In The News

A global phase 3 clinical trial planning to evaluate an mRNA vaccine for the treatment of patients with high-risk melanoma that have already undergone surgery is underway. Jeff Yorio, M.D., medical oncologist and central Texas research leader for Texas Oncology, discussed with Targeted Oncology the unmet needs in this patient group and plans for this phase 3 study.

Jeff Yorio, M.D., lead trial investigator at Texas Oncology-Austin Central joined KTBC-TV’s (FOX, Austin) “HealthBeat” segment to discuss the new clinical trial using mRNA technology to prevent melanoma reoccurrence. Dr. Yorio shared more about the status of patient enrollment, why this clinical trial is so unique, and the likelihood of this vaccine going to market within the next few years.

While the prospect of cancer recurrence may evoke feelings of fear, anger, or uncertainty, it’s also good to remember that feelings of hope and resilience can coexist. Hope Engelbrecht, M.D., Texas Oncology–Cedar Park, Round Rock North and Abhilasha Patel, M.D., Texas Oncology–Houston Willowbrook Radiation Oncology, explain that understanding the nature of recurrence, addressing the emotional and practical concerns to cope with the diagnosis, and actively engaging in treatment decisions, one can navigate the journey of cancer recurrence with support, strength, and perseverance.
 

“If you listen to your body, when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream,” said 27-year-old colon cancer patient of Rachel A. Weinheimer’s, M.D., FACS, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists-Amarillo. This Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, the two joined KAMR-TV (NBC, Amarillo) to discuss how colorectal cancer is on the rise among young adults – sharing with viewers how early detection is key, what signs and symptoms to watch for and the benefits of Texas Oncology offering comprehensive care along with an individualized treatment plan to patients.

Texas Oncology has enrolled patients in a phase 3 clinical trial testing an mRNA vaccine for stage II-IV melanoma that has been surgically resected. Jeff Yorio, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central and trial investigator, shares with KVUE-TV the goal of the trial and what patients are eligible, why mRNA technology is innovative and exciting in cancer care, and how personalization of cancer treatment helps target patients’ individual cancers.

Texas Oncology has enrolled patients in an innovative stage 3 clinical trial testing an mRNA vaccine for melanoma treatment. Jeff Yorio, M.D., Texas Oncology-Austin Central, shared how the melanoma vaccine is created, what results are expected and what the trial could mean for the future of melanoma treatment.

Heather King, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists-Austin Lakeway and West 37th Street joined KTBC-TV’s (FOX, Austin) “HealthBeat” segment to discuss the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, given Oliva Munn’s recent diagnosis. Dr. King shared with viewers the different statistical models to test for breast cancer risk, the gold standard of screening, how mammograms are the roadmap to the breast and explained what Luminal B cancer is.

Tyler Snedden, M.D., Texas Oncology-Clifton, Horizon Circle, and Waco, shares with viewers the recent increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in younger people, emphasizing how “cancer is no longer an ‘old person’s disease’” and sharing symptoms patients should look out for. Revendy Rhodes, a patient of Thomas Harris, M.D., Texas Oncology-Groesbeck and Waco, shares his colorectal cancer treatment journey as well as the importance of screenings.

The need for coordinated and collaborative efforts to provide care to cancer patients during and after an extreme weather event is imperative. Vivek Kavadi, radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology–Sugar Land expalains the importance of continued care during a climate event, “We’re in the cancer business. What we do is not optional.” 

Thiru V. Lakshman, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists-Austin Central and Austin North, joined KTBC-TV's (FOX, Austin) Rebecca Thomas to talk about risks and prevention this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.