iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

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

medium.com

Who’s Really Healing Us? The Dangers of Dismantling Government-Led Healthcare

I’ve spent my career in healthcare, and lately it feels like I’m watching a slow-motion demolition of the very structures that have…

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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

onclive.com

NCCN Updates ctDNA Stance in Colon, Rectal, and MCC Guidelines

The NCCN guidelines have been updated to specify the standing of ctDNA as a biomarker in colon and rectal cancer, as well as in MCC.

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Reposted by @drfranciscomd.bsky.social

Jan Kirsch, M.D., M.P.H. @drjanicekirsch.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

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-...

today.com

Where is flu surging in the US? Some hospitals are overwhelmed in states with high rates

Flu has surged to high levels across the US, straining hospitals. Experts discuss 2024-25 flu season trends, symptoms to watch for, and how to stay safe.

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

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

ascopost.com

Novel Personalized Cancer Vaccine May Be Effective in Patients With Stage III and IV Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Researchers have examined whether a novel personalized cancer vaccine can improve outcomes in patients with stage III or IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

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Reposted by @drfranciscomd.bsky.social

Dr Lindsey Fitzharris @drlindseyfitz.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

With science falling under increasing attack, this medical historian is here to remind people of the power of #vaccines. THREAD🧵 Hard-hitting polio advert from 1958. In the first half of the 20th century, polio was the leading cause of death in children and young adults. 1/7

An advertisement for the polio vaccine which reads: "they all got vaccine except dad...don't take a chance...take your polio shots!" It depicts a photo of a family gathered around a father who is in an iron lung.

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

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

fda.gov

FDA grants accelerated approval to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki for

On April 5, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.) for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HE...

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Reposted by @drfranciscomd.bsky.social

Maximus @maximustm.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

I was set to enter a clinical trial in February. It's since been canceled. You are spot on with "cancer itself will not agree to such a delay." #Cansky

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

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

medium.com

It Takes a Fellowship: Why Support Staff Are the Unsung Heroes of Cancer Care

In my years of practice as an oncologist, I’ve come to realize that cancer care is not just about treating a disease — it’s about guiding people through one of the most challenging journeys of their…

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

This came out decades ago but remains a true and simple depiction of grief.

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Aspirin after completion of standard adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer (ASCOLT): a phase 3 international trial.’ This study found that aspirin 200 mg daily for 3 years was well tolerated but did not significantly improve disease-free survival 🧬✨ #Oncology #Cancer

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

Non-medical post: Onyx Storm dropped today, and my wife is already several chapters in. Every so often, I hear her say, ‘Just one more chapter,’ but we all know that’s book lover code for ‘leave snacks and back away slowly.’ It’s an art form, really. 📚😅 #OnyxStorm

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

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

medium.com

Stop the Spiral: How Early Test Results Are Hurting Cancer Patients

As an oncologist, I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. A patient gets their imaging results or tumor marker levels through their online portal days before we’re scheduled to meet. By the…

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

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

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

Insurance denials and prior auths feel like trying to cross the Dead Marshes—every step forward is met with unseen obstacles dragging you down. Patients deserve a clear path to care, not to be lost in the bureaucracy. #Oncology #HealthcareFrustrations

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Reposted by @drfranciscomd.bsky.social

Alun Ephraim @alunephraim.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

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...

bbc.co.uk

UK's first liver transplant for bowel cancer deemed a success

Bianca Perea, a 32-year-old trainee lawyer, is now

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 26/12/2024

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

ascopubs.org

ASCO Publications

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

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.

nejm.org

Exagamglogene Autotemcel for Severe Sickle Cell Disease | NEJM

Exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel) is a nonviral cell therapy designed to reactivate fetal hemoglobin synthesis by means of ex vivo clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR...

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Exciting news! We’re counting down the top 5 most popular oncology papers of 2024Join me each as we explore the breakthroughs shaping cancer care. (Will add LOTR) doing for each of them From precision medicine to cutting-edge therapies, let’s dive into the science. 🧬✨ #TopOncologyPapers #2024Review

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

🩸 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

targetedonc.com

Liquid Biopsy Techniques Test Lung Cancer MRD Level

Luis E. Raez, MD, discusses the current liquid biopsy options for patients with lung cancer through assessing circulating tumor DNA.

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

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

targetedonc.com

FDA Grants Breakthrough Status to Sacituzumab Govitecan in ES-SCLC

The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to sacituzumab govitecan for patients with ES-SCLC progressing on platinum chemotherapy, supported by promising antitumor activity in the phase 2 TROPi...

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

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

dailynews.ascopubs.org

ASCO Daily News

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 15/12/2024

At #ASH24, the IMMagine-1 trial presented promising results for anitocabtagene autoleucel (anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, showing high response rates in heavily pretreated patients. #MultipleMyeloma #CancerResearch

ash.confex.com

Paper: Phase 2 Registrational Study of Anitocabtagene Autoleucel for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Preliminary Results from the IMMagine-1 Trial

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

(Cancer News Update): “The PADMA study presented at #SABCS24 reveals that combining palbociclib with endocrine therapy outperforms chemotherapy in high-risk HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, offering a more effective and less toxic treatment option. #BreastCancer #CancerResearch #PADMA

cancertherapyadvisor.com

Palbociclib Plus ET Outperforms Chemo in HR+, HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer

Palbociclib plus ET improved outcomes over chemotherapy ± ET maintenance in patients with high-risk, HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

1/2: Big news from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: Some early-stage breast cancer patients may safely skip lymph node removal without compromising outcomes. This could mean fewer side effects and better quality of life. #BreastCancer #CancerUpdates apnews.com/article/brea...

apnews.com

Some breast cancer patients can avoid certain surgeries, studies suggest

Some early breast cancer patients can safely avoid certain surgeries. That's according to two studies published Thursday that explore ways to lessen treatment burdens.

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

In Middle-earth terms, osimertinib is like the black arrow of Bard the Bowman—crafted for a singular purpose, to take down Smaug (the EGFR mutation). Just as Smaug’s armor had a weak spot, cancer driven by EGFR mutations has vulnerabilities that these therapies exploit. Precision is everything. 🏹

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

Big news in lung cancer treatment: Targeted therapies are making huge strides. For patients with EGFR mutations, drugs like osimertinib are extending survival and improving quality of life. This is precision medicine at its finest—designed to attack the cancer without harming healthy cells

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drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

One does not simply fight cancer without the right tools. Whether it’s cutting-edge treatments or knowledge that shines brighter than the light of Eärendil, I’m here to guide you through it all. Follow along as we conquer the darkness—one post and one laugh at a time. 🛡️✨ #CancerAwareness #LOTRNerd

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