News Articles

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.

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.
 

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.

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. 

Dr. Ted Voloyiannis, a Houston colon and rectal surgeon at Texas Oncology, participated in a surgical simulation on the International Space Station. “Nobody ever thought, me included, that one day I would be able to do remote surgery out of this world,” Dr. Voloyiannis said. “That tells you how our capabilities and technology modes have progressed in medicine and surgery.”

 

The mental health struggle that accompanies a cancer diagnosis is real, and the burden of dealing with so many conflicting emotions falls not only on the patients but also on their caregivers, families, friends, and physicians. Kathryn E. Hudson, M.D., director of survivorship and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology-Austin Central explains the complex picture of emotions patients feel throughout their cancer journey and why mental health support should be a part of all cancer care.

Fredella Prather, 59, never had a colonoscopy until she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the fall of 2020. Her diagnosis came shortly after her best friend Trudy lost her own battle with cancer; watching Trudy’s journey gave Fredella strength to persevere and advocate for herself throughout treatment, reminding her to accept help and support from others. Fredella underwent chemotherapy and radiation followed by a robotic-assisted surgery to remove her tumor. Today, her scans are clear, and she advocates for cancer screenings with her friends and family whenever she can.

A small surgical robot at the International Space Station completed its first surgery demo in zero gravity last week, and one of the surgeons tasked with the remote robotic operations on simulated tissue was Houston-based Theodoros Voloyiannis, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, a colorectal surgeon at Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists. 

Scans are an essential part of cancer treatment and survivorship care, so recognizing and managing scanxiety is essential to help patients get the care they need. Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin and Antonio Nathan Villamor III, M.D., colorectal surgeon, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Pasadena, explain that while colonoscopies often have a reputation for being stressful, painful, or embarrassing, this common procedure is usually quick and can be done under different types of anesthesia.