Medoncmd | Cancer education

Esophageal Carcinoma: The Shift Towards Perioperative FLOT Therapy

For years, the treatment of esophageal carcinoma has been a subject of debate, with varying multimodal approaches tailored based on tumor location and staging. Traditionally, gastric cancer patients often underwent perioperative FLOT chemotherapy (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel) followed by surgical resection. Meanwhile, esophageal carcinoma patients were typically treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CROSS regimen: carboplatin/paclitaxel with radiation) followed by surgery or upfront chemotherapy …

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The Truth About Red Dye No. 3: What You Need to Know About Its Cancer Risks

If you’ve ever picked up a brightly colored candy or a strawberry-flavored treat, chances are you’ve encountered Red Dye No. 3, a synthetic food dye known for its vibrant hue. Despite its eye-catching appeal, Red Dye No. 3 has long been surrounded by controversy due to potential health risks. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug …

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FDA Approves Subcutaneous Nivolumab: A Game-Changer in Immunotherapy Convenience

On December 27, 2024, the FDA announced a significant milestone in cancer treatment: the approval of nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy (Opdivo Qvantig) for subcutaneous injection. This new formulation is available for all adult solid tumor indications previously approved for intravenous (IV) nivolumab, including a wide range of cancers such as melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, …

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A New Frontier in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treatment: FDA Approval of Quad Therapy for BRAF V600E Mutation

On December 20, 2024, the FDA granted accelerated approval for a groundbreaking new treatment approach for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. The newly approved regimen combines encorafenib (Braftovi) with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (a chemotherapy regimen consisting of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin). This marks a pivotal step forward in the …

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Bridging the Gap: The Role of a Covering Oncologist in Providing Thoughtful, Patient-Centered Care

As oncologists, we are privileged to walk alongside patients and their families during some of the most challenging times in their lives. This responsibility becomes even more pronounced when we step into a role as a covering physician, whether temporarily filling in for a partner or taking on a temporary locum tenens assignments as I …

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Emerging Dual-Target Therapies in Multiple Myeloma: A Leap Forward in Treatment Outcome

Multiple myeloma, a complex and challenging hematologic malignancy, has seen remarkable advances in its treatment landscape. Standard care for transplant-eligible patients often involves quad therapy, blending immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, and corticosteroids. For frail or comorbid patients, triple therapy remains the mainstay. Hospitalized patients frequently benefit from CyBORD (cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone), and …

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Navigating Cancer Cachexia: Challenges, Treatments, and New Hope

Cancer cachexia is a debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of cancer patients, characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and metabolic dysfunction. Beyond its physical toll, cachexia diminishes quality of life and complicates cancer treatment, making it a critical issue in oncology. Despite its prevalence, effective treatments have been limited—until now. Recent advancements, …

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The Melanoma Milestone: Celebrating 10 Years of Immunotherapy Success

Stage IV melanoma used to be synonymous with a terminal diagnosis. For years, oncologists faced the grim reality of limited options and poor survival rates for their patients. However, the landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Breakthroughs in immunotherapy and clinical research have rewritten the narrative, offering hope to patients and their families. …

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Home for the Holidays: A Physician’s Gratitude for Patients, Families, and Health

As the holiday season wraps up and 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both transformative and rejuvenating. This year has been different from any I’ve experienced before—a year of intentional living, personal growth, and deep gratitude. For the past 13 years, I was rooted in a …

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Time, Trust, and Transparency: Understanding Medical Malpractice in Oncology and Beyond

Medical malpractice in oncology is a topic that often stirs emotions on all sides—patients, families, and physicians. For patients and caregivers, it may represent a loss of trust and unmet expectations. For providers, it can be a deeply personal challenge that touches the very heart of their commitment to care. In oncology, where time, precision, …

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