To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
Colon cancer treatments have long relied on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy, particularly for mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors, are reshaping how certain high-risk cancers are treated. A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine provides encouraging data on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with locally advanced dMMR colon …
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that can affect multiple organs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and long-term organ damage. I uncommonly see these patients as they often present as a retroperitoneal mass concerning for a connective tissue malignancy however biopsied proven IgG4 related non-malignant disease requiring immunosuppressant treatment which I often did as there …
For patients with a specific type of breast cancer—hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative—that also carries a PIK3CA mutation, a new combination treatment shows promising results. The treatment combines inavolisib, a targeted therapy, with palbociclib and fulvestrant, helping to significantly slow disease progression compared to standard treatment. This combination not only targets multiple cancer growth pathways but also …
Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. Smoking is responsible for approximately half of all lung cancer cases, making it the single most preventable cause of this disease. For individuals who have smoked for years, quitting can be difficult, and many turn to alternatives like electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as a …
Introduction Veterans have served and sacrificed, often facing unique health risks during and after their time in the military. Among these health concerns is an increased risk for certain cancers due to exposure to hazardous environments and substances. On this Veterans Day, let’s take the opportunity to discuss cancer risks specific to Veterans, how service …
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive and challenging types of thyroid cancer. Known for its rapid growth, resistance to conventional therapies, and poor prognosis, ATC has historically had limited treatment options. However, recent studies, including groundbreaking research by Dr. Maria Cabanillas and colleagues at MD Anderson Cancer Center, have highlighted the …
In the world of oncology, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of certain B-cell malignancies like lymphomas and leukemias. But a recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine has opened the door to an entirely new application: using CAR T-cell therapy to treat severe autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus …
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of blood cancer originating in the plasma cells of the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal plasma cells. This accumulation disrupts normal blood cell production and results in a range of complications, such as bone pain, anemia, kidney issues, and increased infection risk. Historically, treatment options for …
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 …