October 2021 Vol 7 No 5

A thoughtful poem by Di Stuppy, who was diagnosed with stage II ductal carcinoma at age 45.

Long-term survivors face unique challenges, such as endocrine resistance, but thanks to advances in research and clinical trials, new options can help face these problems, says Di Stuppy.

Roberta Smigel, who works in biotechnology, has had family members, friends, and colleagues touched by cancer. She made this painting in hopes of one day finding a cure for this disease that affects so many.

Choosing to shave her head gave Michelle Nickol a sense of empowerment over her life as she took matters into her hands and fought back against the hair loss during chemotherapy.

In September 2021, the FDA approved Cabometyx (cabozantinib) for the treatment of patients aged 12 years or older with locally advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer that progressed after VEGFR-targeted therapy who cannot use, or whose disease is not responding to, radioactive iodine therapy.

Catherine North has been living with stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer for more than 5 years. She describes her positive experience in a clinical trial, which she highly recommends to people facing similar circumstances.

In her introduction to the October issue, coinciding with the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lillie D. Shockney reflects on her own breast cancer experience and urges people to tell their loved ones to schedule screening mammograms.

In September, the FDA approved Tivdak (tisotumab vedotin) for the treatment of women with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer that progressed during or after chemotherapy. This is the first tissue factor–directed antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate approved for women with advanced cervical cancer.

James D. Bond describes his crucial experience in a clinical trial and thanks the devoted care of his wife Kathleen and the medical team for his continued success in battling this deadly blood cancer.