To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
Explore the world of melanoma, a formidable form of skin cancer, through our dedicated “Melanoma” subcategory. Gain valuable insights into the causes, risk factors, and early detection of melanoma. Dive deep into the latest advancements in melanoma treatment options, including surgical interventions, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Whether you’re seeking information for prevention, diagnosis, or support, this subcategory is your trusted resource for comprehensive knowledge about melanoma. Together, we’ll navigate this journey toward melanoma awareness and effective management.
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. …
For patients with advanced melanoma who have exhausted standard treatment options, new therapies offer much-needed hope. On November 21, 2024, Replimune Group, Inc. announced that its breakthrough oncolytic immunotherapy, RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec), in combination with nivolumab, received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA. The FDA also accepted a Biologics License Application (BLA) for RP1 under …
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 …
Stage III melanoma means the cancer has spread beyond the original tumor to nearby areas but hasn’t reached distant parts of the body. The prognosis for Stage III melanoma varies depending on several factors, including the extent of lymph node involvement, the presence of in-transit or satellite lesions, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment for …
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024 conference was a remarkable event, bringing together leading minds in oncology to discuss the latest breakthroughs and research in cancer treatment. This year’s conference was particularly notable for the innovative approaches presented in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, a challenging and aggressive form of skin cancer. In …
Navigating the unpredictable waves of cancer treatment with our patients is not just a professional journey but a deeply personal experience that binds us together in shared hope and resilience. This week, I found myself reflecting on the incredible journey of a young 40 year old patient I’ve been caring for over the past six …
Last week, we heard the tremendous news regarding the FDA approval of Lifileucel for metastatic melanoma refractory to prior immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In this article, let’s focus on an uncommon melanoma subtype in the general population that we routinely see in practice. In the realm of oncology, the fight against cancer continually evolves, marked …
On February 16th 2024, after a roughly 2-3 year wait fully aware of the data and the patient beneficial long term outcomes in a subset of patients, the FDA finally announced the approval of the first cellular therapy approved for solid tumors and specifically TIL in treatment refractory malignant melanoma. TIL using Amtagvi (Lifileucel) is …
This is a new modified TIL protocol developed by Obsidian Therapeutics now open for enrollment at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. All information provided here are from public sources and the protocol details can be found here. Please reach out to Karin Donaldson if interest in seeking this trial. This current protocol is specific for …
I am very excited to announce the opening of a new Cellular Therapy by Tscan Therapeutics using TCR protocol at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute (OHCI) targeting Melanoma, Head/Neck Cancer, NSCLC, Ovarian, and HPV positive Anal-Cervical SCC. Information for this new open clinical trial was provided from a public source. Please reach out to Karin …