To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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. …
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 …
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, …
The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), one of the most common types of leukemia, has advanced significantly over the past decade. New targeted therapies have reshaped treatment paradigms, providing effective, less toxic options compared to traditional chemoimmunotherapy. At the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting, data from the phase 3 AMPLIFY trial introduced another potential breakthrough …
When facing a cancer diagnosis, timing can profoundly impact outcomes, both physically and emotionally. For some malignancies, delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to disease progression, impacting prognosis and available treatment options. However, the urgency to act must also be balanced with the need for accurate diagnosis and a well-considered treatment plan. This article …
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers, with cases ranging from easily treatable localized lesions to aggressive forms that can metastasize or become life-threatening. On December 13, 2024, the FDA approved cosibelimab-ipdl (Unloxcyt), a PD-L1 blocking antibody, offering new hope for adults with metastatic CSCC (mCSCC) or locally advanced …