In The News

Christopher R. Oxner, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Austin Central and Cedar Park, shares insights about histotripsy, a minimally invasive technique that destroys liver tumors using ultrasound waves. He compares the precision of histotripsy to a "3D printer" as it moves around the lesion and emphasizes the exciting potential of this new treatment in offering more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Gustavo Guajardo Salinas, M.D., Discusses Innovative Robotic Lung Resection Surgery

Susana Wellman, a 46-year-old mother of two, was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer during her first routine colonoscopy in 2023, but under the care of a comprehensive team at Texas Oncology, she underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, ultimately becoming cancer-free. Now, Susana emphasizes the importance of routine cancer screenings and shares her story to offer hope and awareness about colorectal cancer, especially for those under 50.

Recent research indicates that colorectal cancer — among other cancers — is on the rise in younger adults, an emerging and troubling trend for oncologists. Victor H. Barnica, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists-North Cypress and Tomball, shares why it’s crucial for adults of all ages to become more informed about their colorectal health and learn to recognize signs and symptoms.

Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin, explains that certain patient characteristics, such as normal liver function and overall health, play crucial roles in determining candidacy for histotripsy, a liver-directed treatment, which is not a replacement for existing cancer care methods. He also emphasizes that this treatment should be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan and is ideally suited for tumors under 4 centimeters, while cases of spread beyond the liver must be carefully managed by a multidisciplinary team.

Shaun P. McKenzie, MD, FACS, a surgical oncologist with Texas Oncology, explained that histotripsy, a novel technique using high-frequency ultrasound waves to destroy tumors, is currently used in the liver due to its durability and experience with ablative therapy. While histotripsy shows promise in destroying liver tumors, longer-term data on recurrence rates and overall survival are still needed to fully assess its effectiveness.

Kelli E. Ivy, MSN, FNP-BC, OCN, Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, and Nayyar T. Syed, M.D., Texas Oncology–Pittsburg and Sulphur Springs, discuss how research in oncology is increasingly focusing on personalized cancer prevention and treatment through genetic testing, which helps individuals understand their unique DNA and the associated risks for certain cancers. By identifying harmful genetic variants—both inherited and acquired—individuals can make informed health decisions regarding early detection and prevention, with guidance from genetic professionals to navigate testing processes and implications for cancer management.

The American Cancer Society's latest report reveals some promising trends in cancer care. From 1991 to 2022, the cancer mortality rate in the U.S. dropped by an impressive 34%! Advances in tobacco control, improved screenings, and innovative treatments have played crucial roles in this progress. However, it's important to note that the number of cancer cases continues to rise, particularly among women and younger adults. Jeff Yorio, M.D., Texas Oncology-Austin Central shared insights on KTBC-TV’s (FOX, Austin) “HealthBeat” segment highlighting concerning trends in female breast cancer and colorectal cancer diagnoses in those under 50.

Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin, shared information on a new, noninvasive treatment for liver tumors called histotripsy. Dr. McKenzie discussed how histotripsy works, why it matters to cancer patients, and the significance in the marketplace, particularly in light of the significant rise in liver cancer incidence in the United States.