Oncology Insights: Your Questions Answered
🧩 About the Feature: Navigating the intricacies of oncology can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle. Our ‘Ask a Question’ feature is designed to help you find the missing pieces. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Landau, seasoned oncologists, are here to address your general queries about hematology and oncology. Whether you’re a patient, caretaker, or just curious, this platform is for you.
🧩 How to Use:
- Compose Your Question: Enter your Name and email address. Type your question below in the message box.
- Stay General: While we’re eager to help, remember to keep your questions general. Avoid sharing personal medical records or specific details. In addition, if you questions then likely many patients have the same question and we would like to post the questions and answers.
- Submit: Once you’re ready, hit ‘Ask MedOncMD’. Your question will be sent to our expert panel.
- Wait for a Response: Dr. Thomas or Dr. Landau will review and respond to your query. Check back to see their insights and recommendations. We are hoping to answer your questions as soon as possible.
- Engage: Feel free to engage with the responses, ask follow-up questions, or share your appreciation.
🔔 Note: This platform aims to provide general information and guidance. For detailed medical advice tailored to personal health circumstances, please consult a healthcare professional in person. All interactions here are governed by our site’s privacy policy and terms of use.
🧩 Dive into the world of oncology with us, piece by piece, and let’s complete the puzzle together. 🧩
Name:
nidhi
Message:
What is the difference between immunotherapy and chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is like a strong weed killer; it targets and kills rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, boosts your body’s own immune system, helping it recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. So, while chemotherapy directly attacks cancer, immunotherapy empowers your body to do the fighting.
Name:
Sam
Message:
I have Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma and my treatments are no longer working. I had immunotherapy and targeted therapy with keytruda, braftovi, mektovi. My oncologist says he has no other options. Is there anything else to consider for treatment?
I am sorry to hear about your situation. The good news is that there are several options to consider depending on your situation, tumor burden, prior toxicities you may have had. Per the nccn guidelines, yervoy/opdivo, clinical trials, TIL or TCR Cellular therapy under clinical trials that are ongoing, intratumoral therapies and chemotherapies are all potential options. Consider 2nd opinion to the closest cancer institutions with a melanoma dedicated medical oncologist in your area. Treatments can still be given locally with your local medical oncologist.
Name:
Chloe
Message:
What is the likelihood of recurrence for patients with stage II, fully resected melanoma? And what are your recommendations for prevention/follow up?
Recurrence risk is approximately 10-30% depending if stage IIA vs IIB vs IIC. Typically we would discuss the stage, prognosis, recurrence risk, signs and symptoms of recurrence, surveillance plan with periodic imaging, skin exams with dermatology, possibly ctdna, and consider adjuvant immunotherapy or just observation alone.
Name:
Karin Donaldson
Message:
What are common side effects of immune therapy?
Immunotherapy works by helping the immune system recognize and combat cancer cells. Because of this, its side effects can be different from those of other cancer treatments. Common side effects of immunotherapy include:
Fatigue, where patients feel tired or drained. Skin reactions might appear, such as rashes, itching, or blisters. Digestive issues can manifest as diarrhea, nausea, or changes in appetite. Some people experience respiratory symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Muscle or joint pain can result in general aches and discomfort. Fever or elevated body temperature might occur. Persistent or severe headaches are possible. Hormonal changes can lead to symptoms like weight changes, mood fluctuations, or hair thinning. Inflammation in various organs, like the liver, lungs, kidneys, or colon, might lead to a range of symptoms. Infusion reactions, where symptoms like fever, chills, or body aches can occur after getting the treatment through an IV, are also possible.
It’s crucial to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary. If someone is undergoing immunotherapy and notices any new or worsening symptoms, they should immediately consult their doctor.
Name:
Marie
Message:
Where can I find information about clinical trials at and the locations of those trials?
Information about clinical trials and their locations can be found in several reputable sources:
- ClinicalTrials.gov: This is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. You can search for trials by condition, medication, and location.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): If you’re specifically interested in cancer trials, NCI has a database of ongoing studies, and you can search based on the type of cancer, age of the patient, and stage of the disease.
- World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform: This offers a searchable database of clinical trials being conducted worldwide.
- CenterWatch: This provides information about clinical trials by medical condition or geographic location. It also offers resources for clinical trial volunteers.
- Specific Hospitals and Universities: Major academic medical centers and specialized cancer centers often have their clinical trial listings on their websites. If you have a particular institution in mind, you can visit their website or contact their clinical trial office directly.
- Cancer advocacy groups and foundations: Many organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, have resources dedicated to clinical trials.
When considering participation in a clinical trial, it’s always recommended to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the best option for your specific situation.
Name:
Dawn
Message: My son is stage 4 with mets in his lungs and on an adrenal gland. He got the mets on Opdivo. Dr. switched him to Opdualag. After 3 months mets are stable except the adrenal grew slightly. When he went to get his 4th infusion, we were informed his insurance hadn’t paid them. He is on Medicaid. They said it was because they didn’t have a code and they were working on it. He hasn’t had a treatment for 2 months now. What do we do? He’s started coughing again and I fear his mets are growing. Thank you.
I’m truly sorry to hear about your son’s situation. It’s essential to prioritize communication with both the treating physician and the insurance company. Your oncologist’s office should have a financial counselor or patient advocate who can help navigate insurance issues. In some instances, pharmaceutical companies may have patient assistance programs that can support patients during such insurance gaps. BMS and Merck have excellent PAPs to assist in these situations. It’s crucial to keep the medical team informed about any changes in symptoms or health status. Treatment considerations with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, other forms of immunotherapy, clinical trials will depend on your son’s unique situation such as the specific tumor type (lung, melanoma?) his performance status, extent of disease, symptoms, prior treatment history, etc. Palliative radiotherapy can also be considered to treat a tumor causing a focus symptom such as bleeding, pain or coughing. Seeking a 2nd opinion at an academic center or hospital that will accept his insurance is probably another option.
However, please remember that I am not your son’s treating physician and cannot provide specific medical advice. The information provided is general and for informational purposes only. It’s imperative that you consult with your son’s local oncologist or treating physician for personalized advice and guidance regarding his care especially if he has progressive symptoms. I sincerely hope this helps!