Spent the last few weeks working on my latest essay. I have Spent years in healthcare. I’ve seen what happens when profit overshadows care. My new Medium post explains why we need robust public health solutions. Let’s fight for better outcomes—together! #Medsky #Oncology #HealthPolicy

Who’s Really Healing Us? The Dangers of Dismantling Government-Led Healthcare

I’ve spent my career in healthcare, and lately it feels like I’m watching a slow-motion demolition of the very structures that have…

medium.com

The NCCN now recognizes ctDNA as a high-risk factor for recurrence in colon/rectal cancer and as a tool in Merkel cell carcinoma. While promising, routine use outside trials isn’t recommended yet. ctDNA’s role in personalized care is evolving! 🧬✨ #ColonCancer #Oncology #Medsky #Research

NCCN Updates ctDNA Stance in Colon, Rectal, and MCC Guidelines

The NCCN guidelines have been updated to specify the standing of ctDNA as a biomarker in colon and rectal cancer, as well as in MCC.

onclive.com

SEASONAL INFLUENZA SURGING. Please take care The 2024–2025 flu season — which has sickened an estimated 24 million Americans so far — is in full swing. However, there’s more to come before the season peaks www.today.com/health/cold-...

Where is flu surging in the US? Some hospitals are overwhelmed in states with high rates

Flu has surged to high levels across the US, straining hospitals. Experts discuss 2024-25 flu season trends, symptoms to watch for, and how to stay safe.

today.com

Personalized cancer vaccines are making waves! A new study shows a novel vaccine may be effective in stage III/IV clear cell RCC, offering hope for tailored treatment. Could this be the future of RCC care? Would anti vaxxers even accept this or still prefer Ivermectin?🧬✨ #Cancer #Oncology #Medsky

Novel Personalized Cancer Vaccine May Be Effective in Patients With Stage III and IV Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Researchers have examined whether a novel personalized cancer vaccine can improve outcomes in patients with stage III or IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

ascopost.com

A new study suggests tracking tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) during radiation therapy may offer insights into prognosis and guide personalized treatment in breast cancer. Monitoring immune responses could refine therapy strategies for better outcomes. 🧬✨ #BreastCancer #CancerResearch

Longitudinal Assessment of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Primary Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have prognostic significance in several cancers, including breast cancer. Despite interest in combining radiation therapy with immunotherapy, little is known abou...

redjournal.org

With science falling under increasing attack, this medical historian is here to remind people of the power of #vaccines. THREAD🧵 Hard-hitting polio advert from 1958. In the first half of the 20th century, polio was the leading cause of death in children and young adults. 1/7

The FDA has granted accelerated approval to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) for adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive solid tumors who have received prior treatments . This approval offers new hope for patients with limited options. I love this drug! #BreastCancer #Oncology

FDA grants accelerated approval to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki for

On April 5, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.) for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HE...

fda.gov

I was set to enter a clinical trial in February. It's since been canceled. You are spot on with "cancer itself will not agree to such a delay." #Cansky

Dave Levitan@davelevitan.bsky.social · 2y ago

"...if NCI-supported trials really are delayed or suspended for a meaningful amount of time, that means delayed discoveries, delayed drug approvals, delayed potential treatments for people whose cancer will not itself agree to such a delay." I talk to multiple people inside NCI and NIH:

This week’s essay is inspired by the incredible support staff who make cancer care possible—and the tough reality of working without them. It takes a team to guide patients through their journey. Let’s not forget the value of every member of our healthcare Fellowship🧬✨ #Cancer #Oncology #Healthcare

It Takes a Fellowship: Why Support Staff Are the Unsung Heroes of Cancer Care

In my years of practice as an oncologist, I’ve come to realize that cancer care is not just about treating a disease — it’s about guiding people through one of the most challenging journeys of their…

medium.com

This came out decades ago but remains a true and simple depiction of grief.

Aspirin after completion of standard adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer (ASCOLT): a phase 3 international trial.’ This study found that aspirin 200 mg daily for 3 years was well tolerated but did not significantly improve disease-free survival 🧬✨ #Oncology #Cancer

Non-medical post: Onyx Storm dropped today, and my wife is already several chapters in. Every so often, I hear her say, ‘Just one more chapter,’ but we all know that’s book lover code for ‘leave snacks and back away slowly.’ It’s an art form, really. 📚😅 #OnyxStorm

My weekly essay is up, inspired by the countless moments this week spent calming anxious patients after early test results. Should oncologic results wait until the doctor’s appointment? Is instant access helping or hurting? Share your thoughts. 🧬✨ #Oncology #Hematology #Medsky

Stop the Spiral: How Early Test Results Are Hurting Cancer Patients

As an oncologist, I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. A patient gets their imaging results or tumor marker levels through their online portal days before we’re scheduled to meet. By the…

medium.com

The FDA has approved sotorasib with panitumumab for KRAS G12C-mutated colorectal cancer. This combo therapy tackles a previously ‘undruggable’ mutation, offering new hope for advanced cases. A major milestone in precision oncology! 🧬✨ #CancerResearch #OncologyNews

FDA Approves Sotorasib With Panitumumab for <em>KRAS</em> G12C–Mutated Colorectal Cancer

On January 16, the FDA approved a KRAS G12C inhibitor in combination with a monoclonal antibody for adult patients with KRAS G12C–mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved...

ascopost.com

Phase II TROPION-Lung04 study indicate that datopotamab deruxtecan shows promising efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced or metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have been previously treated. ADCs are coming! #LungCancer #Oncology

Datopotamab Deruxtecan in Advanced or Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer With Actionable Genomic Alterations: Results From the Phase II TROPION-Lung05 Study

PURPOSEDatopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) is a trophoblast cell-surface antigen-2–directed antibody-drug conjugate with a highly potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. The TROPION-Lung05 phase II tr...

ascopubs.org

My weekend essay inspired by a tough week of working with insurance. Two denials and one delayed treatment start. What is your experience with prior auths?

Time Is Life: Why Oncology Patients Can’t Afford Prior Authorizations

Prior authorizations (PAs) have evolved from a cost-containment strategy into one of the most significant barriers in oncology care today. By delaying access to life-saving treatments, these…

medium.com

Always good reminder that’s where there is a will there is a way. *It also blows my mind that research funding for pediatric cancer is on chopping block with this new Congress. This is money well spent

Pearl Freier@pearlf.bsky.social · 2y ago

Survival rates for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children were ∼10% in the 1960s & have risen to >90% as of the 2010s according to below. Thread below includes NEJM article: #biosky #oncsky

This study suggests that a negative PSMA PET scan can help avoid unnecessary pelvic lymph node dissection in intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients, potentially reducing treatment complications without compromising outcomes. #ProstateCancer #MedicalImaging

Negative PSMA PET can be used to avoid unnecessary pelvic lymph node dissection in intermediate risk prostate cancer - Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases - Negative PSMA PET can be used to avoid unnecessary pelvic lymph node dissection in intermediate risk prostate cancer

nature.com

Insurance denials and prior auths feel like trying to cross the Dead Marshes—every step forward is met with unseen obstacles dragging you down. Patients deserve a clear path to care, not to be lost in the bureaucracy. #Oncology #HealthcareFrustrations

It used to be the case that transplants were never done in cases of cancer (and for tragically practical reasons), so that it is now occasionally possible is a major step forwards: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

UK's first liver transplant for bowel cancer deemed a success

Bianca Perea, a 32-year-old trainee lawyer, is now

bbc.co.uk

My first article. What is your opinion?

At #1 in our countdown: ‘Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in HER2-Expressing Solid Tumors: Results From DESTINY-PanTumor02.’ This landmark trial expands the role of HER2-targeted therapy across multiple cancer types, marking a new frontier in precision medicine. 🧬✨ #OncologyPapers2024

Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in Patients With HER2-Expressing Solid Tumors: Primary Results From the DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II Trial

PURPOSETrastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is a human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)–directed antibody-drug conjugate approved in HER2-expressing breast and gastric cancers and HER2-mutant non–small-cell...

ascopubs.org

At #2 in our countdown: ‘Long-Term Results of Organ Preservation in Rectal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy: The OPRA Trial.’ This study highlights a step forward in organ preservation, showing promising long-term outcomes with reduced treatment intensity. 🧬✨ #OncologyPapers2024

Long-Term Results of Organ Preservation in Patients With Rectal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy: The Randomized Phase II OPRA Trial

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or sec...

ascopubs.org

At #3 in our countdown: ‘Lorlatinib vs. Crizotinib in Advanced ALK-Positive NSCLC: 5-Year Outcomes From the CROWN Study.’ This study confirms lorlatinib’s superior efficacy, improving long-term survival and quality of life for patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. 🧬✨ #OncologyPapers2024

Lorlatinib Versus Crizotinib in Patients With Advanced <i>ALK</i>-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: 5-Year Outcomes From the Phase III CROWN Study

PURPOSELorlatinib improved progression-free survival (PFS) and intracranial activity versus crizotinib in patients with previously untreated, advanced, ALK-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ...

ascopubs.org

At #4 in our countdown: ‘Darolutamide in Combination With Androgen-Deprivation Therapy in Patients With Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer.’ Results from the Phase III ARANOTE trial show significant efficacy, setting a new standard for combination therapy. 🧬✨ #CancerResearch2024

At #5 in our countdown: ‘Exagamglogene Autotemcel for Severe Sickle Cell Disease.’ This groundbreaking study demonstrates that 97% of patients treated with exa-cel were free from vaso-occlusive crises for at least 12 months, marking a significant advancement in gene therapy for sickle cell disease.

Exagamglogene Autotemcel for Severe Sickle Cell Disease | NEJM

Exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel) is a nonviral cell therapy designed to reactivate fetal hemoglobin synthesis by means of ex vivo clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR...

nejm.org

Exciting news! We’re counting down the top 5 most popular oncology papers of 2024Join me each as we explore the breakthroughs shaping cancer care. (Will add LOTR) doing for each of them From precision medicine to cutting-edge therapies, let’s dive into the science. 🧬✨ #TopOncologyPapers #2024Review

🩸 Liquid biopsy technology for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in lung cancer shows great promise, but is it ready for prime time? As we refine its accuracy and clinical utility, this tool could revolutionize early intervention and personalized care. #LungCancer #LiquidBiopsy

Liquid Biopsy Techniques Test Lung Cancer MRD Level

Luis E. Raez, MD, discusses the current liquid biopsy options for patients with lung cancer through assessing circulating tumor DNA.

targetedonc.com

Another Lung Cancer Update: FDA approves ensartinib for ALK+ NSCLC based on eXALT3 trial results: improved PFS (25.8m vs 12.7m, HR 0.56) and CNS response (64% vs 21%) compared to crizotinib, but no OS difference. Cost may limit its use. #LungCancer #Oncology

FDA approves ensartinib for ALK-positive locally advanced or metastati

On December 18, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved ensartinib (Ensacove, Xcovery Holdings, Inc.) for adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive locally advanced or meta...

fda.gov

The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy, highlighting its potential as a promising second-line treatment. #LungCancer #CancerResearch

FDA Grants Breakthrough Status to Sacituzumab Govitecan in ES-SCLC

The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to sacituzumab govitecan for patients with ES-SCLC progressing on platinum chemotherapy, supported by promising antitumor activity in the phase 2 TROPi...

targetedonc.com