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.

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.

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.

• Dr. Todd Bauer, Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
• Dr. Collin Blakely, UCSF, San Francisco, California
• Dr. Ross Camidge, UC Health, Denver, Colorado
• Dr. Erin Schenk, UC Health, Denver, Colorado
• Dr. Shirish Gadgeel, Henry Ford Cancer Institute/Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
• Dr. Vincent Lam, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
• Dr. Jessica Lin and team, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts
• Dr. Christine Lovly, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
• Dr. Ignatius Ou, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California
• Dr. Tejas Patil, UCHealth, Denver, Colorado
• Dr. Stephen Liu, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
• Dr. Angel Qin, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan