The a16z Show

Virtual Oncology

Apr 10, 2020
Bobby Green, a community oncologist and chief medical officer at Flatiron Health, and Sumit Shah, head of digital health at Stanford Cancer Center, dive into the impact of COVID-19 on oncology. They discuss the shift to virtual care and how patients are balancing risks with treatment needs. Twitter's role in real-time medical insights is highlighted, alongside the surge of virtual clinics. Challenges of telemedicine, patient technology struggles, and the FDA's adaptability in clinical trials reveal how technology is reshaping cancer care in these trying times.
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INSIGHT

COVID-19's Impact on Treatment Decisions

  • Cancer treatment decisions involve weighing risks and benefits.
  • COVID-19 introduces new risks, like exposure during clinic visits and hospital overload.
ANECDOTE

Re-evaluating Treatment Plans

  • Dr. Green reconsidered adjuvant chemotherapy for a stage 1B lung cancer patient due to COVID-19 risks.
  • He also delayed bone modifying agents, prioritizing minimizing patients' exposure.
ADVICE

Chemotherapy Recommendations

  • Continue chemotherapy for young, fit patients in deep remission.
  • Consider stopping treatment for patients 1-2 years beyond treatment and in remission.
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