To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
As an oncology research nurse, I have the unique privilege of being part of a team that brings the latest innovations in cancer treatment to life through clinical trials. My role extends far beyond the walls of the research lab or the clinic—it’s about making research accessible, meaningful, and impactful for patients who are navigating …
Prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing has revolutionized obstetrics, serving primarily to screen for fetal genetic abnormalities. Similarly, in oncology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has become a vital tool for detecting minimal residual disease in colorectal cancer after resection and monitoring responses to immunotherapy. However, groundbreaking research published in the December 2024 issue of The New England …
On December 4, 2024, the FDA approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) for adults with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This approval offers a new standard of care for LS-SCLC, providing patients with improved survival outcomes in a traditionally challenging disease. Key Findings from the ADRIATIC Trial The FDA …
On December 2, 2024, Novocure announced positive results from the Phase 3 PANOVA-3 trial, which evaluated Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel for unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS), offering a new potential option for this challenging patient population. However, …
On December 4, 2024, the FDA granted accelerated approval to zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri), marking a significant milestone in cancer care. This is the first approved systemic therapy targeting NRG1 gene fusions, a rare but actionable driver mutation in certain cancers. Zenocutuzumab-zbco is approved for adults with: This approval offers a new, precision-medicine option for patients with …
In oncology, where the stakes are often life and death, it’s easy to focus on clinical precision and measurable outcomes. Yet, the human side of medicine—the compassion, connection, and understanding we bring to patients and their families—can have just as profound an impact. Reading the deeply moving Art of Oncology piece published in the NEJM …
Colorectal cancer remains a significant global health challenge, ranking as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among metastatic colorectal cancer patients, the subset with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch-repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors presents unique opportunities for immunotherapy. The recent CheckMate 8HW trial, published in the New England Journal …
While this article is aimed at healthcare providers, its message of gratitude and reflection is for anyone seeking inspiration this Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving weekend feels profoundly different for me—a special opportunity to step back, reflect, and express gratitude. After 13 years of service at Orlando Health, I made a life-changing decision to resign and rediscover …
Spending three to four weeks in Japan with my family has been a transformative experience. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic temples of Kyoto, the serene deer-filled parks in Nara, and the vibrant food scenes in Osaka, this trip has been as educational as it’s been enjoyable. Beyond the stunning landscapes and …
For patients with advanced melanoma who have exhausted standard treatment options, new therapies offer much-needed hope. On November 21, 2024, Replimune Group, Inc. announced that its breakthrough oncolytic immunotherapy, RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec), in combination with nivolumab, received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA. The FDA also accepted a Biologics License Application (BLA) for RP1 under …