To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
Tumor markers like CEA or CA 19-9 are substances, often proteins, that can be found in the blood and sometimes rise when cancer is present or progressing. For example, CEA is often elevated in colorectal cancer, and ctDNA can offer clues about the genetic profile and potential for MRD negative status of certain cancers like …
In a recent and courageous announcement, actor James Van Der Beek, known for roles in Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, revealed his diagnosis of colorectal cancer. At age 47, Van Der Beek shared that he has been managing this diagnosis privately, taking steps towards treatment with the support of his family. While the specifics indicate …
In recent years, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), a global healthcare company, has faced mounting legal challenges over allegations that its talcum powder products have caused cancers, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed, claiming that prolonged use of J&J’s talc-based baby powder led to serious health consequences due to the presence …
Prostate cancer continues to pose a significant challenge for both patients and healthcare providers. In the realm of radiation therapy, the development of advanced techniques has transformed the landscape of treatment. A recent phase 3 trial comparing Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) to conventional radiotherapy for intermediate-risk prostate cancer provides new insights into how we can deliver effective …
A cancer diagnosis can feel like an overwhelming challenge—not just in terms of health, but also financially. For many patients, the initial phase of diagnosis requires multiple tests, specialist consultations, surgeries, pathology, and imaging services. Depending on the cancer’s location, stage, and any spread to other organs, additional tests like molecular diagnostics or ancillary treatments …
The treatment landscape for advanced-stage classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) is rapidly evolving. Traditionally, chemotherapy regimens such as AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) or combinations including brentuximab vedotin have been used to manage this challenging disease. However, a groundbreaking phase 3 clinical trial (S1826) has introduced a promising new regimen—nivolumab (N+AVD)—that is proving to be superior in …
On October 18, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved zolbetuximab-clzb (Vyloy, Astellas Pharma), a novel treatment for adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. This approval brings a much-needed new option for patients whose tumors express the CLDN18.2 protein, as identified through an FDA-approved test. …
A new article published in the NEJM showing impressive efficacy in NSCLC, here’s the summary below. The landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment continues to evolve, particularly for patients with EGFR mutations. Historically, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like osimertinib have been the first line of defense, providing improved progression-free survival for patients. …
The journey of treating patients with advanced cancer, like metastatic gastric cancer, often brings clinicians face to face with difficult conversations surrounding prognosis, treatment goals, and emotional dissonance. As we make strides in cancer therapies, the complexity of managing patient expectations, cognitive awareness, and emotional resilience becomes more apparent, both for patients and clinicians. A …
Hope for Advanced Bladder Cancer Bladder cancer is often like an unwelcome party crasher, popping up when least expected and causing considerable distress. Yet, in the realm of oncology, we are constantly seeking new ways to send such unwelcome guests packing. Today, I am thrilled to share some exciting news about a promising new approach …