Dr Pellini on Lung Cancer Disparities and Innovation

Bruna Pellini, MD, chief of Thoracic Oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, emphasizes that South Florida represents a critical geographic area for advancing lung cancer care. According to Pellini, the region’s unique demographics—specifically a large population of young patients and a high density of Hispanic individuals—necessitate a deeper understanding of recent drug approvals and genomic research.

The Shifting Demographic of Lung Cancer

Pellini notes that Hispanic patients often exhibit a higher incidence of specific genomic alterations in their cancers. Furthermore, many of those diagnosed with rare genomic drivers are female. This shift challenges the historical archetype of the "typical" lung cancer patient.

"If you have lungs, you can have lung cancer," Pellini asserts, highlighting the urgent need to dismantle the stigma associated with the disease and smoking history.

Challenges in Screening and Early Detection

A significant hurdle in modern oncology is the limitation of current screening guidelines. Pellini points out that existing protocols often fail to encompass never-smokers, leaving a substantial proportion of at-risk individuals without a pathway for early detection. As media coverage and emerging research focus on how to screen these "nontraditional" patients, Pellini advocates for guidelines that evolve to meet the needs of those currently overlooked by the system.

A New Era of Targeted Therapy

The landscape of thoracic oncology has undergone a radical transformation. Pellini reflects that 20 years ago, many physicians avoided the field due to a lack of viable treatment options. In 2026, however, the field is characterized by its complexity and a rapid-fire succession of new drug approvals.

As a member of the ASCO guidelines for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the Scientific Program Committee for Stage IV NSCLC, Pellini remains at the forefront of these advancements. She notes that her clinical practice often attracts the rarest and most complex cases, a trend she attributes to her focus on genomic alterations and her connection with the female patient population. She anticipates that Baptist Health will continue to serve as a hub for these specialized cases, providing cutting-edge, personalized care for the diverse community of South Florida.

Watch the second part of the interview with Dr Pellini here.