To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
When I meet new patients diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, I often mention the name Jimmy Carter. It’s a name most people recognize, and his survival story is nothing short of remarkable—especially considering he will soon celebrate his 100th birthday. Like many of my patients, Carter was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma, with metastatic …
As a medical oncologist, I often hear questions about the impact of lifestyle choices on cancer risk. One such topic that continues to garner attention is the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer. Recent studies have solidified the link between alcohol intake and six types of cancer. Let’s dive into the details, shedding light …
Living with Sickle Cell Living with sickle cell disease (SCD) presents unique challenges, both in the short term and over a lifetime. As a chronic illness that primarily affects the shape and function of red blood cells, SCD leads to a variety of complications, from pain crises to organ damage, all of which can have …
Gene Therapy: A Promising Future As I continue to highlight key aspects of SCD this September, I will shift the focus to the exciting advancements in research and treatment. Recent breakthroughs offer new hope and possibilities for individuals living with this condition. In this installment, we’ll explore the latest research developments, including innovative therapies and …
Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Options In the previous post, I explored the fundamental aspects of SCD, from its genetic basis to the everyday challenges faced by those living with this condition. As I continue this journey, I will dive deeper into the current treatment options available for managing SCD and how these approaches can improve …
Sickle Cell Disease Awareness September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on a condition that affects millions worldwide, including more than 100,000 people in the United States alone—90% of whom are African American. People with sickle cell disease face significant health challenges, with a life expectancy that is, on average, …
As I prepare to close this chapter of my life, winding down my clinic and stepping away from my role as a medical oncologist, I find myself navigating a complex mix of emotions—gratitude, sadness, and a quiet sense of anticipation. For the first time in my career, I am saying goodbye to patients and colleagues …
A recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) demonstrated higher response, longer progression free survival and overall survival in patients with unresectable or metastatic leiomyosarcoma. A treatment protocol that we’ve been doing for at least 1-2 years prior given the known higher response rate reported at conferences. This is a new …
The Development of Targeted Therapy The development of targeted therapies over the past 20 years has significantly changed how we treat cancer. These therapies are designed to focus on specific molecules that help cancer cells grow and survive. By targeting these exact processes, targeted therapies provide a more personalized approach to treatment, often working better …
A Difficult Choice: Hope vs. Quality of Life James is a 62-year-old patient with advanced pancreatic cancer. After enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy, he finds himself at a crossroads. His oncologist presents him with an option: a new experimental treatment offered through a clinical trial. This treatment carries the potential to extend his life by …