In The News

Since the pandemic, the emotional value of pets has grown. Whether it be companionship, motivation, or encouragement during challenging times, this special bond, known as the “pet effect,” can improve overall human health, especially for people with cancer. Ashwani Agarwal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Corsicana, Sabarina K. Ramanathan, M.D., Texas Oncology–Sugar Land, Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center and Travis Cox, M.D., Texas Oncology–Harker Heights, Marble Falls, and Round Rock North share how pets offer companionship, motivation to stay physically active, and positive encouragement during challenging times, especially for people with cancer.

Texas Oncology unveiled a new art installation at Texas Oncology–Wichita Falls Cancer Center. Local artist and chief radiation therapist for the center, Nell Nations, painted the statue of a large horse named Hope.

There’s a new addition to the beautiful painted fiberglass horses around Wichita Falls at the Texas Oncology Center, and it has a very meaningful message for its patients. A chief radiation therapist at Texas Oncology showcased her art through a painted horse named Hope to represent brightness in tough times for cancer patients.

Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology, discussed the use of digital health systems, particularly at Texas Oncology locations, and how it can help patients and providers strengthen their relationships.

When you receive a cancer diagnosis, “grateful” typically isn’t the first word that comes to mind, but for Ken Laney, 66, the sentiment has been an integral theme throughout his melanoma journey. Under the care of Dr. Christopher Oxner, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists—Austin Central, Cedar Park, and South Austin, Ken received three surgeries to remove the skin cancer from his ankle. More than one year after his cancer diagnosis and treatment, Ken remains cancer free and continues to express his gratitude for his health, his family, and the cancer care he received at Texas Oncology. “I’m grateful for the care I received. I’m grateful to have ended up with a good outcome. I am grateful for all that I have,” he said.

Understanding that patients who are HER2-low are different from patients who are HER2-positive and -negative means having the right way to evaluate and identify these patients, explained Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology.

It doesn’t take long to get a sunburn in Central Texas, and too much sun can lead to skin cancer, according to Dr. Jeff Yorio, Texas Oncology–Austin Central. Dr. Yorio discusses how to lower your risk of skin cancer amid Texas summers with high UV exposure. 

Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology, has been nominated for the 2022 Narratives in Oncology – a special issue introduced by the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s. Each year since 2012, from among ASCO’s approximately 45,000-strong global membership, 10 leaders have been nominated by their peers to be recognized in Narratives.

Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology, conducted interview after interview during the ASCO annual meeting to explain the significance of the meeting's largest trial, DESTINY-Breast04. The trial will be a game changer for patients with advanced HER2-low breast cancer.

Previously, patients with low expression of HER2 were categorized as HER2-negative, but adding the HER2-low classification creates new opportunities for patients with advanced breast cancer, explained Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology.