June 2019 Vol 5 No 3
Therese Verner created this painting when her daughter had breast cancer. Now its positive message of healing helps Therese again as she undergoes her own treatment for breast cancer. Read More ›
In April 2019, the FDA approved Balversa, an FGFR kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of adults with advanced or metastatic bladder cancer and an FGFR genetic alteration, as determined by an FDA-approved diagnostic test. This is the first FDA-approved targeted drug for patients with this specific genetic mutation. Read More ›
By Jack Elliott
In June 2019, the FDA announced a new program called “Project Facilitate” that is designed exclusively for patients with advanced cancer who have exhausted all available treatment options and are unable to participate in clinical trials. Through this program, the FDA will assist doctors and patients to overcome barriers to accessing experimental cancer drugs. Read More ›
After the shock of being diagnosed with advanced-stage brain cancer, oncology nurse Sherry Moore’s outlook on life and her approach to her patients changed profoundly. She also learned that it was okay to be happy, angry, sad, or scared, and that grief was fluid. Read More ›
Genetics play an important role in cancer treatments today. Working with genetic counselors helps to determine if a patient’s cancer has a genetic component, which will influence treatment decisions. Genetic counselor Megan Mortenson explains how genetic counseling may help you or your loved one. Read More ›
After being diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in 2017, Stephen C. Aldrich realized his treatment options were limited to improving his quality of life but not extending his life. Determined to find a better option, he embarked on a mission to get his data to help design a new vaccine that resulted in his cancer remission. Read his story to find out why all patients with cancer should gain direct control over their data to identify the best treatment options for them. Read More ›
Two-time breast cancer survivor and breast cancer expert Lillie Shockney offers insightful advice to mothers with metastatic disease on how not to burden their teens with heavy expectations, and instead allow them to have “teenager time.” Read More ›
By Dana Taylor
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in adults. Recently, several new drug combinations without chemotherapy have been approved by the FDA for patients with CLL, providing patients new options when their cancer stops responding to current treatment. Read More ›
Hand-foot skin reactions are a type of side effect associated with targeted therapies, a newer type of cancer treatment. Oncology nurse navigator Cheryl Bellomo recommends strategies to ease the pain and skin sensitivity associated with these reactions. Read More ›