Deep Breaths: Updates from CHEST

Faculty: Rodolfo A. Estrada MD, FCCP Faculty: Steven M. Hollenberg, MD Faculty: Dana Kay, DO Subtle symptoms and overlooked risk factors can delay diagnosis of methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), especially given regional differences in clinical practice and access to care. Dr. Rodolfo Estrada speaks with Drs. Steven Hollenberg and Dana Kay about improving clinical awareness, navigating treatment challenges, and understanding the value of collaborative, patient-centered care. Dr. Estrada is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care and the Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at the University of Texas in San Antonio. Dr. Hollenberg is a Professor of Medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine and the Director of Cardiac Intensive Care at the Emory Heart and Vascular Institute in Atlanta. Dr. Kay is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Cincinnati. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc.

Guest: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Adam H. Fox, MD, MSc Guest: Anurag Singh, MD, PhD From updated surveillance strategies to evolving biopsy techniques and treatment advances, recent findings presented at 2025 conferences are reshaping non-small cell lung cancer management. Dr. Gerard Silvestri speaks with Drs. Adam Fox and Anurag Singh to explore key data influencing diagnostic decisions, patient-centered care, and multidisciplinary treatment planning across stages. Dr. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Fox is a pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Singh is a Professor of Radiation Oncology and the Director of Radiation Research at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in New York. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Guest: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Mariam Alexander, MD, PhD Guest: Jessica S. Donington, MD, MSCR The 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress and World Conference on Lung Cancer revealed significant updates in non-small cell lung cancer care. Learn more as Drs. Gerard Silvestri, Mariam Alexander, and Jessica Donington review new data on EGFR- and ROS1-targeted therapies, perioperative immunotherapy, and multidisciplinary strategies to expand resectability in stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Dr. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Alexander is an Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Donington is a Professor in Surgery and Chief of the Section of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Chicago. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Host: Diego Maselli, MD, FCCP Guest: Stephanie Christenson, MD Despite triple inhaled therapy, many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continue to experience frequent and severe exacerbations, leading to hospitalizations, symptom burden, and higher mortality risk. In this expert-led discussion, Drs. Diego Maselli and Stephanie Christenson personalized treatment approaches and the role of biologics in advanced COPD care. Dr. Maselli is a Professor of Medicine at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, and Dr. Christenson is an Associate Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine and an attending physician on the Pulmonary Consult Service and in the Pulmonary Clinic at the University of California in San Francisco. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Moderator: Amit Bobby Mahajan, MD, FCCP, DAABIP Guest: Jonathan Kurman, MD Guest: Surya Bhatt, MD New strategies like advanced pharmacologic agents and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction are redefining COPD and emphysema management. Dr. Bobby Mahajan sits down with Drs. Surya Bhatt and Jonathan Kurman to highlight emerging strategies for identifying ideal candidates, optimizing patient selection, and combining therapies to reduce dyspnea and improve outcomes. Dr. Mahajan is the Medical Director of Interventional Pulmonology and Complex Airway Disease Programs at the Inova Health System in Virginia, Dr. Bhatt is the Director of the Center for Lung Analytics and Imaging Research as well as the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Function and Exercise Physiology Lab and the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Dr. Kurman is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Director of Interventional Pulmonology at Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by Pulmonx, the maker of the Zephyr Valve.

Moderator: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Jessica S. Donington, MD, MSCR Guest: Mariam Alexander, MD, PhD Guest: Anurag Singh, MD Recent data from ASCO and ASTRO 2025 are redefining standards of care for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Drs. Gerard Silvestri, Mariam Alexander, Anurag Singh, and Jessica Donington review these updates on the importance of molecular testing, careful surgical selection, and multidisciplinary planning to optimize personalized treatment pathways. Dr. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina; Dr. Alexander is an Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina; Dr. Singh is the Director of Radiation Research, Director of Head and Neck and Lymphoma Radiation Services, and the Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education in Radiation Medicine at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York; and Dr. Donington is a Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Section of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Chicago. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Moderator: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Jessica S. Donington, MD, MSCR Guest: Mariam Alexander, MD, PhD Guest: Anurag Singh, MD Effective care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) now depends on early molecular testing and coordinated input from a variety of specialties. Dr. Gerard Silvestri sits down with Drs. Jessica Donington, Mariam Alexander, and Anurag Singh to review why multidisciplinary integration is critical to avoid treatment delays, ensure appropriate therapy selection, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Dr. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina; Dr. Donington is a Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Section of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Chicago; Dr. Alexander is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina; and Dr. Singh is the Director of Radiation Research, Director of the Head and Neck and Lymphoma Radiation Services, and the Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education in Radiation Medicine at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Host: Michael Ghobrial, MD Guest: Anju T Peters, MD, MSCI, FAAAAI Guest: Michael S. Blaiss, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI Refractory chronic cough can persist for years despite guideline-based therapy, significantly affecting patients’ physical, social, and psychological wellbeing. Leading experts Drs. Michael Ghobrial, Anju Peters, and Michael Blaiss explain how to distinguish RCC from other types of chronic cough, outline effective diagnostic strategies, and explore emerging treatment options. Dr. Ghobrial is the Director of the Chronic Cough Clinic at Cleveland Clinic; Dr. Peters is a Professor of Medicine and the Associate Chief of Clinical Research and Practice Innovation in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Northwestern Medicine; and Dr. Blaiss is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia and an allergist at Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett. This episode is a non-promotional, non-CME educational program brought to you by CHEST in collaboration with GSK.

Host: Michael Ghobrial, MD Guest: Anju T Peters, MD, MSCI, FAAAAI Guest: Michael S. Blaiss, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI Refractory chronic cough (RCC) is a debilitating condition that is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, leaving patients with persistent symptoms despite standard treatment. Hear from Drs. Michael Ghobrial, Anju Peters, and Michael Blaiss as they clarify the definition of RCC, outline essential diagnostic steps, and review current and emerging management strategies. Dr. Ghobrial is the Director of the Chronic Cough Clinic at Cleveland Clinic; Dr. Peters is a Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief of Clinical Research and Practice and Operation in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Northwestern Medicine; and Dr. Blaiss is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia and an allergist at Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett. This episode is a non-promotional, non-CME educational program brought to you by CHEST in collaboration with GSK.

Moderator: Susan Corbridge, PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCP, FAAN Guest: Bradford Bemiss, MD MSCR Guest: Debasree Banerjee, MD, MS, FCCP Effectively supporting patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) requires more than just clinical knowledge—it demands strong, trust-based communication from the very first moments spent with a patient. Dr. Susan Corbridge sits down with Drs. Brad Bemiss and Debasree Banerjee to explore how the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST)’s First 5 Minutes framework can help validate patient concerns, reduce fear, and establish a collaborative care plan from the beginning. Dr. Corbridge is a Professor Emerita at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing; Dr. Bemiss is an Associate Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care in the Department of Medicine and the Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at Northwestern University; and Dr. Banerjee is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and an Associate Medical Director of the MICU at Brown University. This episode is a non-promotional, non-CME educational program brought to you by CHEST in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim.

Host: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Fabien Maldonado, MD, FCCP Guest: Adam H. Fox, MD, MSc Cutting-edge biopsy methods and streamlined biomarker testing are transforming early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) care. Hear from Drs. Gerard Silvestri, Fabien Maldonado, and Adam Fox as they discuss the evolution of bronchoscopic techniques, insights from landmark trials, and the role of pragmatic clinical research in refining biopsy approaches. Dr. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina; Dr. Maldonado is a Professor of Medicine and Thoracic Surgery, the Pierre Massion Director in Lung Cancer Research, and the Director of Interventional Pulmonology Research at Vanderbilt University; and Dr. Fox is a pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Host: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Jeffrey B. Velotta, MD, FACS Guest: Anne Gonzalez, MD, M.Sc. For patients with non-small cell lung cancer, staging accuracy is critical in guiding treatment decisions that can significantly affect outcomes. In this expert-led discussion, Dr. Gerard Silvestri sits down with Drs. Anne Gonzalez and Jeffrey Velotta break down what clinicians need to know, including how to perform thorough EBUS staging, why PET scans alone aren’t enough, and what the updated TNM classification means for surgical planning. Dr. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina; Dr. Gonzalez is a pulmonary and critical care physician, a researcher in the Translational Research and Respiratory Diseases Program, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University in Montreal; and Dr. Velotta is a leading thoracic surgeon specializing in complex cancers, a Clinical Professor in the Department of Clinical Science at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at UCSF School of Medicine in California. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Host: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Anurag Singh, MD Guest: Adam H. Fox, MD, MSc Guest: Mariam Alexander, MD, PhD Despite the typically poor prognosis of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, recent advancements are reshaping clinical perspectives on treatment. New and emerging options show promise for prolonged survival and improved quality of life. Join Drs. Gerard Silvestri, Adam Fox, Mariam Alexander, and Anurag Singh as they discuss how the therapeutic landscape is evolving for these patients. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Fox is a pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Alexander is a medical oncologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Singh is a Professor of Radiation Oncology and the Director of Radiation Research at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in New York. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Host: Gerard A. Silvestri MD, MS, Master FCCP Guest: Anurag Singh, MD Guest: Adam H. Fox, MD, MSc Guest: Mariam Alexander, MD, PhD Recent therapeutic advances are reshaping our approach to limited-stage small cell lung cancer. In this multidisciplinary discussion, Dr. Gerard Silvestri sits down with Drs. Adam Fox, Mariam Alexander, and Anurag Singh to explore the evolving standard of care and practical considerations for timely and effective care. Dr. Silvestri is a pulmonologist and the Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Fox is a pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Alexander is a medical oncologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Singh is a Professor of Radiation Oncology and the Director of Radiation Research at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in New York. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of Chest Physicians and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Host: Diego Maselli, MD Guest: Monica Kraft, MD, FCCP Guest: Anju T Peters, MD, MSCI, FAAAAI IL-5 is a key driver of Type 2 inflammation in patients with severe asthma, promoting downstream effects like mucus plugging and epithelial barrier dysfunction. Given these impacts, targeted therapy with biologics can play a role in severe asthma management. Join Drs. Diego Maselli, Anju Peters, and Monica Kraft as they explore the impacts of IL-5 and share perspectives on patient selection and shared decision-making for targeted therapies. Dr. Maselli is a Professor of Medicine at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health in San Antonio. Dr. Peters is a Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief of Clinical Research and Practice Innovation at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. Dr. Kraft is a System Chair of the Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine and a Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York. This episode of Deep Breaths: Updates from CHEST was supported by a non-promotional, non-CME educational program brought to you by CHEST in collaboration with and sponsored by GSK.

Host: Nathan Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP Guest: Megan Conroy, MD, MA(Ed), FCCP Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often experience significant delays in diagnosis and treatment due to systemic gaps in management. A recent survey of 400 primary care and pulmonary clinicians uncovered patterns of fragmented care among both specialties. Join Dr. Nate Falk and Dr. Megan Conroy as they dive into the findings and explain how CHEST’s COPD Toolkit can help clinicians address these gaps and provide a coordinated approach to COPD management. Dr. Falk is a board-certified family physician as well as a Professor and Founding Residency Director for Family Medicine at Florida State University in partnership with BayCare Health System. Dr. Conroy is a Chair and Assistant Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at The Ohio State University. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of CHEST Physicians and is supported by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Host: Nathan Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP Guest: Ashwin Basavaraj, MD Early recognition and diagnosis of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) and bronchiectasis are key for optimal patient management. However, these conditions are often misdiagnosed as COPD or asthma, leading to significant challenges and delays in treatment. Join Drs. Nate Falk and Ashwin Basavaraj as they share perspectives on accurately diagnosing NTM and bronchiectasis with early symptom recognition, a thorough patient history, and testing. Dr. Falk is a board-certified family medicine physician, a Professor and Founding Residency Director for Family Medicine at Florida State University in partnership with BayCare Health System, and the Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education at Florida State University. Dr. Basavaraj is an Associate Professor of Medicine at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, the Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Education Program at NYU Langone Health, and the Section Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Bellevue Hospital Center. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of CHEST Physicians and is sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.

Guest: Ashwin Basavaraj, MD Guest: Keren Bakal, MD Guest: Nathan Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP Guest: Amy Springer, NP Often mistaken for COPD or asthma, bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can be difficult to recognize and test for, often delaying diagnosis and effective treatment. However, an emphasis on education and research can help address these diagnostic gaps, and involving a multidisciplinary care team can improve treatment plans and patient outcomes. Joining Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, to talk about how we can optimize the diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis and NTM are Dr. Keren Bakal, Dr. Nathan Falk, and Ms. Amy Springer. Dr. Bakal is a pulmonologist specializing in critical care medicine at Overlook Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey, Dr. Falk is a Professor and the founding Residency Director for Family Medicine at Florida State University, and Ms. Springer is a Senior Nurse Practitioner at NYU Langone Health. This program is produced in partnership with the American College of CHEST Physicians, and is sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.

Host: Isaretta Riley, MD, MPH Guest: Nicola A. Hanania, MD, MS, FCCP Guest: Jay Peters, MD A recent study assessing the impact of implicit bias on uncontrolled asthma treatment found that a patient’s identity and socioeconomic status can unintentionally influence a physician’s decision-making, impacting the quality of care. Additionally, a critical gap exists in clinician awareness and implementation of health equity practices, which play a key role in mitigating these unintended consequences. That’s why Drs. Isaretta Riley, Nicola Hanania, and Jay Peters come together to explore the latest research on unconscious bias in asthma treatment and provide recommendations for more equitable care. Dr. Riley is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina; Dr. Hanania is a Professor of Pulmonary Medicine and the Director of Airways Clinical Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas; and Dr. Peters is a Professor Emeritus of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Texas, San Antonio. This episode of Deep Breaths: Updates from CHEST was supported by a non-promotional, non-CME educational program brought to you by CHEST in collaboration with and sponsored by GSK.

Host: Megan Conroy, MD, MA(Ed), FCCP Guest: Nathan Falk, MD, MBA, FAAFP Primary care providers can play a pivotal role in a patient’s COPD diagnosis by looking out for signs and symptoms and referring patients to pulmonologists when appropriate. The goal of this activity is to educate clinicians about managing patients with COPD symptoms and facilitating earlier diagnosis. Hear both primary care and pulmonary perspectives on diagnostic strategies. CLINICIANS: To access additional resources for COPD diagnosis, visit chestnet.org/timely- diagnosis-COPD or scan the QR code.