The Fellow on Call: The Heme/Onc Podcast

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!

Dive into the intricacies of adjuvant therapy for Stage III colon cancer. Learn about essential chemotherapy regimens, FOLFOX and CAPOX, and when to use them. Discover the significance of treatment duration and the implications of high-risk factors. Explore the evolution of chemotherapy and how capecitabine plays a role in enhancing outcomes. The impact of mismatch repair status on treatment effectiveness adds another layer to this complex discussion, making for a compelling listen on the management and patient care in colon oncology.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed each year worldwide. This highly anticipated series will take an in-depth look at this disease. In this first episode, we discuss the basics, including staging, tumor markers, and microsatellite instability testing, before tackling the management of colorectal cancer in upcoming episodes. Content: - What is the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the US?- How are CRC patients staged? - What is the role of CEA? - What are microsatellites and mismatch repair proteins, and how do they come into play for treatment purposes?- Who needs germline testing? - What is the TNM staging for CRC? - What are some high risk factors we need to pay attention to on the pathology report? ** 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

Delve into the fascinating world of minimal residual disease (MRD) testing in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Discover how MRD plays a pivotal role in treatment decisions, the advanced techniques for detection, and the implications of MRD status on patient outcomes. Tune in for insights about the efficacy of methods like flow cytometry and the Clonosec assay, and learn about ongoing research that might reshape treatment strategies. Plus, enjoy a mix of medical insights and entertaining commentary that keeps the conversation lively!

Dive into the complexities of managing relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with insights on treatment strategies and patient care. Discover the challenges of diagnosing Richter's transformation and the impact of key therapies like obinutuzumab and venetoclax. Learn about the significance of genetic markers in prognosis and the evolving landscape of second-line treatments, including the implications of recent market withdrawals. Nostalgic discussions about childhood animated films add a light-hearted touch to this serious topic.

Delve into the latest advancements in chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment, exploring crucial indications for therapy and the debate between fixed versus indefinite options. A complex case study reveals the challenges faced by a patient with multiple health issues. Discover the intricacies of managing associated autoimmune conditions and the significance of monitoring approaches. Key insights on novel therapies, including BTK inhibitors and venetoclax, are shared, shedding light on personalized treatment strategies and their implications for patient care.