The Fellow on Call: The Heme/Onc Podcast

Ryan Miller, a fourth-year radiation oncology resident at Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the critical role of radiation in managing Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome. Rupal Parikh, training in interventional radiology at the University of Pennsylvania, shares her insights on therapeutic interventions for this urgent condition. They emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in treatment, explore diagnostic strategies, and highlight the balance between immediate care and long-term management for patients.

Dive into the intricacies of metastatic cancer with unknown origins, featuring personal insights and the importance of precise biopsy options. Enjoy a case study journey that showcases collaborative oncology consults. Learn about the necessity of advanced imaging techniques, including PET and CT scans, to improve diagnosis. Understand the emotional challenges faced by patients in the interim of diagnosis to treatment planning, highlighting the need for comprehensive care and accurate information in oncology.

As the new academic year begins, the focus is on preparing hematology/oncology fellows for their first on-call nights. The discussion covers critical topics like the workup for thrombocytopenia, distinguishing ITP from TTP, and the various diagnostic strategies. Key treatment options for ITP are explored, including the use of IVIG and corticosteroids. A unique take on the immature platelet fraction highlights its role in assessing bleeding risk, ensuring fellows are equipped with essential knowledge for managing hematologic emergencies.

Dive into the complexities of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) as the hosts unravel its symptoms and critical management strategies with a humorous twist. They share personal anecdotes, including kitchen mishaps, while discussing key diagnostic tests for TTP. The conversation highlights the significance of ADAMTS13 enzyme deficiency and timely interventions like plasma exchange. With a blend of medical insights and light-hearted banter, this discussion is both informative and entertaining for new hematology/oncology fellows.

Dr. Chris Cann, an Assistant Professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, shines a light on the alarming rise of early onset colorectal cancer among younger individuals. He discusses the urgent need for awareness, highlighting genetic, environmental, and social factors contributing to this trend. The conversation also delves into the unique challenges faced by young adults with cancer, including psychosocial and fertility issues. With a blend of serious insights and light-hearted banter, Dr. Cann's expertise offers vital knowledge in this rapidly emerging area of oncology.

This week, we incorporate medical oncology back into our discussion with our Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Sanford, and our Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Bailey. We discuss how we approach the management of localized rectal cancer. Note that we will be heavily building off our discussions with our specialist. We recommend listening to these episodes if you have not done so already.Content: - What information do we need upfront for patients with newly diagnosed rectal cancer?- How did we get to the current treatment paradigm?- What is the data for long course vs. short course radiation?- What is total neoadjuvant therapy?- What are high risk features in rectal cancer?- Is surgery always needed?- Is radiation therapy always needed? ** Want to review the show notes for this episode and others? Check out our website: https://www.thefellowoncall.com/our-episodesLove what you hear? Tell a friend and leave a review on our podcast streaming platforms!Twitter: @TheFellowOnCallInstagram: @TheFellowOnCallListen in on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcast

Allison Schepers, a Clinical Pharmacist Specialist at the Rogel Cancer Center, shares her expertise in colorectal cancer pharmacology. She delves into essential drugs like capecitabine and oxaliplatin, discussing their management and side effects. Allison explores toxicity management, including uridine triacetate as an antidote for 5-FU toxicity. She also highlights the latest HER2 targeted treatments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in patient care. Her insights are invaluable for navigating the complex landscape of colorectal cancer therapies.

Dr. Christina Bailey, Associate Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt University, shares her expertise on managing colorectal cancer through surgery. She discusses the crucial role of MRIs in rectal cancer diagnoses and explains the differences between low anterior resections and abdominal perineal resections. The conversation highlights long-term complications following surgery, optimal colon resection extents, and the timing for adjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, she explores innovations like neoadjuvant therapy for metastatic cases, emphasizing patient discussions for informed decision-making.

Join Dr. Nina Sanford, an expert in gastrointestinal radiation oncology at UT Southwestern, as she breaks down the pivotal role of radiation therapy in managing colorectal cancer. Discover why rectal cancer requires different radiation strategies than colon cancer. Dr. Sanford shares insights on evaluating patients for treatment options and the effects of long versus short course radiation. Plus, learn about the latest trials and their implications for patient care, addressing key issues like side effects and long-term quality of life.

Delve into the intricacies of stage II colon adenocarcinoma, where lack of nodal involvement raises critical treatment questions. Explore the potential benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy and the impact of microsatellite instability testing. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) emerges as a fascinating tool for assessing therapy effectiveness. Plus, learn about the promising role of immunotherapy in certain colon cancer types. Personal anecdotes pepper the discussion, making complex topics more engaging!