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…

7151

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

ctDNA is like the Palantíri—seeing-stones revealing hidden truths. Just as they offered glimpses into distant events, ctDNA uncovers cancer’s covert activities, helping us anticipate recurrence. Knowledge is power! 🔮🛡️ #LOTRNerd #OncologyWithPurpose

060

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.

2110

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.

46623

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

A personalized cancer vaccine is like the Nauglamír, the Dwarven-crafted necklace remade to hold a Silmaril for Eärendil. Each piece was unique, but when tailored for its purpose, it became a beacon of hope. Similarly, these vaccines are custom-forged to target cancer with precision. 💎⚔️

020

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.

180

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Tracking TILs during radiation therapy is like the watchful Ents of Fangorn—silent observers who notice changes others miss. Just as they stir when the forest is threatened, monitoring TILs helps oncologists adjust treatment, making care more precise and adaptive. 🌳🔍 #LOTRNerd #OncologyWithPurpose

020

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.

18085632745

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

In Middle-earth terms, fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki is like the Dawnless Day before the Ride of the Rohirrim. Just as the shadow of Mordor spread over Gondor, patients with HER2-positive tumors faced limited options—but now, a new charge against the darkness begins. 🌅⚔️

020

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...

250

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

32811

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

There is clearly one right answer here. I’m definitely not biased 🙄

010

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…

130

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

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

010

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

In Middle-earth terms, aspirin in this trial is like the Fellowship’s attempt to cross Caradhras. A well-reasoned effort with potential merit, but ultimately, the path did not lead to success, and another way had to be sought. Aspirin was well-tolerated but didn’t significantly improve OS. 🗻⚔️

021

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

130

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

040

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…

5103

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

In Middle-earth terms, sotorasib with panitumumab is like the reforging of Andúril—created to conquer what was thought invincible. KRAS mutations, like Sauron, seemed unstoppable, but this combination cuts through the darkness, bringing hope to advanced colorectal cancer patients. ⚔️✨ #Oncology

041

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

Throw in prior auths and bureaucratic delay as the cherry on top and people often debate which is more traumatic the cancer itself or the financial toxicity that comes with it. The system as it stands is not helping the patient

030

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

This is more association than causation, based on a small study of poultry workers—not the general population thus confounders abound. I do agree with him in the bigger picture with his other videos that I agree processed foods are carcinogenic, we shouldn’t overextend conclusions from limited data.

100

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Datopotamab deruxtecan in NSCLC is like the Huorns’ intervention at Helm’s Deep—subtle but devastating. While unseen in the battle’s chaos, the Huorns eradicated Saruman’s retreating forces with precision and power. 🌲⚔️ #LOTR #Oncology

010

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

What do you think? How would this fair if compared to OpenAI O3 model?

000

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

As a former Kaiser Fellow who rotated through the Stanford BMT unit and a proud Stanford Master’s alum, I’m always in awe of how far cellular therapies have advanced. This is an exciting milestone, and I can’t wait to see what breakthroughs are on the horizon!

010

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

Vasomotor symptoms from endocrine therapy are such a pain point. Glad to see advances in this space!

000

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

lung and prostate cancer research (clinical outcomes) and phase III trials

031

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

050

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

Using a negative PSMA PET scan to avoid surgery is like Faramir scouting the enemy’s movements in Ithilien. His vigilance prevents reckless attacks and ensures that Gondor’s forces act only when truly necessary. Strategic insight spares harm while achieving the mission. 🛡️🌿 #LOTRNerd #Prostatecancer

030

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

I think you need a space between your emoji and link to make it live and clickable

020

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

020

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

In oligometastatic spread aggressive source control (which should include transplant!)Can lead to amazing outcomes with durable responses. These lessons need to be emphasized across all tumor types.

010

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

161

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

Since most of our trial data comes from staging with conventional CT how do you reconcile upstaged prostate cancer with existing pathways?

000

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

It’s the best field and entering its golden era! She won’t regret it!

010

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

In Middle-earth terms, TXDX is like the Silmarils, forged by Fëanor to harness the light of the Two Trees. While originally intended for one purpose, their radiance became a beacon of hope for all of Arda. HER2-targeted therapy extends to multiple tumor types, illuminating new paths in cancer care🌟✨

020

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

Organ preservation with neoadjuvant therapy is like Elrond healing Frodo with athelas after Weathertop—not removing Frodo’s arm but preserving it while targeting the Morgul wound. This precise approach spares what’s vital while addressing the source of the threat. 🌿🛡️ #LOTRNerd #OncologyWithPurpose

010