In The News

As oncology practices transition to value-based care, they are challenged to take a more holistic approach to patient care. Fortunately, there are many examples of practices participating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Oncology Care Model (OCM) that have made impactful workflow changes to achieve cost and quality improvements. Debra Patt, M.D., PH.D., MBA, a medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, serves as the Executive Vice President for Public Policy, Payer Relations, and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Oncology. Dr. Patt joins the Race to Value podcast to discuss the new era of value-based care and its trajectory for the future of patient care.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer survivor Nancy Drexler sat down with KCEN-TV (NBC, Waco) to discuss her diagnosis, treatment, and experience. After being diagnosed at age 49, she underwent a mastectomy, radiation, and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. By her 50^th birthday, she was cancer-free. Now, she urges everyone to be diligent about their regular screenings and check-ups to find the disease as early as possible.

Among patients receiving chemotherapy, symptom monitoring with electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) is associated with improved clinical outcomes, satisfaction, and compliance with therapy. Debra Patt, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, medical oncologist, and executive vice president, public policy, payer relations, and strategic initiatives at Texas Oncology and Amila Patel, Pharm.D., oncology pharmacist and chief clinical officer at Navigating Cancer, provided insights on the implementation and effectiveness of ePROs for patients with cancer.

Exciting research in oncology is shifting toward a more personalized approach to cancer prevention and treatment – starting with genetics. Jennifer West, MSN, RN, AGNP-BC, CMSRN, nurse practitioner at Texas Oncology–Fort Worth Cancer Center explains how the genetic blueprint that determines your hair and eye color also shapes your risk for developing certain diseases, such as cancer.

The stubborn truth about lung cancer is that it remains the deadliest cancer in Texas and the United States. November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, is the time to learn more about the risks of lung cancer – even if you don’t smoke – and get the support you need to prioritize your lung health. Travis Cox, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology-Harker Heights and Texas Oncology-Round Rock North, and Sanjay Sethi, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology-El Campo and Texas Oncology-Sugar Land explain the risk factors of lung cancer, importance of screenings and steps to take to protect your lung health.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, women from all over the world continue to inspire many. Sylvia Guerra Fortuin, two-time breast cancer survivor, who was first diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2013 then again in 2019, shares her journey on keeping up with your mammograms. Sylvia’s physician, Alvaro Restrepo, M.D. of Texas Oncology-McAllen, further explains the importance of early detection, self-examinations starting at age 18 and advocates for routine checkups.

A diagnosis, treatment plan, or return of breast cancer can impact all aspects of your life. As you adjust to the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with cancer, you also must decide when and how to tell your family, friends, and broader support system. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Jingdong Su, M.D., Ph.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Jacksonville, shares suggestions for managing difficult conversations about breast cancer treatment. 

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast and ovarian cancer survivor and Texas Oncology patient, Nancy Drexler, spoke with KWTX-TV (CBS, Waco) to share her story and advocate for cancer awareness. During the interview, Nancy encourages others to remember self-examinations, schedule routine screenings and mammograms, and consider genetic testing if diagnosed. She also advocates for men to be aware of their risks for breast cancer. Throughout her journey, Nancy has made it her mission to bring happiness to others by dressing up in holiday costumes and visiting Texas Oncology to brighten the spirits of staff members and patients alike.

Women have long heard about the importance of checking themselves for breast cancer. But what’s the best way to do so? For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sasha Strain, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Jacksonville shares tips and tricks for how to best perform a self-exam and when to bring concerns to your physician. 

Michelina Cairo, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Houston Memorial City discusses the results of the randomized phase III DESTINY-Breast03 study and it's possible impact on HER2-positive breast cancer patients. This research was presented at the 2021 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress.