u/Lucky-Squirrel-9857

My dad (66) was recently diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC adenocarcinoma, presenting as a Pancoast tumor. He has lost about 20 lbs, has arm weakness/muscle loss, back pain, and metastatic disease to lymph nodes, lungs, and likely bone (C7). PD-L1 is <1%, and no targetable mutations have been found so far.

His treatment plan is Keytruda + Alimta, with carboplatin possibly being added later. We were told clinical trials are not currently an option because of his functional status.

A few questions:

- If you or a loved one had a similar diagnosis/treatment plan, what do you wish you knew before starting treatment?

- Has anyone with PD-L1 <1% had success with immunotherapy?

- We're considering a second opinion at an NCI-designated center (U of M). Did a second opinion change anything for you, even after treatment had already been started?

- His oncologist does not feel a PET scan is necessary. In a case like this, would you still want one?

We were given a rough prognosis of 18 months to 2 years. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with a similar experience.

Hi all,

I currently work in sponsored research administration at a university (ORSP) making ~$55K.

I previously worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the same institution before being laid off. Overall, I have about:

- 3.5 years in clinical research (CRC roles)

- 2.5 years in pre-clinical research

- 1 year in non-financial research administration (current role)

I’m currently exploring long-term career paths and trying to understand salary ceilings outside of the CRA route.

I enjoy my current department and I may have the opportunity to move into a pre-award role that would bring me closer to ~$70K, but I’m trying to understand what’s realistic beyond that.

For those in non-CRA clinical research or research administration roles:

- Are you making over $80K?

- What is your role/title and setting (academic, industry, CRO, etc.)?

- What path did you take to get there?

Just trying to get a realistic sense of what’s achievable in this field outside of CRA work.

Thanks in advance!