Spent the last few weeks working on my latest essay. I have Spent years in healthcare. I’ve seen what happens when profit overshadows care. My new Medium post explains why we need robust public health solutions. Let’s fight for better outcomes—together! #Medsky #Oncology #HealthPolicy
drfranciscomd.bsky.social
drfranciscomd.bsky.social
@drfranciscomd.bsky.social
Practicing Hematologist & Oncologist + nerd = me. I break down cancer news and treatments, one Middle-earth metaphor at a time. Join me for facts, laughs, and Gandalf-level wisdom. Stanford ->MSKCC -> IU -> UA -> Kaiser SF -> Intermountain Alta View
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The NCCN now recognizes ctDNA as a high-risk factor for recurrence in colon/rectal cancer and as a tool in Merkel cell carcinoma. While promising, routine use outside trials isn’t recommended yet. ctDNA’s role in personalized care is evolving! 🧬✨ #ColonCancer #Oncology #Medsky #Research
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SEASONAL INFLUENZA SURGING. Please take care The 2024–2025 flu season — which has sickened an estimated 24 million Americans so far — is in full swing. However, there’s more to come before the season peaks www.today.com/health/cold-...
Personalized cancer vaccines are making waves! A new study shows a novel vaccine may be effective in stage III/IV clear cell RCC, offering hope for tailored treatment. Could this be the future of RCC care? Would anti vaxxers even accept this or still prefer Ivermectin?🧬✨ #Cancer #Oncology #Medsky
A new study suggests tracking tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) during radiation therapy may offer insights into prognosis and guide personalized treatment in breast cancer. Monitoring immune responses could refine therapy strategies for better outcomes. 🧬✨ #BreastCancer #CancerResearch
The FDA has granted accelerated approval to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) for adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive solid tumors who have received prior treatments . This approval offers new hope for patients with limited options. I love this drug! #BreastCancer #Oncology
This week’s essay is inspired by the incredible support staff who make cancer care possible—and the tough reality of working without them. It takes a team to guide patients through their journey. Let’s not forget the value of every member of our healthcare Fellowship🧬✨ #Cancer #Oncology #Healthcare
My weekly essay is up, inspired by the countless moments this week spent calming anxious patients after early test results. Should oncologic results wait until the doctor’s appointment? Is instant access helping or hurting? Share your thoughts. 🧬✨ #Oncology #Hematology #Medsky
The FDA has approved sotorasib with panitumumab for KRAS G12C-mutated colorectal cancer. This combo therapy tackles a previously ‘undruggable’ mutation, offering new hope for advanced cases. A major milestone in precision oncology! 🧬✨ #CancerResearch #OncologyNews
Phase II TROPION-Lung04 study indicate that datopotamab deruxtecan shows promising efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced or metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have been previously treated. ADCs are coming! #LungCancer #Oncology
My weekend essay inspired by a tough week of working with insurance. Two denials and one delayed treatment start. What is your experience with prior auths?
Always good reminder that’s where there is a will there is a way. *It also blows my mind that research funding for pediatric cancer is on chopping block with this new Congress. This is money well spent
Survival rates for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children were ∼10% in the 1960s & have risen to >90% as of the 2010s according to below. Thread below includes NEJM article: #biosky #oncsky
This study suggests that a negative PSMA PET scan can help avoid unnecessary pelvic lymph node dissection in intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients, potentially reducing treatment complications without compromising outcomes. #ProstateCancer #MedicalImaging
Using a negative PSMA PET scan to avoid surgery is like Faramir scouting the enemy’s movements in Ithilien. His vigilance prevents reckless attacks and ensures that Gondor’s forces act only when truly necessary. Strategic insight spares harm while achieving the mission. 🛡️🌿 #LOTRNerd #Prostatecancer
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It used to be the case that transplants were never done in cases of cancer (and for tragically practical reasons), so that it is now occasionally possible is a major step forwards: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
At #1 in our countdown: ‘Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in HER2-Expressing Solid Tumors: Results From DESTINY-PanTumor02.’ This landmark trial expands the role of HER2-targeted therapy across multiple cancer types, marking a new frontier in precision medicine. 🧬✨ #OncologyPapers2024
In Middle-earth terms, TXDX is like the Silmarils, forged by Fëanor to harness the light of the Two Trees. While originally intended for one purpose, their radiance became a beacon of hope for all of Arda. HER2-targeted therapy extends to multiple tumor types, illuminating new paths in cancer care🌟✨
At #2 in our countdown: ‘Long-Term Results of Organ Preservation in Rectal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy: The OPRA Trial.’ This study highlights a step forward in organ preservation, showing promising long-term outcomes with reduced treatment intensity. 🧬✨ #OncologyPapers2024
At #3 in our countdown: ‘Lorlatinib vs. Crizotinib in Advanced ALK-Positive NSCLC: 5-Year Outcomes From the CROWN Study.’ This study confirms lorlatinib’s superior efficacy, improving long-term survival and quality of life for patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. 🧬✨ #OncologyPapers2024
At #4 in our countdown: ‘Darolutamide in Combination With Androgen-Deprivation Therapy in Patients With Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer.’ Results from the Phase III ARANOTE trial show significant efficacy, setting a new standard for combination therapy. 🧬✨ #CancerResearch2024
At #5 in our countdown: ‘Exagamglogene Autotemcel for Severe Sickle Cell Disease.’ This groundbreaking study demonstrates that 97% of patients treated with exa-cel were free from vaso-occlusive crises for at least 12 months, marking a significant advancement in gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
🩸 Liquid biopsy technology for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in lung cancer shows great promise, but is it ready for prime time? As we refine its accuracy and clinical utility, this tool could revolutionize early intervention and personalized care. #LungCancer #LiquidBiopsy
Another Lung Cancer Update: FDA approves ensartinib for ALK+ NSCLC based on eXALT3 trial results: improved PFS (25.8m vs 12.7m, HR 0.56) and CNS response (64% vs 21%) compared to crizotinib, but no OS difference. Cost may limit its use. #LungCancer #Oncology
LOTR Connection: Ensartinib is like Saruman’s reforging of Orthanc’s defenses—far superior to its predecessor (crizotinib) in holding back assaults (CNS ORR 64% vs 21%). But without a decisive victory in the War of the Ring (no OS gain), its long-term legacy remains uncertain 🛡️⚔️ #OncologyWithPurpose
The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy) for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy, highlighting its potential as a promising second-line treatment. #LungCancer #CancerResearch
In Middle-earth terms Trodelvy is like the Elves of Lothlórien repurposing their gifts for the Fellowship -such as the rope that saved Frodo from disaster in Emyn Muil A tool designed for one purpose can become a lifeline in an another, just as this drug is now aiding in the fight against ES-SCLC 🌿🛡️
Both #ASCO #NCCN describe challenges in treating renal cell carcinoma (RCC) post-first-line immunotherapy remain. Second-line options, like VEGF inhibitors and newer combinations, show promise, but optimizing sequencing and resistance management is critical. #KidneyCancer #Oncology
At #SABCS24, the SUPREMO trial reports that post-mastectomy chest wall irradiation offers no survival benefit for most intermediate-risk breast cancer patients, suggesting many can safely forgo this treatment. #BreastCancer #CancerResearch