Whether you’re facing a lung cancer diagnosis yourself or are worried about having a higher-than-average risk, WakeMed Cancer Care is with your every step of the way.

Specializing in thoracic cancer, Dr. Praveen Namireddy works alongside our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists who are committed to providing patient’s high-quality care. As a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, Dr. Namireddy is highly skilled in treating patients with lung and esophageal cancer, solid malignancies, malignant hematology and benign hematology.

As lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, we sat down with Dr. Namireddy to learn what drew him to thoracic oncology and how advances in treatment have the potential to change outcomes for patients.

Tell us about your background.

I completed my undergraduate training back in India. I attended the prestigious medical school, Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India.

I then traveled to the United States and completed a master’s in Health Administration in Texas. Thereafter, I traveled to the inner city of New York where I completed my residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. During that time, I met so many patients who were suffering from cancer, and I realized that with cancer patients, I had the opportunity to offer long-term care and really get to know them. I recognized that I could make a real difference. That understanding led me to pursue a career in oncology.

Thereafter, I finished my fellowships at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. After training, I joined as faculty at ECU ⁠— treating patients as well as teaching medical students, residents and oncology fellows. Recently I joined WakeMed.

Why did you select the field of thoracic oncology?

Every cancer is devastating, but for lung cancer patients the mortality is especially high. For men, lung cancer is the number one leading cause of cancer death, and for women, it is the second leading cause of cancer death.

These patients usually present in the latter stages and need more help because they have more symptoms and are often sicker than other patients.

Yet, I believe we can make a difference in the lives of these patients. And, the more I see these patients, the more I realize there is a great unmet need in thoracic oncology. With this awareness, it gives me great satisfaction to take care of these patients during the most vulnerable time in their lives. Quality care — through treatment and comfort — can make a positive impact.

Tell us about your personal clinical interest in this field.

Lung cancer has evolved and when looking at the clinical research, it is fascinating. There are so many advances. I’ve done extensive research looking closely at genes, mutations and their therapeutic implications.

We have newer treatment options that can specifically target genetic mutations on a molecular level. This makes it possible for us to control the cancer for a long time. For example, there are patients who have specific mutations, and they can simply take a pill that will control the cancer. That is amazing!

Likewise, it is fascinating how molecular signatures affect cancer. I’ve done research in biomarker testing in lung cancer, following cancer treatments with liquid biopsies. I’ve published several papers nationally and internationally.

The more I know, the more I realize there is more to know. These are exciting times to be in lung cancer and actually make a difference.

What innovations and advances do you see on the horizon in lung cancer treatment?

Lung cancer treatments are constantly advancing. Even in looking at the diagnostic modalities, we are better able to detect these cancers with lung cancer screenings and CT scans, so we can now see much smaller lesions.

Additionally, the surgical techniques have improved. We are performing robotic surgeries — many at WakeMed. Other modalities include radiation, chemotherapy, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and more.

I believe the next evolution for lung cancer treatment is liquid biopsies and plasma next-generation sequences. That would mean that through a blood test, it would be possible to detect the mutations for lung cancer.

We are excited and optimistic about being able to one day detect cancer in earlier stages through blood tests.

What is your greatest passion as it relates to your field?

My greatest passion is helping my patients and developing long-term relationships with them.

Lung cancer mortality is high, but it is coming down. The average life expectancy improved in 2020, and that is a direct result of advancements in lung cancer treatments.

Sometimes we can cure lung cancer, and then we can be friends with the patients for the rest of their lives seeing them every four to six months for ongoing follow up. Also, for those who are actively in treatment, we see them regularly, so we get to know their stories and families. Overtime, we become friends.

Yet, there are times when we meet patients in the latter stages, and we may not be able to save them. Even in those times, we can help the patient as best we can, and we get to know the families and explain the cancer to them.

Why did you choose WakeMed to practice thoracic oncology?

I’ve been in the Triangle area for about six years. The culture of WakeMed is one of genuine care and concern for patients. That combined with the great unmet need within the community means that we can practice personalized medicine. This culture of care attracted me along with the technologies, support from the community, and the multidisciplinary, collegial teams who work together to offer the highest quality care for patients — close to where they live, work and play. It is an intimate, personalized space, where I can make a real difference. Here, patients and providers are treated as individuals.

Within this new Hematology & Medical Oncology service line, we have already seen a lot of positive feedback from the community celebrating the impact we are making. I am looking forward to maintaining this momentum and advancing further.

Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with us?

Please talk to your primary care provider about age-appropriate cancer screening. The best cure for cancer is early detection and prevention. Get the colonoscopies. Get the breast mammograms. If you are a smoker, smoking more than 20-pack years between ages 50 and 80, ask your provider about a low-dose CT scan for cancer. Try to control smoking and, ideally, quit. If you have questions or concerns, remember, we at WakeMed, are here to serve you.