In The News

Stage IV lung cancer patient Rebecca Hill discusses the clinical trial that saved her life, thanks to Dr. Katherine Wang, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology-Presbyterian Cancer Center Dallas. Dr. Debra Patt, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central, advocates for treatments under a clear research protocol or that have demonstrated efficacy and safety under the FDA.

Dr. Phillip Chae, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–Midland Allison Cancer Center, discusses misconceptions about breast cancer he commonly hears from patients and the truth behind the myths.

Journal of Clinical Pathways spoke with Dr. Houston Holmes of Texas Oncology–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center about the utility and accessibility of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies in the community setting. Dr. Holmes explained the toxicities associated with these therapies and how the next generation of products aim to decrease such toxicities.

Fifteen years ago, cancer treatment was the main role of oncologists, but the paradigm has shifted to include the support of patients through chronic phases of treatment. Dr. Debra Patt of Texas Oncology–Austin Central discusses how the management of cancer is evolving and efforts Texas Oncology has implemented to support that shift within the patient population.

Those battling breast cancer now have more options when it comes to making the decision of what is the best treatment for their breast cancer. Dr. Thomas Harris, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–Waco, says there are tests available that will help physicians determine whether a patient can skip chemotherapy as a form of cancer treatment for a multitude of cancers.

New breakthrough treatments are saving lives - while often improving quality of life - and these medical advances often follow clinical trials, which allow oncologists to discover better ways to treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer. Dr. Alvaro Restrepo, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–McAllen, discusses seven reasons to consider participating in a clinical trial.

David Tull was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 and continued to have high PSA test results over the course of 15 years, indicating the cancer was not completely gone. David relocated to Cedar Park, Texas a few years ago and began seeing Dr. Courtney Sheinbein, radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology–Round Rock Seton Williamson. Under Dr. Sheinbein's care, David received precise radiation treatment and his PSA has since dropped to a near zero, the lowest it’s ever been and a test result he’s waited over 15 years to hear.

Drs. Araneda and Sarhill, medical oncologists at Texas Oncology–Harlingen, discuss eight lifestyle choices that can play a key role in preventing or detecting cancer early, when it is most treatable.

New research suggests many women with the most common form of early-stage breast cancer can safely skip chemotherapy without hurting their chances of beating the disease. Dr. Miguel Albino of Texas Oncology–El Paso Cancer Treatment Center says this study could mean less burden for patients, both financially and in regard to treatment side effects.

Being declared cancer-free is something to celebrate. But for many patients, that milestone comes with a mix of emotions – joy, anger, relief, sadness, confusion, and even guilt. Dr. Sandhya Bejjanki, medical oncologist with Texas Oncology–Cleburne, discusses advancements in medicine and technology that make it easier for patients to declare themselves cancer thrivers, not mere survivors.