Author: atif

As the host of this podcast episode, we delved into the important topic of colorectal cancer and the disparities that exist in different patient populations. We were joined by Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab, a medical oncologist, and Ms. Deneen Richmond, a patient advocate and nurse. Deneen shared her personal journey with rectal cancer, highlighting the challenges faced by patients, especially those from underrepresented minority backgrounds.

Dr. Bekaii-Saab discussed the disparities in access to colorectal cancer screening and treatments, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention. Both guests highlighted the barriers to screening, including stigma, lack of awareness, and trust issues within communities of color.

The conversation also touched on the rising trend of colorectal cancer in younger patients and the need for tailored education and awareness campaigns. Dr. Bekaii-Saab emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement in raising awareness about colorectal cancer.

Overall, the episode underscored the need for healthcare providers to listen to their patients, address disparities, and work towards improving access to screening and treatment options. The guests emphasized the importance of collaboration, education, and advocacy in ensuring better outcomes for all patients affected by colorectal cancer.

In this episode of the Oncology Brothers podcast, we delved into the world of localized treatment options for gastrointestinal malignancies. Hosts Drs. Rahul and Rohit Gosain were joined by experts in the field, including Drs. Nina Sanford, Jeff Ryckman, and Harris Chengazi, who provided insights from the perspectives of radiation oncology and interventional radiology.

The discussion covered the basics of radiation oncology terminology, such as SRS, SBRT, and proton therapy, highlighting the advancements in treatment modalities over the past decade. Dr. Sanford emphasized the evolution of radiation therapy for liver cancer, particularly HCC, due to technological advancements like SRS and SBRT.

Dr. Ryckman discussed the considerations for liver-directed therapy in patients with HCC, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and patient-specific treatment decisions. He highlighted the role of SBRT for larger tumors with macrovascular invasion and the need for collaboration between radiation oncologists and interventional radiologists.

Dr. Chengazi provided insights into the interventional radiology toolkit, discussing various techniques like percutaneous ablation, chemoembolization, and radioembolization for liver tumors. He emphasized the complexity of treatment decisions based on tumor characteristics and patient factors.

The hosts concluded by stressing the significance of a multidisciplinary approach in cancer care, where collaboration between medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and interventional radiologists is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. The episode underscored the importance of understanding and utilizing the available local treatment modalities to provide personalized care for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.

As hosts of the Oncology Brothers podcast, we had the privilege of discussing newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with Dr. Caitlin Costello from UC San Diego. Dr. Costello emphasized the importance of updated diagnostic criteria and highlighted the shift towards identifying biomarkers for early intervention. She stressed the significance of a comprehensive workup including blood tests, bone imaging, and bone marrow biopsy.

When it comes to treatment, Dr. Costello emphasized the individualized approach based on risk stratification and patient characteristics. For transplant-eligible patients, quadruplet therapy with daratumumab was recommended for better outcomes. For transplant-ineligible patients, triplet therapy with lenalidomide and dexamethasone was suggested, with a focus on tolerability and durability of response.

The discussion also touched on monitoring response post-induction therapy, with a focus on minimal residual disease (MRD) as a potential surrogate endpoint. Dr. Costello highlighted the importance of maintaining MRD negativity and the ongoing research in this area. The conversation also delved into maintenance therapy post-transplant, with considerations for standard-risk and high-risk patients.

In cases of multiple myeloma with renal failure, Dr. Costello recommended an urgent start with a combination of monoclonal antibody, bortezomib, and dexamethasone to address kidney damage caused by light chains. The episode concluded with practical tips for community oncologists, including the importance of discontinuing dexamethasone, monitoring biomarkers, and providing prophylaxis for potential complications.

Overall, the episode provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of multiple myeloma treatment, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches and ongoing research to improve patient outcomes. Stay tuned to the Oncology Brothers podcast for more updates in hematology oncology.