Are you or a loved one facing ALK-positive cancer?
The ALK Positive Second Opinion Program is designed to support patients and families seeking clarity, guidance, or validation for their treatment plans. The program provides the cost of a consultation with a leading expert in ALK-positive cancer.
What is the ALK Positive Second Opinion Program?
The ALK Positive Second Opinion Program was conceived by a generous ALK Positive member, Jim Peard. and established by the ALK Positive Medical Committee, to provide eligible patients with free access to top-tier oncologists specializing in ALK-positive cancer. This initiative helps patients gain confidence in their treatment plan or explore other therapeutic options tailored to their unique needs.
Why Get a Second Opinion?
- Validate Your Treatment Plan
Confirm whether your current plan aligns with the latest medical advances. - Expand Your Options
Learn about innovative treatments or clinical trials not previously considered. - Peace of Mind
Feel confident knowing you’ve explored all possible avenues with world-class expertise. - World-Class Expertise
Get insights from the world’s foremost ALK-positive cancer experts affiliated with academic and research institutions.
How Does It Work?
Apply for the Program
- Email SOP@alkpositive.org to start the application process.
- The Second Opinion Program Review Panel will review your application to determine eligibility.
- If approved, your case will be reviewed by a leading ALK-positive cancer specialist.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to people navigating ALK-positive cancer who:
- Is a patient diagnosed with ALK-positive cancer (Care partner may apply on behalf of patient)
- Face financial barriers to accessing second opinions*
*Note: While the program covers the consultation fee, other associated costs such as travel, accommodation, and additional testing are not included.
To ensure our limited funds are available for those who need them most, we kindly request that applicants who can afford a second opinion not apply to this program.
Consultations
Patient records are shared with the doctor to facilitate the consultation. Many consultations can be conducted remotely, offering convenience and accessibility—especially for patients who are too unwell to travel, unable to afford accommodations, or unable to take time off work.
Second Opinion Participating Oncologists
The program connects you with leading specialists in ALK-positive cancer treatment from renowned institutions. These professionals are at the forefront of research and treatment innovations, offering invaluable insights into your care.
- This list can be used even if you are not applying for the Second Opinion Program. Download the list below.
| State | Name | Treatment Center | Remote* |
| California | Dr. Collin Blakely | UCSF Thoracic Surgery and Oncology Clinic San Francisco | No |
| California | Dr. Misako Nagasaka | UC Irvine Irvine, Orange County | No |
| California | Dr. Hatim Husein | UC San Diego San Diego | No |
| Colorado | Dr. Ross Camidge Dr. Tejas Patil Dr. Erin Schenk | UCHealth Denver | No |
| Florida | Dr. Gilberto Lopes | University of Miami Hospital Miami | No |
| Florida | Dr. Mark Socinski | Advent Health Cancer Center Orlando | No |
| Maryland | Dr. Vincent Lam | Johns Hopkins Cancer Center Baltimore | No |
| Massachusetts | Dr. Narjust Florez Dr. Alice Shaw | Dana Farber Cancer Institute Boston | Yes** |
| Massachusetts | Dr. Jessica Lin & Team | Massachusetts General Hospital Boston | No |
| Michigan | Dr. Shirish Gadgeel | Henry Ford Cancer Institute Detroit | No |
| Michigan | Dr. Angel Qin | University of Michigan Health Ann Arbor | No |
| New York | Dr. Mark Awad | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York | No |
| Tennessee | Dr. Christine Lovly | Vanderbilt University Nashville | No |
| Tennessee | Dr. Todd Bauer | Tennessee Oncology Nashville | No |
| Texas | Dr. Yasir Elamin Dr. Carl Gay Dr. John Heymach | MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston | No |
| Virginia | Dr. Alex Spira | Virginia Cancer Specialists Fairfax | No |
| Washington | Dr. Christina Baik Dr. Keith Eaton | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Seattle | No |
| Washington, DC | Dr. Stephen Liu | MedStar Georgetown University Hospital | No |
*Subject to change
** Dr. Florez can do remote consultations with patients in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and Florida.
Here is a list of some prominent nonprofit organizations in the United States that assist cancer patients with travel and accommodation costs, specifically for attending clinical trials or treatment, along with details about their programs:
Air Charity Network: Connects cancer patients with free air transportation for medical treatment, using volunteer pilots and partner airlines.
American Cancer Society (ACS):
• Hope Lodge: Provides free temporary housing for cancer patients and their caregivers who need to travel for treatment away from home.
• Extended Stay America Partnership: Collaborates with Extended Stay America to offer discounted or free hotel stays for patients traveling for cancer treatment, according to Cancer Care News.
• Transportation Grants: Offers local grants to health systems and community organizations to address unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations.
• ACS ACTS (Access to Clinical Trials and Support): Provides assistance with finding clinical trials, connecting patients with cancer information specialists, and accessing other ACS programs like lodging and transportation.
CancerCare: Offers financial assistance programs, including transportation grants for patients undergoing active treatment, based on financial need.
Corporate Angel Network (CAN): Offers free flights on corporate and private aircraft for cancer patients, including those traveling for clinical trials. Eligibility is not based on financial need, and patients can travel as often as required.
Healthcare Hospitality Network: A network of nonprofit organizations across the US that offers free or low-cost lodging to families traveling for medical treatment, according to the American Cancer Society.
Lazarex Cancer Foundation: This organization focuses specifically on helping patients find and participate in clinical trials, providing reimbursement for travel costs (airfare, lodging, etc.) for both the patient and a companion for the duration of the trial.
More Moments More Memories: Provides clinical trial expense funding for travel and lodging for cancer patients in the contiguous United States, based on financial need (income limits apply).
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF): Provides direct financial assistance to patients, including transportation, housing, and food expenses related to cancer treatment, based on eligibility and funding availability.
Sweat for Breath:Provides Hardship Assistance Grants to lower the barrier for ALK+ lung cancer patients in getting a second opinion.
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