Sharing Insights from a Lung Cancer Journey

Neal Augenstein, who has been on a lung cancer journey for the past three years, has found joy in sharing what he’s learned along the way.

For over two decades at WTOP, Augenstein primarily reported on stories about notable individuals lost to lung cancer— the second most prevalent cancer in the U.S. — until he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer three years ago.

Since his diagnosis just before Thanksgiving in 2022, most of his narratives have shifted to focus on living with the disease.

Within six months of his diagnosis of Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, he embarked on a daily targeted therapy that effectively reduced the size of tumors and lymph nodes in his lungs. This progress led to his eligibility for a robotic-assisted lung lobectomy.

As of May 2023, Augenstein has shown no signs of disease and continues his medication regimen.

He expresses a deep sense of gratitude for this outcome.

Throughout these initial years, he’s appreciated the chance to share important lessons he’s been learning.

One significant takeaway is the need for biomarker testing for newly diagnosed cancer patients before commencing treatment.

This testing involves analyzing lung tissue samples, often collected during a bronchoscopy, to identify the specific mutations causing cancer.

As thoracic oncologist Ram Subramanian from Inova Schar Cancer Institute explains, understanding the mutation can inform different treatment options, often leading to better patient outcomes.

In Augenstein’s case, he learned he had EGFR-positive lung cancer, which offers targeted treatments that typically have fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy.

Even with his current health status, he and his medical team remain cautious about declaring he’s “cured,” particularly given that his diagnosis came after cancer had spread from his left lung.

Living with lung cancer today can resemble managing other chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, emphasizing the importance of diligent monitoring. His routine includes low-dose CT scans every four months, along with brain MRIs and liquid biopsies twice a year. If suspicious findings arise, they might still be in an early phase, potentially treatable through surgery or radiation.

“No evidence of intracranial metastasis” — good news in my twice-yearly brain MRI as part of aggressive surveillance, since I’ve been cancer-free for two years after dx of stage 4 #lungcancer. (Admit I had to ask whether gown ties in front or back) pic.twitter.com/uJSbaAH0gv

— Neal Augenstein (@AugensteinWTOP) July 11, 2025

The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of Lung Cancer report highlights promising trends. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer has increased to 29.7%, marking a 26% improvement over the last five years, while research continues to enhance earlier detection methods, including artificial intelligence.

In the D.C. area, patients have the advantage of accessing a wide range of clinical trials across Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, presenting new opportunities and hope.

Personally, while Augenstein feels fortunate to have been free from recurrences over three years, discussions about clinical trials with his thoracic oncologist, Amin Benyounes, remain a regular part of their conversations. Benyounes leads the Inova Schar Cancer Institute’s Phase One Program.

As Benyounes points out, many patients are apprehensive about participating in trials, fearing unknown side effects and the potential for increased suffering. Concerns such as, “What if I get my hopes up, and it doesn’t work?” often arise among patients.

To that, Benyounes typically responds, “We have to take things one step at a time.” This, he states, is also the same advice given to Augenstein when he embarked on his cancer journey three years ago.