Dr. Christine M Lovly

About Dr. Lovly

Dr. Christine Lovly, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.S.C.O., serves as division chief of thoracic medical oncology at City of Hope National Medical Center, where she leads the development of a national thoracic oncology program. She brings nearly two decades of expertise in thoracic cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, and is internationally recognized for her work in clinical care, translational research, and academic leadership.

Her expertise includes developing targeted treatments for certain lung cancers based on their unique genetic features, which helps guide precision therapy. Dr. Lovly’s pioneering research earned her the 2025 William J. Darby Award and the LUNGevity Foundation’s Face of Hope Award. She holds the Dr. Norman and Melinda Payson Professorship in Medical Oncology, and actively contributes to national treatment guidelines through her service on panels such as the NCCN panel for non-small cell lung cancer.

Medical Education & Expertise

• City of Hope National Medical Center
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
• Washington University in St. Louis (M.D., Ph.D.)
• Johns Hopkins University (B.S.)

Associations, Awards & Recognition

• Board Certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine
• Fellow, American Society of Clinical Oncology
• Member, American Association for Cancer Research
• Member, American Society for Clinical Investigation
• Member, Scientific Advisory Board, LUNGevity Foundation
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Guidelines Panel Member, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Scientific Leadership Board Director, GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer Research
• William J. Darby Award, 2025

Why Choose Dr. Lovly for Mesothelioma?

Patients choose Dr. Lovly for a patient-first mindset and a strong dedication to precision medicine. She tailors each treatment plan to the individual, aiming to improve outcomes while protecting quality of life and reducing unnecessary side effects whenever possible.

At City of Hope, she pioneers a mesothelioma program that connects cutting-edge science with compassionate, whole-person care. Her commitment to clear communication, close follow-up, and support for both patients and families helps people feel informed, heard, and actively involved in every step of their care.

Publications of Dr. Lovly

• Lovly, C. et al. (2024, February 16). Circulating Tumor DNA Enables Sensitive Detection of Actionable Gene Fusions and Rearrangements Across Cancer Types Open Access. Retrieved from https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/30/4/836/734207/Circulating-Tumor-DNA-Enables-Sensitive-Detection?searchresult=1
• Lovly, C. et al. (2021, September 15).  Immunotherapy-Mediated Thyroid Dysfunction: Genetic Risk and Impact on Outcomes with PD-1 Blockade in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Available to Purchase. Retrieved from https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article-abstract/27/18/5131/671647/Immunotherapy-Mediated-Thyroid-Dysfunction-Genetic?redirectedFrom=fulltext
• Lovly, C. et al. (2018, June 14).  Ensartinib (X-396) in ALK-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results from a First-in-Human Phase I/II, Multicenter Study Free. Retrieved from https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/24/12/2771/80939/Ensartinib-X-396-in-ALK-Positive-Non-Small-Cell?searchresult=1
• Lovly, C. et al. (2014, April 30). Beyond Histology: Translating Tumor Genotypes into Clinically Effective Targeted Therapies Free. Retrieved from https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/20/9/2264/78853/Beyond-Histology-Translating-Tumor-Genotypes-into?searchresult=1
• Lovly, C. et al. (2013, March). Targeted inhibition of the molecular chaperone Hsp90 overcomes ALK inhibitor resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4086149/pdf/nihms-605820.pdf