The Community Conversations on Cancer seminar series, in partnership with the Detroit Public Library, allows Michigan residents to learn from researchers and physician-scientists
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) continues the 2025 Community Conversations on Cancer series in June. The Road Ahead: Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment will feature a presentation from Ammar Sukari, M.D., medical oncologist, member of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team, member of the Molecular Therapeutics Research Program at Karmanos, and associate professor at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Karmanos is partnering with the Detroit Public Library to present this series. This session will be held in person at the Main Branch, located at 5201 Woodward Avenue (Detroit, MI 48202) or virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. Providing a virtual option allows residents across the state to participate.
“The community will be intrigued to learn about ongoing and new studies, research and treatments available that have really changed lung cancer outcomes,” explained Hayley Thompson, Ph.D., associate center director of Community Outreach and Engagement, faculty supervisor of COE at Karmanos, and professor of Oncology at WSU. “Dr. Sukari and his colleagues have been at the forefront of many studies investigating more effective treatments that are helping patients overcome aggressive lung disease. Dr. Sukari will explain the difference in care that we are able to provide now versus in the past.”
June’s session will focus on what to expect after a lung cancer diagnosis, how to determine which treatments are best, what types of treatments are being studied now, and how newer treatments compare to the standard of care.
“Lung cancer is one of the most diagnosed and one of the deadliest cancers. It’s preventable and we can screen for it, but in times where the disease is found in later stages, there are newer treatment options where patients have had a positive response,” said Dr. Sukari. “One of the newly approved treatments that we have studied and have seen success with in and outside of clinical trials is immunotherapy.”
The June session will be moderated by three community leaders and partners of COE: Jim Scott, Katrina Studvent and Patrick Yankee. Scott is an active member of the Cancer Action Councils that COE supports, informing, educating, and encouraging community members to become active in cancer research taking place in Detroit. Studvent is a representative of Blare, a non-profit that provides resources and tools for individuals and caregivers impacted by chronic illness and disease through programming, navigational support and advocacy. Yankee is the chief development officer at Corktown Health, which provides primary care, behavioral health, health insurance navigation, and more.
The Road Ahead: Understanding Your Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment begins at 6 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library Main Branch and can be viewed virtually.
Registration is required for in-person and virtual attendance. For more information and to register, click here or call 313-576-8911.
Additional upcoming Community Conversations on Cancer seminars:
- Wednesday, June 25 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment – Ammar Sukari, M.D.
- Wednesday, July 23 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment – Kevin Ginsburg, M.D., MS, and Frank Cackowski, M.D., Ph.D.
- Wednesday, Sept. 17 | Of Mice and Women: Connecting the Dots to Strengthen Uterine Cancer Research – Michael Wilson, Ph.D.
- Wednesday, Oct. 22 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment – Hadeel Assad, M.D., and Michael Dominello, D.O.
- Wednesday, Nov. 5 | How to Communicate with a Doctor to Get the Information and Support You Need – Lauren Hamel, Ph.D.