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City of Hope Atlanta Leader Noted for Advancing Broader Access to Lifesaving Clinical Trials
City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, part of one of the nation’s largest organizations for advanced cancer research and treatment, has announced that Kristin Higgins, M.D., will chair the NRG Oncology Lung Cancer Committee beginning August 1. A national leader in lung cancer research and treatment, Dr. Higgins is known for driving clinical innovation and championing research to meet the needs of an evolving population of lung cancer patients, including the rising number of younger women now diagnosed with the disease.
“I am deeply honored to serve in this leadership position at NRG Oncology, an organization renowned for its commitment to innovation in cancer research,” said Dr. Higgins. “Through my work with both NRG and City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, I am dedicated to advancing the science and care that will truly make a difference for lung cancer patients—especially as this disease increasingly affects young people who do not present with traditional risk factors. It is imperative that we continue to expand access to groundbreaking, personalized treatments and accelerate progress toward our ultimate goal: a cure for every patient.”
The NRG Oncology Lung Cancer Committee is one of seven Disease Site Committees within NRG Oncology, which is part of the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), and conducts clinical trials for cancer funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). These clinical trials are often in collaboration with industry partners and lead to practice-changing cancer research. The committee develops and oversees clinical trials and translational science projects aimed at improving survival and quality of life for patients with early-stage and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer.
“Dr. Higgins’ appointment is a testament to her dedication to advancing lung cancer research and improving patient outcomes,” said Jonathan Watkins, President of City of Hope Atlanta. “Her leadership will be instrumental in driving innovative clinical trials and ensuring patients receive the most effective, personalized care.”
Dr. Higgins has played a key role in NRG Oncology’s lung cancer research efforts, developing numerous clinical trials focused on combination radiotherapy treatments for patients with both NSCLC and small cell lung cancer. She currently serves as principal investigator of NRG/Alliance LU005, an international Phase 3 trial studying immunotherapy combined with standard chemoradiation in small cell lung cancer, and co-investigator for NRG LU008, a phase 3 trial combining stereotactic body radiation therapy with standard chemoradiation in stage III non-small cell lung cancer.
Leadership in Lung Cancer Innovation
At City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, Dr. Higgins leads a regional hub for rapid diagnosis, advanced therapies, and expanded access to clinical trials. Serving patients across metro Atlanta and neighboring states, the center offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care under one roof. Recognizing that time matters in cancer care, the center provides same-day screening, consultations within 24–48 hours, and treatment plans within five to seven days of diagnosis.
City of Hope Atlanta is also one of the only centers in Georgia south of I-20 offering single-anesthetic robotic lung diagnosis and resection—a groundbreaking procedure that combines diagnosis and surgery in a single session. Additional innovations include subcutaneous antibody therapy for EGFR-mutant lung cancer and personalized treatment plans informed by tumor genetics and biomarkers.
The lung cancer program emphasizes early access to clinical trials tailored to each patient’s genomic and protein expression profile, with early referral for trial eligibility before the cancer progresses.
A Critical Moment for Women’s and Lung Cancer Research
Dr. Higgins’ appointment comes at a pivotal time, as lung cancer rates are increasing among younger women—reversing historical trends. According to the American Cancer Society, women under 50 now face an 82% higher overall cancer rate than their male peers. Many of these women are non-smokers, underscoring the importance of early detection and personalized treatment.
Recently, Dr. Higgins participated in a City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta initiative to raise awareness about generational shifts in cancer incidence, particularly lung cancer. She advocated for more research into the rise of cancer among younger women, access to risk assessments beginning at age 25, and expanded supportive care to help younger patients navigate fertility, family, and career concerns.
Inspired by her mother’s career as a nurse, Dr. Higgins brings more than 15 years of experience to her role. Before joining City of Hope, she built an international reputation as a lung cancer expert at Emory University.
Dr. Higgins also serves on multiple boards and committees, including the National Lung Cancer Roundtable Survivorship Task Group, and has co-chaired the World Conference on Lung Cancer. She is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.
For more information about Dr. Kristin Higgins and her work, visit City of Hope’s website. For inquiries related to NRG Oncology, visit NRG Oncology’s website.
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About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.