Neal Augenstein survived Stage IV lung cancer | targeted therapy | tagrisso | osimertinib

Being diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer is terrifying — but thanks to cutting-edge targeted therapy and the drug Tagrisso (generic name: Osimertinib), award-winning journalist Neal Augenstein is living proof that survival is possible. In this powerful episode of the Cancer Interviews podcast, Neal shares his remarkable journey — from a persistent cough to a life-changing diagnosis, and ultimately, a path to recovery. In September 2022, Neal, a well-known radio reporter in Washington, DC, noticed he was coughing more than usual. Initially attributing it to seasonal allergies, Neal tried over-the-counter treatments, followed by antibiotics — but nothing helped. Two months later, a chest x-ray revealed “something suspicious.” A subsequent CT scan and bronchoscopy, followed by a biopsy, confirmed the unexpected: Neal had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — the most common type. Despite never being a smoker, Neal believes years of exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may have played a role. His case reflects a growing trend: relatively young, healthy non-smokers being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Fortunately, biomarker testing identified Neal's specific mutation — allowing doctors to skip chemotherapy and radiation and instead treat him with a targeted therapy tailored to his tumor's genetic profile. That therapy? Osimertinib, better known as Tagrisso, a once-daily pill known for its effectiveness and comparatively mild side effects. After just three months on Tagrisso, a follow-up CT scan revealed that most of Neal's cancer had vanished — from both his lungs and lymph nodes. His oncologist recommended surgery to remove the original tumor to maximize the chance of a permanent remission. In April 2023, Neal underwent surgery — and was back home the very next day. A month later, the chronic cough that first led him to seek help disappeared completely. Neal credits Tagrisso not only with shrinking his cancer but also allowing him to maintain a high quality of life during treatment. While chemotherapy and radiation might have been the standard approach had he been diagnosed at Stage III, his Stage IV status surprisingly made him eligible for targeted drug therapy — a silver lining in a dark moment. Today, Neal feels great. He experiences an occasional cough, but he describes it as a minor annoyance — nothing like the debilitating side effects that many other cancer patients endure. Neal’s Message to Viewers: If you qualify for lung cancer screening, get it done. Early detection saves lives. Whether your scan shows clean lungs or something concerning, it’s better to know now than months — or years — down the road. Additional Resources: A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation Listen to the full podcast episode to hear Neal’s inspiring voice and first-hand perspective. Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of hope and healing. #LungCancer #Tagrisso #TargetedTherapy #CancerSurvivor #NealAugenstein #Osimertinib #Biomarkers #Bronchoscopy #CancerPodcast #StageIVLungCancer #CancerHope