Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been receiving buzz as a promising treatment for cancer patients. So which CAR T-cell treatments are currently approved? Dr. David Maloney, Medical Director of the Bezos Family Immunotherapy Clinic at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, joins Patient Power at the 2017 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in Atlanta to explain. Dr. Maloney discusses how this approach works, the long-term durability of the treatment and progress in managing potential side effects.
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Whats the latest information about MPN treatment and research? As part of our ASH 2017 coverage, Dr. John Crispino and Dr. Angela Fleischman, Joined Patient Power to share what they learned at this years annual meeting in Atlanta. Both researchers in the condition of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), they discussed treatment advances, particularly related to JAK inhibitors and interferon, the study of somatic mutations and how these learnings will aid in the development of future medicines. Tune in now to learn more from these MPN experts.
What does the future of treatment for mantle cell lymphoma look like? From the 2017 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, Dr. Michael Wang discussed the modern approach to therapy and recently approved medicines. He also shared his research goals and his dedication to The University of Texas at MD Andersons Mantle Cell Lymphoma Program of Excellence as well as the B-Cell Lymphoma Moon Shot Program. Watch now for Dr. Wangs expert opinion and hopes for the future of mantle cell lymphoma treatments.
Whats the latest news on CAR-T cell therapy from the American Society Hematology (ASH) conference 2017 as we report on location from Atlanta? Expert Dr. Jon Arnason, from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, shares new research released, which diseases the treatment can be used for, and when its appropriate to use. Tune in to hear how the clinical advances made in CAR-T cell therapy will impact patients with blood-related cancer.
As part of our coverage of the 2017 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in Atlanta, Dr. Srdan Verstovsek, an MPN expert and researcher from MD Anderson Cancer Center, provides an update on the latest news from the conference. Dr. Verstovsek provides details about a new treatment being studied for anemia in patients with myelofibrosis as well as the two-year results of a European study of interferon for polycythemia vera (PV) treatment. Tune in to learn more.
Will flow be the method used for myeloma treatment in the long term? Does transplant still have a role in myeloma? Will liquid biopsies replace bone marrow biopsies? At the 2017 America Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, a roundtable of esteemed myeloma experts, including Dr. Carol Ann Huff from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Sagar Lonial of Emory University School of Medicine and Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch from New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Columbia University Medical Center, weigh in on the breaking news and the expansion of the treatment armamentarium in and implications for different disease status. Host Jenny…
Whats the latest in mantle cell lymphoma research? Esther Schorr, on location at the 2017 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, discusses new developments in treatment for mantle cell lymphoma with expert, Dr. Peter Martin from Weill Cornell Medicine. Tune in to find out what exciting advances in research have been made and how it will impact mantle cell lymphoma patients. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo
As part of our coverage from the 2017 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, A super panel of MPN experts Dr. Mark Heaney, Dr. Rami Komrokji, Dr. Ruben Mesa, Dr. Jamile Shammo, as well as Andrew Schorr, gathered to discuss the latest news and developments related to research and treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The experts all shared their perspective on the headlines from this years meeting, including updates on JAK inhibitors in development, news on interferon, diagnostic testing, the story that somatic mutations tell, and the overwhelming interest in the study of MPNs. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts…
Patient Power founders Andrew and Esther Schorr are joined by MPN expert Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju of MD Anderson Cancer Center, as they discuss research news from the 2017 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in Atlanta. Georgia. CLL patient advocate Jeff and his wife Olga also join the panel to share their story. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo
Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center talks about EGFR inhibitor resistant patients and how EGFR antibodies may play a role. With over 20 years of experience in treating patients, Roy has seen that patients progressed in some way on these drugs. The data they have for the EGFR antibodies with chemotherapy may give them a hint on the role of these drugs to patients in the future, who might be resistant to EGFR inhibitors. This is, not only for wild-type patients, but also for mutant patients. Furthermore, he also emphasizes their theory can also be used for…
Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center discusses EGFR small molecules versus antibodies in combination antibodies better than small molecules. He explains that small molecules against EGFR versus antibodies work by different mechanisms and might have different activities. The antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor work outside the cell, help in preventing ligand binding of accurate receptor, internalize the receptor and eventually kick it out of commission. The data they have in combination with chemotherapy suggests that antibodies are much better than small molecules. Although the data that came from randomized trials is minimal, results for Necitumumab…
Jun J. Mao, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center explains why oncologic supplements and diet correlative evidence is incomplete and how physicians should emphasize safety first. As an integrative oncology specialist, a lot of patients came to him and asked what kind of supplements to eat or diet to implement. However, he emphasizes that the evidence of this correlation is incomplete, and the best thing to keep in mind is Safety First. He notes that patients should select supplements and herbs that many not interact with the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other therapy. Balanced diet or more plant-based diet is…
Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center discusses how the FLAURA data & Osimertinib result in high PFS as front-line agent compared to the standard erlotinib and gefitinib. Although the survival data are not yet mature, the result is quite compelling with a strong trend for overall survival. This suggests that with time there is a great probability that this trial will hit survival endpoint, as well. With the high PFS and good CNS penetration, this drug would be the front-line setting agent of choice. Its already been used in the United States at Yale University Cancer Center…
Jun J. Mao, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses how physical activity and fitness help lung cancer patients get better prognosis and better outcomes. Many patients, when diagnosed with cancer or beginning to start getting chemo, started to feel exhausted that it can get worse. The best advice the family might give is for the patient to slow down and take a rest. However, based on observational study of some trials, physical activity and cardiopulmonary fitness is associated with better mortality with a lung cancer. He also stresses out the counterintuitive thinking we have with fatigue. Many of…
Jim L. Mulshine, MD of Rush University talks about the 2015 lung cancer screening data from the American Cancer Society, why its low and what has been done to increase the number. In 2015, the total number of patients screened was only 300,000 for the whole year. This is not surprising as the process is rather complicated and people are still familiarizing how to implement it correctly, efficiently and sustainably. Furthermore, people didnt see it as an opportunity and there has been problems with communication. In addition, primary care community are focused on managing high blood pressure and diabetes and…
Jennifer S. Temel, MD of Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School explains how engaging patients talk about end of life care could actually cut costs. Dr. Temel says that the discussion of cost dont come in patient-clinician communication about the end of life care. However, data suggests that discussion of end of life care to patients actually helps them receive less costly care at the end of life. This discussion helps patients make informed decisions. They will less likely go to hospitals and emergency rooms and are more likely to receive less costly hospital services before they die.
Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center discusses lung cancer EGFR antibodies and where the research is going. His says that immunotherapy is all the rage these days, which is only working on about 20% of the patients. And, as a single-angle frontline, it is only using 50% or more PD-L1 positivity. Depending on the data that will emerge next year or so, EGFR antibodies might have a role, especially on the squamous FISH+ patients. So, clinicians could see the fact that there is another drug that can be used with chemotherapy and hopefully help patients with lung…
Jun J. Mao, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses the definition of integrative oncology which they published a special issue at the Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs. They defined integrative oncology as to bring natural products, mind, body therapies and lifestyle modification that are based on evidenced safety and potential effects of these to patients. In addition, it is also to integrate alongside conventional cancer treatment to optimal health and to empower patients to be active participants in the cancer care institute.
Jim L. Mulshine, MD of Rush University talks about computed tomography which can be used not just for lung cancer screening but for tobacco-related diseases as well. CT looks at the anatomical features of the lung where the collision of tobacco smoke going on, resulting to destruction of lung parenchyma, coronary artery occlusion and related cancers. In Europe, North America and even in Asia, CT scan is not just for lung cancer, but it is also for tobacco-related diseases. According to Dr. Mulshine, tobacco causes 50% of premature mortality in the developed world. So, if all these diseases can be…
Daniel A. Pryma, MD of the University of Pennsylvania highlights one common question – when should a patient have his first PET Scan for lung cancer. He explains that if you scan an image of nodules less than 8mm, its very unlikely to have a PET CT result that can change what you can do for the patient. With that, the best thing to do is wait and then do a Chest CT for the patient. Lung cancer occurs in nodules over 8mm.
Jennifer S. Temel, MD of Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School discusses how involving palliative care earlier in the process makes patient twice as likely to discuss their end of life preferences. With the research she had done for the last 15 years, which involved palliative care specialist for patients with lung cancer, she found out that patients are more likely to discuss about end of life care. Recently, she finds out that when patients are seeing palliative care from the time they were diagnosed and throughout the course of their illness, they are twice as much open to…
Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center talks about possible flurry of activity that focuses on resistance to osimertinib in 2018. Dr. Herbst highlights the lack of any therapy that specifically targets the resistance. Patients who are doing well with the EGFR inhibitors can only have chemotherapy and not any specialized therapy because of this problem. Hence, he highly anticipated that next year will have more activities, specifically on developing some strategies, perhaps the combination of antibodies, plus small molecules and immunotherapy and other approach that could better help target resistance.
Jun J. Mao, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses how integrative medicine can improve health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes, especially for cancer patients. In 2017, the integrative oncology came up with mixed research methodology, which is patient-centered and more evidence informed cancer care that brings together mind-body therapy, lifestyle modifications and natural products along with conventional cancer treatment. This helps practitioners find clarity on useful alternatives, since there are alternative cancer treatments that actually maybe be harmful to patients. Theres a recent paper showing that for treatable cancer like breast, colorectal and lung, using alternative treatment…
Jim L. Mulshine, MD of Rush University discusses costs of new lung cancer services and the aging population burdening current resources. There are new technologies like liquid biopsies and molecular techniques to find early lung cancer, but the cost associated with these is rather high. In the country, because of the aging population and other medical services, states are making tough decisions whether or not to pay their Medicare burdens, or the school systems or the roads. Theres a real concern about the cost in health care and medical oncologists are also very much concern about it because of the…
Paul K. Paik, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses Cobas EGFR mutation test v2 and the ability to sample patients for T790 serially. For the liquid biopsy diagnostic for lung cancer in required resistant setting, the FDA approval is very important because resistance biopsy testing is required. This means that bronchoscopic or CT-guided biopsy should be done. Not all patients is eligible however, even for those who are eligible, sometimes the materials are not sufficient. The liquid biopsy is a CTDNA testing that supplements those who are not eligible to undergo biopsy. In addition, to be able to…
Jennifer S. Temel, MD of Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School discusses how most patients prefer to die at home and that an honest and open communication is key. Most patients are more comfortable and prefer to die at home, but, family members are not very open to communicate effectively to the patient in their family. Although compassion and empathy are also important, Dr. Temel stresses out the value of open and honest communication for the patient to be able to make informative and wise decision. So, its better to have open communication to the patient for them make…
Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center discusses screening for EGFR mutation and why all lung cancers should be screened. Screening is important because doctors should know whether patients have T790 M and because osimertinib targets these T790 M. Although this has been implemented in the country and the numbers are going up, still its not 100%. Therefore, every lung cancer patient, those who know people with lung cancer and even physicians should screen their patients for EGFR mutation and to check patients whether they have T790 M or not. Regardless of the results, osimertinib has a big…
Jun J. Mao, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses integrative oncology and how complementary therapy may be beneficial. Dr. Mao career evolves in integrative oncology, but he had conservative medical training, as well. What inspires him to be open to integrative medicine or the complementary therapies is the fact that patients needs are sometimes not met. As a doctor who gives advice to patients, sometimes, specifically for those with life-threatening illness, it would be best to go to providers who are welcome to discuss the situation with the patient. Doctors might give advices and recommendation like, Doing this…
Jim L. Mulshine, MD of Rush University explains that the national lung screening trial had a more diverse population than perceived. For the National Lung Screening Trial, there is a comparison between results of just x-ray alone versus CT scan for screening population especially on the tobacco-exposed older population. There was a concern that perhaps the National Lung Screening Trial is only done is major centers for thoracic surgery and not representative of the general population. However, in reality, the National Lung Screening Trial has community-based management. Theres a community-based standard for the lung cancer care across the country. Anyone…
Paul K. Paik, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses the PFS of FLAURA trial compared to first generation TKIs. FLAURA trial was a very big news. The trial comes with frontline osimertinib versus the first generation EGFR TKI trials for patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer. As for now, FDA approval for the drug is still in progress, although the study was positive. The results were positive in the PFS standpoint. The PFS is quite long compared to that of the first gen TKI, somewhere around 18 months. Patients who receive the first generation TKI, such as erlotinib or…
Daniel A. Pryma, MD of the University of Pennsylvania discusses how fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan is still powerful tool for lung cancer. Both for non-small and small cell lung cancer, the FDG is still the most powerful imaging tool. Although there are ongoing researches in PET CT with different radiopharmaceuticals, but for lung cancer, FDG still remains the mainstay and the most accurate. From different targeted therapies, it is anticipated that there may be other agents, but, for the time being, FDG is still the most important and the most effective.
Jennifer S. Temel, MD of Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School discusses patient prognosis perception and how it impacts medical care and quality of life. The data clearly shows that patients make decisions based on how they understand their prognosis, especially for patients with advanced cancer. Understanding prognosis greatly impacts patients decisions about their medical care and of life. For example, if patients overestimate their chances of survival, they may end up choosing a more aggressive or intensive medical care and are less likely to initiate hospital services. It is important for patients to know that their time is…
Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD of Yale Cancer Center discusses squamous cell carcinoma 4+ EGFR and giving carboplatin cetuximab safely or bevacizumab. In the November 28th issue of Lungs and Oncology, data shows that carboplatin cetuximab can be given safely and bevacizumab can also be used when necessary. Patients with squamous cell disease who have high copy number, 4+ EGFR gene, seem to benefit more on this for the overall survival. This is a pre-specified subset of the trial, which could be a biomarker that can be used for future studies. Right now, EGFR antibodies is used either with chemotherapy…
Jun J. Mao, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses a study where yoga may benefit cancer patients in combination with chemotherapy providing an improved quality of life. There are more and more systematic reviews that begins to evaluate the safety and efficacy of complimentary therapies. There is even a paper recently published in the Journal National Cancer Institute of Monographs that evaluates the state of evidence and gaps for acupuncture oncology care. Acupuncture may be a valuable tool for managing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, cancer-related fatigues and pain among cancer survivors. So, this and a lot more are…
Jim L. Mulshine, MD of Rush University discusses the veterans administration’s lung cancer pilot study that about 40% of scans were of poor technical quality. The pilot study that was done by the VA suggests that there is a need for the systems to be worked out to do screening. However, the most disconcerting was the fact that at least 40% of the images made for that service were of very poor technical quality. So, before making decisions of whos at risk for lung cancer and who needs more active workups, its better to go back and look at the…
Paul K. Paik, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses that there is short-term and long-term hope for squamous cell carcinoma. In this presentation, he pointed out two things that might give hope to this disease. For those who began treating patients in the 80s and 90s, theyve seen slow progress in terms of advancement in this field, and only in 2004 that the target therapy was developed. Now, there is a shift in the way squamous cell lung cancer is being conceptualized. A decade ago, trials were histology-specific because of the thought that the biology of squamous cell…
Daniel A. Pryma, MD of the University of Pennsylvania discusses the challenges of imaging immunotherapy for lung cancer. In the era of immunotherapy, image response processing is very challenging, whether its with CT, MRI or PET CT. Its very difficult to differentiate progression from response and from real progression. In the end, there is a wide variety of imaging findings with huge overlap over responders and non-responders. This is by far the biggest challenge in imaging immunotherapy for lung cancer.
Jennifer S. Temel, MD of Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School discusses how prognosis, treatment goals and how end of life care should not be viewed as one time conversations. It is important to integrate these discussions throughout the course of the illness even if the person is still newly diagnosed. And, if a patient has an incurable disease, it is important to explain the nature of the disease and the treatment or the chemotherapy will not cure the disease. If the patients health status worsens, re-adjustment of the prognosis is very important. And, towards the end of life,…
The stimulating area of CAR T-cell therapy is currently limited due to a range of factors, which must be overcome in order to allow the widespread dissemination of this practice-changing treatment. Speaking from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2017 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, GA, Dr Abramson provides a comprehensive overview of the hurdles to accessing CAR T-cell therapy, including the interesting areas of logistics, HCP education, and in-patient vs. out-patient usage. Jeremy Abramson, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, follows up this thorough summary by stating how these challenges can be remedied.
The efficacy results of the major CAR T-cells in development have been very positive. In this interview, Jeremy Abramson, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, emphasizes the take-home message of what we have learned from the latest CAR T-cell studies. Dr Abramson also discusses the differences in the toxicity profiles of the main CAR T-cell therapies and what may cause this, in addition to the reversibility of the toxicities. This video was recorded at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2017 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, GA.
The assistance obtained from outside of GP clinics and hospitals is essential in the treatment of cancer patients. In this interview, Fiona Smith from Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK explains the holistic nature of cancer, and how organisations can collaborate to improve the overall treatment experience for cancer patients. This interview was recorded at the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) 20th Annual Symposium 2017 in Glasgow, UK.
Supportive care is an essential element of the overall management of patients with cancer. Speaking from the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) 20th Annual Symposium 2017 in Glasgow, UK, Fiona Smith from Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK discusses how Macmillan Cancer Support can be utilized by patients and pharmacists.
Carl Booth, MPhil BPharm MRPharmS, of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Keighley, UK provides an overview of the abstract selection process for the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) 20th Annual Symposium 2017 in Glasgow, UK. Abstracts are submitted in different categories, with a specific judging criteria that standardizes and facilitates selection of the best papers to be presented at congress. This years BOPA meeting holds the record for the most number of abstracts presented.
Carl Booth, MPhil BPharm MRPharmS, of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Keighley, UK talks to us about the key topics presented at the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) 20th Annual Symposium 2017 in Glasgow, UK. Key topics this included immunotherapies, biosimilars and real world data. There is currently a big interest in real world data, looking at how drug treatments impact patients outside the clinical trial setting.
Carl Booth, MPhil BPharm MRPharmS, of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Keighley, UK, talks to us about collaboration amongst pharmacists to enable them to collect treatment data on a much larger scale. Collecting results from a larger sample will allow for a better understanding of how drugs impact patients in the real world compared to a clinical trial setting. This video was recorded at the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) 20th Annual Symposium 2017 in Glasgow, UK.
In this Ask the Expert segment, a Patient Power community member wants to know Are there recommendations for vaccines for patients with MPNs? Tune in to hear Dr. Abulraheem Yacoub explain the difference between vaccine therapy and preventative vaccinations. He also shares what is safely recommended for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo
During this Ask the Expert segment, a community member with essential thrombocythemia (ET) wants to know about increased risk for clotting as they age and how to prevent blood clots with their condition. Dr. Abdulraheem Yacoub responds. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo
Dr. Abdulraheem Yacoub explains how CAR-T cell therapy targets cancer cells in the body and what the future holds for this treatment method. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo
The ways in which healthcare providers function must change to keep up with increasing demand. In this video, Bryn Thomas from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK discusses the drive for change in the NHS and the potential to rethink the traditional roles of healthcare professionals. This interview was recorded at the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) 20th Annual Symposium 2017 in Glasgow, UK.
Communicating and learning from shared experiences aids in the improvement of medical practices. In this interview, Bryn Thomas of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK provides an overview of a workshop that he hosted for pharmacist prescribers at the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) 20th Annual Symposium 2017 in Glasgow, UK. Points of discussion include multidisciplinary collaborations, standardization and the tailoring of treatment, with the goal of maximizing the quality of patient care.