Author | Lightnews

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Feb 18

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

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…

medium.com

7 1 12

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Feb 12

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

3

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Feb 12

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

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.

www.onclive.com

2 9

Reposted

Jan Kirsch, M.D., M.P.H. @drjanicekirsch.bsky.social · Feb 8

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-...

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.

www.today.com

4 24 66

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Feb 8

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. 💎⚔️

2

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Feb 8

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

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.

ascopost.com

1 7

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Feb 5

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

2

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Feb 5

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

Longitudinal Assessment of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Primary Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have prognostic significance in several cancers, including breast cancer. Despite interest in combining radiation therapy with immunotherapy, little is known abou...

www.redjournal.org

1 4

Reposted

Dr Lindsey Fitzharris @drlindseyfitz.bsky.social · Feb 1

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.

190 2.8K 8.7K

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 28

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. 🌅⚔️

2

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 28

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 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...

www.fda.gov

2 5

Reposted

Maximus @maximustm.bsky.social · Jan 26

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

Dave Levitan @davelevitan.bsky.social · Jan 26

"...if NCI-supported trials really are delayed or suspended for a meaningful amount of time, that means delayed discoveries, delayed drug approvals, delayed potential treatments for people whose cancer will not itself agree to such a delay."

I talk to multiple people inside NCI and NIH:

Trump's Assault on NIH Will Kill People With Cancer

Splinter is your home for news and opinions that challenge power in our political and economic system that's becoming more unhinged each and every day.

www.splinter.com

3 11 28

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 27

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

1

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 27

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

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…

medium.com

1 3

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 25

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

1

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 24

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. 🗻⚔️

1 2

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 24

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

1 3

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 20

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

4

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 19

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

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…

medium.com

5 3 10

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 18

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

1 4

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 18

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

FDA Approves Sotorasib With Panitumumab for <em>KRAS</em> G12C–Mutated Colorectal Cancer

On January 16, the FDA approved a KRAS G12C inhibitor in combination with a monoclonal antibody for adult patients with KRAS G12C–mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved...

ascopost.com

1 1 5

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 15

+1 on this wish list

1

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 15

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

3

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 15

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.

1

drfranciscomd.bsky.social @drfranciscomd.bsky.social · Jan 15

Source?

1