The Onco'Zine Brief
Peter Hofland
The Onco'Zine Brief is an interview and discussion program presented by Peter Hofland and covers a broad range of topics and timely news updates with information from all oncology disciplines and sub-specialties from around the world.
The Onco'Zine Brief is a sponsor-supported, program for healthcare professionals involved in the management and care of cancer patients as well as cancer patients and their family and friends. If you like to join us as a sponsor or advertisers, download our media kit (https://adc.expert/oncozine_media_kit).
If you are living in the US, sign up for our newsletter by texting the words CANCER to 66866.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
The Onco'Zine Brief is a sponsor-supported, program for healthcare professionals involved in the management and care of cancer patients as well as cancer patients and their family and friends. If you like to join us as a sponsor or advertisers, download our media kit (https://adc.expert/oncozine_media_kit).
If you are living in the US, sign up for our newsletter by texting the words CANCER to 66866.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
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Top 10 The Onco'Zine Brief Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Onco'Zine Brief episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Onco'Zine Brief for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Onco'Zine Brief episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Susan Rafte: A 25+ Year Survivor of Metastatic Breast Cancer and Patient Advocate
The Onco'Zine Brief
12/25/19 • 48 min
In this episode The Onco’Zine Brief, recorded during the 42nd San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) held December 10 – 14, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas, Peter Hofland talks with Susan Rafte, a 25+ year survivor of metastatic breast cancer and patient advocate.
In 1994, eight and a half months after birth to her daughter Marika, Susan Rafte, only 30 years old, was diagnosed with stage III ductal carcinoma.
While she was pregnant with her daughter, she first felt a lump in her breast. Her doctors attributed the lump to her pregnancies. However, 18 months later, when Rafte pushed for a biopsy, the lump was diagnosed as a malignant tumor.
Rafte was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, by a multidisciplinary care team with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.
In 1995, soon after her initial treatment, Susan’s sister Jane Weiner, and three other dancers in New York City co-founded the Pink Ribbons Project®. After her recovery from a stem cell transplant in 1997, Jane and Susan brought the project to Houston.
The Pink Ribbons Project® was the first arts and dance initiative founded solely to promote awareness about breast cancer and help raise funding for breast cancer advocacy and education. And over the Pink Ribbons Project’s lifetime, the organization raised more than US $ 6,000,000 for that cause.
Beyond the Pink Ribbons Project and from the beginning of her diagnosis, Rafte has always been public about her disease. She felt it was important to spread awareness and provide education about breast health and breast cancer, because, as she explains: “I knew from personal experience that this disease has no boundaries.”
As part of her work Rafte became a peer-to-peer support volunteer through MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2000, Rafte helped start an on-site peer support program at the breast cancer center at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She also serves on many research projects and committees as a patient advocate.
As a volunteer, Rafte’s involvements also includes dividing her volunteer hours with the Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Breast Health Collaborative of Texas as well as the affiliations she holds with The Rose Diagnostic Center and Harris County Hospital Clinic – Breast Care Centers.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
In 1994, eight and a half months after birth to her daughter Marika, Susan Rafte, only 30 years old, was diagnosed with stage III ductal carcinoma.
While she was pregnant with her daughter, she first felt a lump in her breast. Her doctors attributed the lump to her pregnancies. However, 18 months later, when Rafte pushed for a biopsy, the lump was diagnosed as a malignant tumor.
Rafte was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, by a multidisciplinary care team with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.
In 1995, soon after her initial treatment, Susan’s sister Jane Weiner, and three other dancers in New York City co-founded the Pink Ribbons Project®. After her recovery from a stem cell transplant in 1997, Jane and Susan brought the project to Houston.
The Pink Ribbons Project® was the first arts and dance initiative founded solely to promote awareness about breast cancer and help raise funding for breast cancer advocacy and education. And over the Pink Ribbons Project’s lifetime, the organization raised more than US $ 6,000,000 for that cause.
Beyond the Pink Ribbons Project and from the beginning of her diagnosis, Rafte has always been public about her disease. She felt it was important to spread awareness and provide education about breast health and breast cancer, because, as she explains: “I knew from personal experience that this disease has no boundaries.”
As part of her work Rafte became a peer-to-peer support volunteer through MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2000, Rafte helped start an on-site peer support program at the breast cancer center at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She also serves on many research projects and committees as a patient advocate.
As a volunteer, Rafte’s involvements also includes dividing her volunteer hours with the Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Breast Health Collaborative of Texas as well as the affiliations she holds with The Rose Diagnostic Center and Harris County Hospital Clinic – Breast Care Centers.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
TARDIS - A Simple Blood Draw to Determining a Patient’s Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy
The Onco'Zine Brief
11/23/19 • 47 min
In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Muhammed Murtaza and Dr. Thomas Slavin about liquid biopsies
Murtaza is Assistant Professor and co-Director of the Center for Noninvasive Diagnostics at TGen in Phoenix, AZ, and Dr. Slavin is Assistant Clinical Professor, Departments of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and Population Sciences, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California.
Hofland talks with Murtaza and Slavin specifically about a test called TARDIS — which stands for TARgeted DIgital Sequencing. This test, according to a study published earlier this year, is as much as 100 times more sensitive than other blood-based cancer monitoring tests. TARDIS is a “liquid biopsy” that specifically identifies and quantifies small fragments of cancer DNA circulating in the patient’s bloodstream, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
About Onco'Zine
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with the online journal, Onco’Zine at www.oncozine.com - where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.
How to support The Onco'Zine Brief
For more information about supporting The Onco’Zine Brief, check our online journal Onco’Zine at www.Onco’Zine.com or visit Patreaon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief
Newsletter
If you’re living in the United States and want to receive our Newsletter, text the word CANCER to 66866 - and we’ll make sure that you’ll receive our newsletter which includes an overview of the latest news in oncology and hematology.
For more information about TARgeted DIgital Sequencing (TARDIS):
- Garcia D. Federal Grant helps TGen Refine Cancer-detection Blood Tests for Breast Cancer Patients. Onco'Zine - October 15, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/federal-grant-helps-tgen-refine-cancer-detection-blood-tests-for-breast-cancer-patients/
- Hofland P. New ‘Liquid Biopsy’ Helps to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnostics and Avoid Unnecessary Surgeries - August 8, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/new-liquid-biopsy-helps-improves-breast-cancer-diagnostics-and-avoid-unnecessary-surgeries/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Murtaza is Assistant Professor and co-Director of the Center for Noninvasive Diagnostics at TGen in Phoenix, AZ, and Dr. Slavin is Assistant Clinical Professor, Departments of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and Population Sciences, Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California.
Hofland talks with Murtaza and Slavin specifically about a test called TARDIS — which stands for TARgeted DIgital Sequencing. This test, according to a study published earlier this year, is as much as 100 times more sensitive than other blood-based cancer monitoring tests. TARDIS is a “liquid biopsy” that specifically identifies and quantifies small fragments of cancer DNA circulating in the patient’s bloodstream, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
About Onco'Zine
The Onco’Zine Brief is developed in collaboration with the online journal, Onco’Zine at www.oncozine.com - where you can find additional information and the latest news about cancer, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer prevention.
How to support The Onco'Zine Brief
For more information about supporting The Onco’Zine Brief, check our online journal Onco’Zine at www.Onco’Zine.com or visit Patreaon at https://www.patreon.com/theoncozinebrief
Newsletter
If you’re living in the United States and want to receive our Newsletter, text the word CANCER to 66866 - and we’ll make sure that you’ll receive our newsletter which includes an overview of the latest news in oncology and hematology.
For more information about TARgeted DIgital Sequencing (TARDIS):
- Garcia D. Federal Grant helps TGen Refine Cancer-detection Blood Tests for Breast Cancer Patients. Onco'Zine - October 15, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/federal-grant-helps-tgen-refine-cancer-detection-blood-tests-for-breast-cancer-patients/
- Hofland P. New ‘Liquid Biopsy’ Helps to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnostics and Avoid Unnecessary Surgeries - August 8, 2019 - https://www.oncozine.com/new-liquid-biopsy-helps-improves-breast-cancer-diagnostics-and-avoid-unnecessary-surgeries/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Finding Aswers and Improving Patient Care - How Genetic Tests can be Helpful (Part 1)
The Onco'Zine Brief
07/31/19 • 43 min
In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Holly LaDuca, a certified genetic counselor and manager of clinical Research oncology at Ambry Genetics.
Identifying an individual’s genetic information is nothing new. And while, over the last decades, most people have become familiar with genetic ancestry testing, or genetic genealogy, as a way for people interested in their family history to go beyond what they can learn from relatives or from historical documentation, genetic testing is much more than that.
In essence, genomic data helps to accelerate the understanding of human disease.
Ambry Genetics, is a leading clinical diagnostics company offering genetic testing, which includes screening and diagnosis, for conditions including hereditary cancer, hereditary cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy and others diseases.
As part of Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Ambry Genetics translates scientific research into, what the company calls, clinically actionable test results based upon a deep understanding of the human genome and the biology behind genetic disease. This approach enables more prescriptive, proactive and preventive care.
With an eclectic mix of backgrounds and specialties, a team of doctors, scientists, genetic counselors, lab technicians, artists, ocean-lovers and science geeks, the people at Ambry Genetics are looking for answers using the most advanced technology and quality processes in the diagnostics industry.
This unique team of dedicated people is committed to delivering the most accurate genetic test results possible. And, when it comes to making important healthcare decisions, the company believes that patients would choose the most reliable and comprehensive test for themselves and their family.
But what is genetic testing?
In short, genetic testing is a type of medical test, usually a blood test, that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder, which may lead to a disease.
Generally, there are two main types of genetic testing:
- If you have cancer, the doctor may have told you about somatic or tumor testing. This tests involves a sample of the tumor. The DNA in the tumor is studied to determine if different treatments may be better or worse for the patient. In this case, the oncologists or his or her team will be the best resource to discuss this type of genetic testing.
- The second type of genetic testing is called germline genetic testing and is done using a blood or saliva sample. The DNA in blood cells is studied to see if there is a mutation that causes an increased risk to develop cancer. This test is for both people who have cancer but also for people who do not. And the results can best be discussed with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider to discuss genetic testing.
In talking to the people at Ambry Genetics, one thing stands out. Not only have the people working for the company a diverse backgrounds, they never lose sight of the fact that there is a human life attached to every genetic sample they receive and every result they generate. And they want to ensure that they deliver accurate results that can trusted by both healthcare providers and patients.
For patients, taking a proactive stand about health and healthcare is empowering. So, if you consider a genetic test, talk to a healthcare provider to find out if genetic testing is right thing for you to do. Together with your healthcare provider you can find the best next steps to take.
This is especially important if you think that you may have an increased risk for cancer or another hereditary disease.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Identifying an individual’s genetic information is nothing new. And while, over the last decades, most people have become familiar with genetic ancestry testing, or genetic genealogy, as a way for people interested in their family history to go beyond what they can learn from relatives or from historical documentation, genetic testing is much more than that.
In essence, genomic data helps to accelerate the understanding of human disease.
Ambry Genetics, is a leading clinical diagnostics company offering genetic testing, which includes screening and diagnosis, for conditions including hereditary cancer, hereditary cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy and others diseases.
As part of Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Ambry Genetics translates scientific research into, what the company calls, clinically actionable test results based upon a deep understanding of the human genome and the biology behind genetic disease. This approach enables more prescriptive, proactive and preventive care.
With an eclectic mix of backgrounds and specialties, a team of doctors, scientists, genetic counselors, lab technicians, artists, ocean-lovers and science geeks, the people at Ambry Genetics are looking for answers using the most advanced technology and quality processes in the diagnostics industry.
This unique team of dedicated people is committed to delivering the most accurate genetic test results possible. And, when it comes to making important healthcare decisions, the company believes that patients would choose the most reliable and comprehensive test for themselves and their family.
But what is genetic testing?
In short, genetic testing is a type of medical test, usually a blood test, that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder, which may lead to a disease.
Generally, there are two main types of genetic testing:
- If you have cancer, the doctor may have told you about somatic or tumor testing. This tests involves a sample of the tumor. The DNA in the tumor is studied to determine if different treatments may be better or worse for the patient. In this case, the oncologists or his or her team will be the best resource to discuss this type of genetic testing.
- The second type of genetic testing is called germline genetic testing and is done using a blood or saliva sample. The DNA in blood cells is studied to see if there is a mutation that causes an increased risk to develop cancer. This test is for both people who have cancer but also for people who do not. And the results can best be discussed with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider to discuss genetic testing.
In talking to the people at Ambry Genetics, one thing stands out. Not only have the people working for the company a diverse backgrounds, they never lose sight of the fact that there is a human life attached to every genetic sample they receive and every result they generate. And they want to ensure that they deliver accurate results that can trusted by both healthcare providers and patients.
For patients, taking a proactive stand about health and healthcare is empowering. So, if you consider a genetic test, talk to a healthcare provider to find out if genetic testing is right thing for you to do. Together with your healthcare provider you can find the best next steps to take.
This is especially important if you think that you may have an increased risk for cancer or another hereditary disease.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
ASCO 2019: Form Biomarker Discovery to Photo-Immunotherapy
The Onco'Zine Brief
07/17/19 • 41 min
In this episode of the Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland reports from the 2019 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology – ASCO – which was held May 31st – June 4th, 2019.
Hofland talks with:
- Dr. Hartmut Juhl, the Chief Executive Officer of Indivumed, a physician-led, integrated global oncology company. The company offers specialized products and services designed to support the discovery of biomarkers, drug development, clinical trials, and individualized treatment for patients with cancer, and
- Dr. Jeannie Hou, Vice President Clinical Development at Rakuten Medical, a company developing precision-targeted medicines through the development of a novel, proprietary photo-immunotherapy platform.
For more information, please visit Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Hofland talks with:
- Dr. Hartmut Juhl, the Chief Executive Officer of Indivumed, a physician-led, integrated global oncology company. The company offers specialized products and services designed to support the discovery of biomarkers, drug development, clinical trials, and individualized treatment for patients with cancer, and
- Dr. Jeannie Hou, Vice President Clinical Development at Rakuten Medical, a company developing precision-targeted medicines through the development of a novel, proprietary photo-immunotherapy platform.
For more information, please visit Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
ASCO 2019: Supportive Care and Developments in Gynecological Cancer
The Onco'Zine Brief
07/15/19 • 44 min
In this episode of The Onco’Zine Brief, recorded during the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO, being held May 31 – June 4, 2019, Peter Hofland talks with Lee Schwartzberg MD, FACP, is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at West Cancer Center, Germantown, TN, and Dr. Shannon Westin, MD, MPH., FACOG, Associate Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, a clinical investigator with a focus on developmental therapeutics and the use of biomarkers to predict response and recurrence in gynecologic malignancies.
Today in The OncoZine Brief Hofland an hus guests discuss two different aspects of the treatment of cancer: palliative and supportive care and the treatment of Gynecological cancers.
Hofland's interview with Dr. Lee Schwartzberg confirmed the importance of Palliative and supportive care in the treatment of patients with cancer. In essence, Palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for people living with a serious illness like cancer. People with cancer may receive palliative care at any time from the point of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond. This kind of care helps patients and caregivers manage the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment.
In the second part of the program, Hofland and Dr. Shannon Westinwe spoke about the progress made in the treatment of Gynecological cancers.
While all women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and this risk increases with age, when gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. But, the diagnosis of gynecological cancers can be difficult. In America, every six minutes a woman is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. And, according to the American Cancer Society, this year alone an estimated be 92,000 women will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer in the United States. Sadly, this will also result in a predicted 28,000 women killed by various forms of this group of cancers.
Some of these gynecologic cancers have been called “silent killers” because women are often unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with these cancers and do not catch them until it is too late.
For more information, go to Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Today in The OncoZine Brief Hofland an hus guests discuss two different aspects of the treatment of cancer: palliative and supportive care and the treatment of Gynecological cancers.
Hofland's interview with Dr. Lee Schwartzberg confirmed the importance of Palliative and supportive care in the treatment of patients with cancer. In essence, Palliative care is focused on improving the quality of life for people living with a serious illness like cancer. People with cancer may receive palliative care at any time from the point of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond. This kind of care helps patients and caregivers manage the symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment.
In the second part of the program, Hofland and Dr. Shannon Westinwe spoke about the progress made in the treatment of Gynecological cancers.
While all women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and this risk increases with age, when gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. But, the diagnosis of gynecological cancers can be difficult. In America, every six minutes a woman is diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. And, according to the American Cancer Society, this year alone an estimated be 92,000 women will be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer in the United States. Sadly, this will also result in a predicted 28,000 women killed by various forms of this group of cancers.
Some of these gynecologic cancers have been called “silent killers” because women are often unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with these cancers and do not catch them until it is too late.
For more information, go to Onco'Zine at www.oncozine.com
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Better Pain Management Improves Health Related Quality of Life (hrQoL)
The Onco'Zine Brief
05/30/19 • 47 min
In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talk with Dr. Lisa Stearns, the founder and medical director of Center for Pain and Supportive Care, in Phoenix, Arizona.
An internationally recognized Interventional Pain Specialist, board certified in hospice and palliative medicine and pain management, Dr. Stearns’ passion for changing the face of acute and chronic pain-treatment is evidenced by her ongoing care for her patients and her active research to find a better way to manage pain.
In addition to her work at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care, Dr. Stearns has authored numerous research articles and frequently speaks at medical society meetings around the world to share her knowledge and her passion to help her patients.
Cancer and cancer treatments can be painful. And patients often experience pain from surgery - from tumors pressing on bones, nerves, or organs and from chemotherapy and radiation. But each of these kinds of pain can be controlled and kept at a bearable level.
Dr. Sterns and her co-workers at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care work with cancer patients to develop a unique pain-management and rehabilitation-plan, based on a patient’s type of cancer.
Using a palliative care model Dr. Stearns brings together a team of healthcare professionals to help create the best possible quality of life for her patients and their overall health and wellness.
As a nation we battle an escalating opioid-overdose crisis – driven by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl but also tramadol and other drugs. Based on the latest data, this crisis claims more than 100 lives per day.
In their response to this crisis, the government has enacted tougher new laws and regulations on opioid prescribing. These laws are, however well-intentioned, also restricting access to opioids for cancer patients. At the same time, opioid-use, has an addiction stigma among many patients with cancer.
But, how common are opioid-related deaths in patients with cancer? To answer this question, researchers at the Duke University School of Medicine conducted a retrospective review of death certificate data from the National Center of Health Statistics, which provides information about the cause of death as well as and the contributing factors. The researchers looked at data from deaths due to opioids from 2006 to 2016.
They calculated the opioid death incidence from the estimated cancer survivor population, as well as the total population of the United States. The researchers found that from 2006 to 2016, about 900 deaths were related to opioids in patients with cancer.
However, this was compared with about 200,000 deaths in the non-cancer population.
Opioid deaths in both groups did increase over time, from about 5 to almost 9 per 100,000 people in the general population and 0.5 to 0.7 per 100,000 in the cancer patient population.
The researchers noted that in real, practical terms, the volume of overdose deaths in patients with cancer is very small. It increased from 59 patients in 2006 to 102 patients in 2016. The researchers involved in this study found that deaths from opioid abuse, as the primary cause of death, is about 10 times less likely to occur in patients with cancer.
Healthcare professionals like Dr. Lisa Stearns are committed to help cancer patients with pain management designed to improve the individual’s health related Quality of Life.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
An internationally recognized Interventional Pain Specialist, board certified in hospice and palliative medicine and pain management, Dr. Stearns’ passion for changing the face of acute and chronic pain-treatment is evidenced by her ongoing care for her patients and her active research to find a better way to manage pain.
In addition to her work at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care, Dr. Stearns has authored numerous research articles and frequently speaks at medical society meetings around the world to share her knowledge and her passion to help her patients.
Cancer and cancer treatments can be painful. And patients often experience pain from surgery - from tumors pressing on bones, nerves, or organs and from chemotherapy and radiation. But each of these kinds of pain can be controlled and kept at a bearable level.
Dr. Sterns and her co-workers at the Center for Pain and Supportive Care work with cancer patients to develop a unique pain-management and rehabilitation-plan, based on a patient’s type of cancer.
Using a palliative care model Dr. Stearns brings together a team of healthcare professionals to help create the best possible quality of life for her patients and their overall health and wellness.
As a nation we battle an escalating opioid-overdose crisis – driven by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl but also tramadol and other drugs. Based on the latest data, this crisis claims more than 100 lives per day.
In their response to this crisis, the government has enacted tougher new laws and regulations on opioid prescribing. These laws are, however well-intentioned, also restricting access to opioids for cancer patients. At the same time, opioid-use, has an addiction stigma among many patients with cancer.
But, how common are opioid-related deaths in patients with cancer? To answer this question, researchers at the Duke University School of Medicine conducted a retrospective review of death certificate data from the National Center of Health Statistics, which provides information about the cause of death as well as and the contributing factors. The researchers looked at data from deaths due to opioids from 2006 to 2016.
They calculated the opioid death incidence from the estimated cancer survivor population, as well as the total population of the United States. The researchers found that from 2006 to 2016, about 900 deaths were related to opioids in patients with cancer.
However, this was compared with about 200,000 deaths in the non-cancer population.
Opioid deaths in both groups did increase over time, from about 5 to almost 9 per 100,000 people in the general population and 0.5 to 0.7 per 100,000 in the cancer patient population.
The researchers noted that in real, practical terms, the volume of overdose deaths in patients with cancer is very small. It increased from 59 patients in 2006 to 102 patients in 2016. The researchers involved in this study found that deaths from opioid abuse, as the primary cause of death, is about 10 times less likely to occur in patients with cancer.
Healthcare professionals like Dr. Lisa Stearns are committed to help cancer patients with pain management designed to improve the individual’s health related Quality of Life.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
A New Combination Therapy may help Stop Triple Negative Breast Cancer from Spreading
The Onco'Zine Brief
05/30/19 • 44 min
In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Salman Hyder, Professor in Tumor Angiogenesis and professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Missouri, in Columbia, Missouri.
Together with a team of researchers Dr. Hyder found that a combination drug therapy, reduces the spread of triple negative breast cancer to other locations of the body by 50%
A breast cancer cell is like a house with three locks on the front door. Keys, or receptors, allow drugs to unlock the door and kill the cell. However, in triple-negative breast cancer, these keys are absent, thereby resulting in few options for drug therapy.
Until now.
A protein called p53 suppresses and kills cancer in people.
However, in contrast - a defective, mutant form of p53 helps cancer cells grow and multiply.
Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies. While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient may even respond better to chemotherapy than some other types of breast cancer - these drugs are toxic, and non-specific.
Research has shown that most people who die as the result of breast cancer, in particular women with triple-negative breast cancer, do so following metastasis, or spread of the cancer to other organs in the body. Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies.
While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient with Triple Negative Breast cancer may even respond better to chemotherapy than patients with other types of breast cancer – chemotherapeutic drugs are generally toxic, and non-specific.
Dr. Hyder and his team wanted to see if a new combination therapy could provide a new, non-toxic targeted approach for treatment. In a preclinical study with two previously discovered drugs —one that restores the p53 protein’s ability to kill cancer cells and another that targets the blood vessels in order to kill cancer cells — they observed an effect on metastatic triple negative breast cancer.
And according to the researchers, the results are promising. Dr Hyder noted that the cancer did not spread as fast when both drugs were given separately, and a little more with the combination of the two agents.
The two investigational drugs, APR-246 and 2aG4, are currently in clinical trials. Researchers hope that these findings will help enhance personalized treatment for breast cancer by reducing existing cancer cells and preventing the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Together with a team of researchers Dr. Hyder found that a combination drug therapy, reduces the spread of triple negative breast cancer to other locations of the body by 50%
A breast cancer cell is like a house with three locks on the front door. Keys, or receptors, allow drugs to unlock the door and kill the cell. However, in triple-negative breast cancer, these keys are absent, thereby resulting in few options for drug therapy.
Until now.
A protein called p53 suppresses and kills cancer in people.
However, in contrast - a defective, mutant form of p53 helps cancer cells grow and multiply.
Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies. While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient may even respond better to chemotherapy than some other types of breast cancer - these drugs are toxic, and non-specific.
Research has shown that most people who die as the result of breast cancer, in particular women with triple-negative breast cancer, do so following metastasis, or spread of the cancer to other organs in the body. Triple negative breast cancer lacks ways to treat the cancer with hormone therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies.
While chemotherapy can work well in Triple Negative Breast cancer – and a patient with Triple Negative Breast cancer may even respond better to chemotherapy than patients with other types of breast cancer – chemotherapeutic drugs are generally toxic, and non-specific.
Dr. Hyder and his team wanted to see if a new combination therapy could provide a new, non-toxic targeted approach for treatment. In a preclinical study with two previously discovered drugs —one that restores the p53 protein’s ability to kill cancer cells and another that targets the blood vessels in order to kill cancer cells — they observed an effect on metastatic triple negative breast cancer.
And according to the researchers, the results are promising. Dr Hyder noted that the cancer did not spread as fast when both drugs were given separately, and a little more with the combination of the two agents.
The two investigational drugs, APR-246 and 2aG4, are currently in clinical trials. Researchers hope that these findings will help enhance personalized treatment for breast cancer by reducing existing cancer cells and preventing the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Improving the Effect of Anti-cancer Radiation and Chemotherapy
The Onco'Zine Brief
05/30/19 • 47 min
In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Greg Van Wyk, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Noxopharm, a clinical-stage Australian drug development company with offices in Sydney, New York and Hong Kong.
The company is developing a number of drug candidates including an advanced dosage formulation of the generic anti-cancer agent called idronoxil, which is designed to specifically target cancer cells, rendering them less able to survive radiotherapy. The drug is marketed as Veyonda®
Radiation seeks to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA beyond any ability of the cancer cell to repair that damage.
However, all cells have a well-developed mechanism to repair DNA damage. And if a cancer cell is successful in repairing the damage caused by radiation designed to kill it, and survives, therapy is unsuccessful.
Scientists have developed a number of drugs designed to block that repair mechanism.
This means that more cancer cells can be killed following radiotherapy.
Unfortunately, many of these agents have not yet been successful. One reason is that they do not discriminate between repair mechanisms in cancer cells and repair mechanisms in healthy cells. And these drugs also increase the toxic side-effects of radiotherapy, countering any benefit from their use.
Idronoxil is different because it only blocks repair mechanisms in cancer cells... as a result, healthy cells remain unaffected. But in order to block the repair mechanism, idronoxil needs to be present on a continuous basis. When it is not present, the repair process continues unabated.
Researchers at Noxopharm have been able to develop a formulation of idronoxil that keeps the agent in the body in an active form for long periods of time.
The result is a continuous anti-cancer effect for as many days as the drug is administered. The drug has also being studies as an adjunct therapy to a standard of care chemotherapy drug.
The purpose of this approach is to increasing the sensitivity of widely-used chemotherapies while, at the same time, reducing many the well-documented damaging side-effects.
Earlier this year data from the first series of pre-clinical studies confirmed that idronoxil activates the cells associated with both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® works in tandem with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The drug is designed to increasing the number of cancer cells killed by those treatments.
But the drug goes a step further when it acts as an immuno-oncology drug by switching on the body’s first-line immune defense mechanism. This is the main mechanism responsible for fighting cancer. What distinguishes Noxopharm’s investigational drug is that it works with, not against the body’s defenses against cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are destructive treatments. Although they are designed to kill cancer, they can also damage healthy cells. And unfortunately they can also damage the defense mechanisms that the body relies on to fight cancer. The end result with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy is a restricted anti-cancer effect because those treatments may also have disabled the body’s defense mechanisms.
The aim NoxoPharm’s treatment is that it ensures that the immune system is switched ON and Primed to kill any cancer cells that survive the chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
This early defense system is known as the innate immune system and is very effective at detecting and eradicating abnormal cells such as cancer cells. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® is considered to be a first-in-class activator of the innate immune system. This is the system, that scientists increasingly are beginning to see, must be activated if a cancer is to have any chance of being permanently eradicated.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
The company is developing a number of drug candidates including an advanced dosage formulation of the generic anti-cancer agent called idronoxil, which is designed to specifically target cancer cells, rendering them less able to survive radiotherapy. The drug is marketed as Veyonda®
Radiation seeks to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA beyond any ability of the cancer cell to repair that damage.
However, all cells have a well-developed mechanism to repair DNA damage. And if a cancer cell is successful in repairing the damage caused by radiation designed to kill it, and survives, therapy is unsuccessful.
Scientists have developed a number of drugs designed to block that repair mechanism.
This means that more cancer cells can be killed following radiotherapy.
Unfortunately, many of these agents have not yet been successful. One reason is that they do not discriminate between repair mechanisms in cancer cells and repair mechanisms in healthy cells. And these drugs also increase the toxic side-effects of radiotherapy, countering any benefit from their use.
Idronoxil is different because it only blocks repair mechanisms in cancer cells... as a result, healthy cells remain unaffected. But in order to block the repair mechanism, idronoxil needs to be present on a continuous basis. When it is not present, the repair process continues unabated.
Researchers at Noxopharm have been able to develop a formulation of idronoxil that keeps the agent in the body in an active form for long periods of time.
The result is a continuous anti-cancer effect for as many days as the drug is administered. The drug has also being studies as an adjunct therapy to a standard of care chemotherapy drug.
The purpose of this approach is to increasing the sensitivity of widely-used chemotherapies while, at the same time, reducing many the well-documented damaging side-effects.
Earlier this year data from the first series of pre-clinical studies confirmed that idronoxil activates the cells associated with both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® works in tandem with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The drug is designed to increasing the number of cancer cells killed by those treatments.
But the drug goes a step further when it acts as an immuno-oncology drug by switching on the body’s first-line immune defense mechanism. This is the main mechanism responsible for fighting cancer. What distinguishes Noxopharm’s investigational drug is that it works with, not against the body’s defenses against cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are destructive treatments. Although they are designed to kill cancer, they can also damage healthy cells. And unfortunately they can also damage the defense mechanisms that the body relies on to fight cancer. The end result with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy is a restricted anti-cancer effect because those treatments may also have disabled the body’s defense mechanisms.
The aim NoxoPharm’s treatment is that it ensures that the immune system is switched ON and Primed to kill any cancer cells that survive the chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
This early defense system is known as the innate immune system and is very effective at detecting and eradicating abnormal cells such as cancer cells. Noxopharm’s Veyonda® is considered to be a first-in-class activator of the innate immune system. This is the system, that scientists increasingly are beginning to see, must be activated if a cancer is to have any chance of being permanently eradicated.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Get a Colonoscopy, Prevent Colorectal Cancer
The Onco'Zine Brief
04/23/19 • 43 min
In this edition of The Onco’Zine Brief Peter Hofland talks with Dr. Kenneth Vega, chief of Gastroenterology and co-director of the Digestive Health Center at Augusta University Health, a public research university and academic medical center located in Augusta, Georgia (USA).
Hofland and Vega talk about the prevention of colorectal cancer by means of a colonoscopy.
Unfortunately, many people postpone or refuse a colonoscopy because of fear.
Dr. Vega, one of the newest members of the Digestive Health Center at Augusta University in Georgia, has made it his mission to turn anxiety, fear and stress about the procedure into peace, calmness and relaxation about the experience.
In this episode learn more about how to benefit from a colonoscopy and how to best prepare.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
Hofland and Vega talk about the prevention of colorectal cancer by means of a colonoscopy.
Unfortunately, many people postpone or refuse a colonoscopy because of fear.
Dr. Vega, one of the newest members of the Digestive Health Center at Augusta University in Georgia, has made it his mission to turn anxiety, fear and stress about the procedure into peace, calmness and relaxation about the experience.
In this episode learn more about how to benefit from a colonoscopy and how to best prepare.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
06/04/20 • 47 min
Struggling in the heat and humidity of the summer of 2016, Terri Conneran believed that her asthma was uncontrolled. In August that year, her physician assistant prescribed her a preventive inhaler.
That autumn brought the excuse of allergies, plus time for the new inhaler to take effect.
By Christmas 2016, nasal congestion, and a heavy feeling chest with shortness of breath it was time to again see her doctor. Hearing fluid in her lungs, an x-ray showed a mass with fluid. Pneumonia was diagnosed, a return appointment was scheduled for two weeks later.
In the first week of 2017, the wheezing and congestion worsened. Already concerned about the mass shown in the x-ray, a CT scan was ordered. Terri scheduled an appointment with a pulmonologist.
Based on the initial CT results, the pulmonologist confidently stated this is unlikely cancer. To be certain, a PET plus biopsy was necessary.
Late in the evening of the following Friday, the pulmonologist called with the results. The diagnosis: non-small cell lung cancer
To think of the call, Terri recalls that it still feels surreal hearing those words of the pulmonologist. She exactly remembers where she sitting as I wrote the words he doctor spoke on the paper in front of her.
The call forever changed her life - It would be the beginning of her journey as a cancer patient and patient advocate.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
That autumn brought the excuse of allergies, plus time for the new inhaler to take effect.
By Christmas 2016, nasal congestion, and a heavy feeling chest with shortness of breath it was time to again see her doctor. Hearing fluid in her lungs, an x-ray showed a mass with fluid. Pneumonia was diagnosed, a return appointment was scheduled for two weeks later.
In the first week of 2017, the wheezing and congestion worsened. Already concerned about the mass shown in the x-ray, a CT scan was ordered. Terri scheduled an appointment with a pulmonologist.
Based on the initial CT results, the pulmonologist confidently stated this is unlikely cancer. To be certain, a PET plus biopsy was necessary.
Late in the evening of the following Friday, the pulmonologist called with the results. The diagnosis: non-small cell lung cancer
To think of the call, Terri recalls that it still feels surreal hearing those words of the pulmonologist. She exactly remembers where she sitting as I wrote the words he doctor spoke on the paper in front of her.
The call forever changed her life - It would be the beginning of her journey as a cancer patient and patient advocate.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-onco-zine-brief--2786156/support.
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Onco'Zine Brief have?
The Onco'Zine Brief currently has 107 episodes available.
What topics does The Onco'Zine Brief cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Podcasts and Science.
What is the most popular episode on The Onco'Zine Brief?
The episode title 'The Burden of Chemotherapy-induced Myelosuppression' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Onco'Zine Brief?
The average episode length on The Onco'Zine Brief is 43 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Onco'Zine Brief released?
Episodes of The Onco'Zine Brief are typically released every 8 days, 19 hours.
When was the first episode of The Onco'Zine Brief?
The first episode of The Onco'Zine Brief was released on Dec 16, 2017.
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