@drfranciscomd.bsky.social
Practicing Hematologist & Oncologist + nerd = me. I break down cancer news and treatments, one Middle-earth metaphor at a time. Join me for facts, laughs, and Gandalf-level wisdom. Stanford ->MSKCC -> IU -> UA -> Kaiser SF -> Intermountain Alta View
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
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
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
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-...
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. 💎⚔️
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
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
A new study suggests tracking tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) during radiation therapy may offer insights into prognosis and guide personalized treatment in breast cancer. Monitoring immune responses could refine therapy strategies for better outcomes. 🧬✨ #BreastCancer #CancerResearch
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
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. 🌅⚔️
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
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
There is clearly one right answer here. I’m definitely not biased 🙄
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
This came out decades ago but remains a true and simple depiction of grief.
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. 🗻⚔️
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
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
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
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
The FDA has approved sotorasib with panitumumab for KRAS G12C-mutated colorectal cancer. This combo therapy tackles a previously ‘undruggable’ mutation, offering new hope for advanced cases. A major milestone in precision oncology! 🧬✨ #CancerResearch #OncologyNews
+1 on this wish list
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
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.
Source?
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
Phase II TROPION-Lung04 study indicate that datopotamab deruxtecan shows promising efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced or metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have been previously treated. ADCs are coming! #LungCancer #Oncology
What do you think? How would this fair if compared to OpenAI O3 model?
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!
Amazing!