Media Outlet: Austin American-Statesman
6/26/2022- In March 2016, Mark Balderas, 58, bought himself the ultimate toy — a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle that he named ‘Priscilla’. The very next day, he was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer. ‘Priscilla’ sat in the garage for five years, unridden. Throughout his cancer journey, Mark turned to his family, faith, local community, and Texas Oncology team led by Dr. Hareesha Vemuganti, Texas Oncology—Round Rock North and Cedar Park to overcome the most difficult of odds. As part of his treatment plan, Dr. Vemuganti introduced immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own defense mechanisms and immune system to attack cancer cells. Mark had “an extremely successful response” to the immunotherapy treatment and remains closely monitored by his care team. Today, his scans are clear, and he finally took ‘Priscilla’ out of the garage for a ride.
6/22/2022- Texas Oncology physicians are helping lead the way to better cancer care through research. At the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting our team presented groundbreaking cancer research and shared diverse perspectives on the future of cancer care. Here are three highlights from Texas Oncology at ASCO 2022.
Media Outlet: Austin Business Journal
6/17/2022- A cancer diagnosis is not necessarily the death sentence it once was–yet there’s no denying that the personal and professional challenges can be immense. Medical professionals Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, executive vice president, public policy, payer relations, and strategic initiatives, Texas Oncology, Julie Sprunt, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists–Austin and Bastrop, Michael Teneriello, M.D., FACOG, Texas Oncology–Austin Central and South Austin, and Ryan Tierney, M.D., Texas Oncology–South Austin joined the Austin Business Journal to discuss the Cancer Moonshot Initiative and share about their work to reach a singular goal: to deliver care to cancer patients so they can live their lives on their own terms. The resulting article relays how the four physicians perceive the future of innovation and access to quality cancer care for patients, as well as what Texas Oncology is doing to deliver high-quality, innovative care in a community setting as an example of how Austin physicians can become involved with national initiative.
6/15/2022- EL PASO, Texas (June 15, 2022) – Texas Oncology announced today the expansion of its radiation oncology services in El Paso through an agreement to acquire the radiation assets at Del Sol Medical Center.
6/15/2022- BEAUMONT, Texas (June 15, 2022) – Texas Oncology has broken ground on a new 32,000-square-foot cancer care center that will enhance the level of cancer care available to patients in Southeast Texas.
6/14/2022- Men’s lifestyle habits impact future health. That’s why it’s important for men to limit risky behaviors and jumpstart good ones. This National Men’s Health Week, here are some ways men can take control of their health and reduce their cancer risk.
6/6/2022- With better understanding of the human body, researchers have discovered ways to harness the power of the immune system to fight cancer through immunotherapy, a rapidly growing component of cancer treatment. In recognition of Immunotherapy Awareness Month in June, here are five things to know about immunotherapy and cancer.
Media Outlet: The ASCO Post
6/3/2022- Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, executive vice president of policy and strategic initiatives for Texas Oncology, discusses her path to becoming a physician, her career in oncology, and her perspective on the future of cancer care for The ASCO Post.
Media Outlet: Austin Medical Times
6/1/2022- Cancer affects men in all walks of life and doesn’t discriminate by age. In fact, one in two men will develop some type of cancer in his lifetime. Even for cancers typically diagnosed in later years, like lung cancer, prevention begins early. This National Men’s Health Month, Dr. Kyle Keyes, Texas Urology Specialists-Austin Midtown, Round Rock and South Austin is sharing important facts that men at any age should keep in mind and encouraging men to take control of their health.
5/26/2022- Texas Oncology has joined student researchers at The University of Texas to launch a study on The 5 Love Languages™ in relation to cancer care. Stephanie Broussard, director of palliative care and social work at Texas Oncology, shares how this study will look at ways loved ones can care for cancer patients based off their love language to improve their quality of life while fighting cancer.