherapy. This adjustment proved effective, leading to significant tumor shrinkage. Alexander Drilon, MD, Chief of MSK’s Early Drug Development Service, noted that the reduced tumor size made surgical removal a viable option.
Surgical Intervention and Subsequent Treatment
In August 2024, thoracic surgeon David Jones, MD, successfully removed the upper lobe of Mundin's left lung. "The surgery went well and Jhalene’s subsequent recovery has been quick and complete," Dr. Jones reported. Post-surgery pathology revealed that some cancer cells had evolved and were no longer sensitive to EGFR inhibitors. To address this, Dr. Drilon recommended chemotherapy to prevent recurrence, alongside continued osimertinib treatment.
The Role of Community and Support
Mundin emphasizes the crucial role of her support network, including her family, friends, and the MSK care team. The Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers at MSK provided additional support tailored to younger patients. Furthermore, MSK’s financial services team assisted with managing the complexities of medical billing and insurance.
Mundin's case highlights the evolving landscape of lung cancer treatment, where targeted therapies and clinical trials offer hope and improved outcomes, even in advanced stages of the disease. Access to comprehensive molecular testing and multidisciplinary care teams are essential for tailoring treatment strategies and maximizing patient outcomes.
