City of Hope

Lung Cancer Program

Delivering hope and leading-edge diagnostics and treatments for all thoracic malignancies

About Our Program

At City of Hope® Cancer Center, located south of Atlanta in Newnan, Georgia, we focus on breakthrough diagnostics and treatments for all types and stages of lung malignancies. Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers for both men and women, and early detection and intervention is the key to improving patient outcomes.

Meet Our Experts

Our program is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of experts specializing in lung cancer, including thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, interventional pulmonologists, supportive care team members and more.

Francisco A. Almeida, M.D., M.S.

Interventional Pulmonologist

Dr. Almeida is a fellowship-trained interventional pulmonologist who treats conditions affecting the lungs, airways and pleura using therapies including traditional, robotic and electromagnetic bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound. He collaborates with patients’ care teams to create less invasive treatment options for lung cancer and other diseases.

Debora Bruno, M.D., M.S.

Medical Director of Clinical Research
Thoracic Medical Oncologist

Dr. Bruno is a thoracic medical oncologist and recognized expert in her field, treating lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymic malignancies. As medical director of clinical research, she oversees City of Hope Atlanta’s clinical trials program, which investigates and develops new treatment options for cancer patients. She has over 100 publications, oversees dozens of clinical trials and has been recognized with multiple awards.

Shady Eldaif, M.D.

Medical Director of Thoracic Oncology
Medical Oncologist

Shady Eldaif, M.D., is a thoracic surgeon specializing in complex robotic and minimally invasive procedures for lung, mediastinal, thymic, and esophageal cancers. He has performed over 1,600 surgeries, published in leading medical journals and presented on innovative surgical techniques around the country.

Kristin Higgins, M.D.

Chief of Clinical Officer
Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Higgins has built an international reputation as a lung cancer expert, developing numerous clinical trials focused on combination radiotherapy treatments for patients with non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. A member of multiple boards and committees in the lung cancer advocacy community, she has co-chaired the World Conference on Lung Cancer and is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. 

Nitika Sharma, M.D.

Medical Oncologist and Hematologist

Dr. Sharma specializes in breast, thoracic and gastrointestinal cancers. She provides patient-centered care using advanced therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as next-generation diagnostics.

Referral Quick Links

We strive to offer a well-coordinated experience for our referring providers. Upon receiving your referral, our team will immediately begin processing the referral, with minimal work on your end.

Please select a location City of Hope Atlanta City of Hope Paces Ferry
Address

600 Celebrate Life Parkway
Newnan, GA 30265

Contact information

Phone: (770) 400-6568

Fax: (770) 400-6900

Email: [email protected]

Address

3539 Northside Pkwy NW
Atlanta, GA 30327

Contact information

Phone: (770) 400-6568

Fax: (770) 400-6900

Email: [email protected]

Program Distinctions

Delivering tomorrow's advances in cancer care to those who need them today, our distinctions include:

  • Subspecialists dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of lung malignancies — including non-small cell, small cell and neuroendocrine tumors
  • Multidisciplinary team of experts and comprehensive services all under one roof
  • Rapid lung nodule diagnosis program with appointments available in as little as 24 hours
  • Integrated, interdisciplinary array of evidence-based supportive care services to address a patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs
  • Collaboration with nationally renowned lung cancer experts across the City of Hope network

Undiagnosed Mass Pathway (UMAP)

Delays in diagnostics and treatment services for cancer patients have a direct correlation to increased mortality rate. City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta recognizes the urgency the threat of a cancer diagnosis requires and has developed the Undiagnosed Mass Pathway (UMAP) to provide immediate access to leading-edge diagnostic services and specialists. Patients may be referred to UMAP at any point in the diagnostic process of a solid tumor or lesion without the risk of repeat testing or unnecessary delays.

Our Services & Offerings

At City of Hope, our clinical experts all have one collective goal, to treat cancer with precision and compassion so our patients can get back to life. We offer a comprehensive range of oncology services, including:

  • Lung cancer screening
  • Diagnostic services
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Interventional pulmonology
  • Medical oncology
  • Radiation oncology
  • Precision medicine
  • Research and clinical trials
  • Supportive care services

Our Commitment to Clinical Excellence

Our Atlanta cancer center is recognized by several organizations that evaluate the quality of hospital lung programs as:

News about City of Hope Atlanta

March 02, 2026 | By City of Hope
Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Georgia’s Young Adults: An Emerging Public Health Crisis
March 02, 2026 | By City of Hope
Expanding and Elevating Access to Breast Cancer Care
January 01, 2026 | By City of Hope
Hope is Here: City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta Opens New Location in Buckhead for Care Closer to Home

Dedication to Speed to Care

City of Hope Cancer Center and our outpatient cancer care locations are intentionally structured to maximize speed to care, with:

Appointments available in as little as 24 hours and treatment within one week or less
Two- to four-hour radiology turnaround
48-hour pathology turnaround