• May 27, 2024  

    How Would an Expert Manage His Own Advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma: an Update

    With: Kevin Knopf, MD, MPH

    When facing a frightening new cancer diagnosis, some people ask their doctors, “What would you do if you were me?” Here, our Curious Dr. George asks oncologist Kevin Knopf, MD, how he would handle his own advanced Hodgkin lymphoma. Curious Dr. George: Please consider this hypothetical scenario—as a very busy practicing clinical oncologist during the COVID-19 pandemic, you were not paying much attention to… Read more »

  • March 16, 2023  

    A New Biomarker to Optimize Immunotherapy for People with Cancer

    With: Scott Tomlins, MD, PhD

    Immunotherapy—a type of treatment that harnesses a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer—has been a “game changer” for many patients. It can be difficult, however, to predict whether or not a given person would benefit from immunotherapy, especially when it comes to drugs that target the immune system molecules PD-1 and PD-L1. Our Curious Dr. George asks Scott Tomlins, MD, PhD, Co-founder and… Read more »

  • January 28, 2023  

    Using Live Cells from Patients to Find the Right Cancer Drug

    With: Clifford A. Reid, PhD

    Today, many cancer patients benefit from targeted drugs that are matched to the distinct genetic mutations found in their tumors. However, especially in late-stage cancer, this “precision oncology” strategy has not proven to be as transformative as people once hoped. Here, Curious Dr. George asks Clifford A. Reid, PhD, CEO of Travera, how his company is addressing this problem. Curious Dr. George: The U.S.… Read more »

  • January 17, 2023  

    How Would an Expert Manage His Own Advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma?

    With: Kevin Knopf, MD, MPH

    When facing a frightening new cancer diagnosis, some people ask their doctors, “What would you do if you were me?” Here, our Curious Dr. George asks oncologist Kevin Knopf, MD, how he would handle his own advanced Hodgkin lymphoma. Curious Dr. George: Please consider this hypothetical scenario—as a very busy practicing clinical oncologist during the COVID-19 pandemic, you were not paying much attention to… Read more »

  • December 30, 2022  

    All-Clear Follow-Up: Hydrogen Peroxide Appears to Treat Oral and Skin Lesions

    With: Bert Vorstman, MDRonald Piana

    In 2020, writer Ronald Piana shared with our readers his own experience of using hydrogen peroxide to quickly eradicate a clinically diagnosed pre-malignant oral leukoplakia—a condition that can develop into oral cancer. Here, Curious Dr. George follows up with him and hears an additional perspective from retired urologic surgeon Bert Vorstman, MD, MS, FAAP, FRACS, FACS. Curious Dr. George: About 2 years have passed since you… Read more »

  • December 23, 2022  

    10 Things I Learned in 10 Years at Cancer Commons That Could Save Your Life

    With: Marty Tenenbaum, PhD

    After facing his own cancer, Marty Tenenbaum, PhD, founded Cancer Commons to help others dealing with the disease. Here, Curious Dr. George asks him to share what he has learned. Curious Dr. George: As a well-known survivor of metastatic melanoma, and as the founder of Cancer Commons, you are often sought out by friends and acquaintances who have just been diagnosed with cancer or… Read more »

  • December 11, 2022  

    Taking Your Cancer Management to the Next Level: Webinar Recap

    Sarah Stanley

    There is no teacher quite like personal experience. Whether you are dealing with your own diagnosis or helping someone else, you become deeply familiar with cancer’s many practical and emotional challenges. Facing cancer can inspire people to help others navigate their own cancer journey. On November 9, 2022, Cancer Commons presented a free webinar featuring three passionate advocates who have drawn on their own… Read more »

  • November 3, 2022  

    Cancer Commons Helps Patients Benefit from Clinical Trials

    With: Emma Shtivelman, PhD

    For many years, people with advanced cancer who turn to Cancer Commons have benefitted from working with Chief Scientist Emma Shtivelman, PhD. Here, she shares three patients’ stories. Curious Dr. George: You have helped many hundreds of patients with advanced cancer to feel valued, to better understand their disease and their clinical situation, and to explore their options. Will you please share with our readers… Read more »

  • October 10, 2022  

    People With Prostate Cancer See Their Journey Differently From Their Doctors

    With: Nicole Jardine, BASc

    Typical approaches to cancer research don’t necessarily capture the whole picture of what a patient might experience. Here, our Curious Dr. George asks Nicole Jardine, BASc, how real-world evidence can improve cancer research. Jardine is Associate Manager, Patient Journey Analytics at the company Self Care Catalysts, recently acquired by Alira Health. Curious Dr. George: In your role at Self Care Catalysts, you have access… Read more »

  • September 15, 2022  

    A New Champion for Cancer Caregivers

    With: Mike Looney, PhD

    Many people with advanced cancer can benefit from helpful caregivers, but family and friends who take on this role may have little background or training to do such a difficult job well. A new organization called Courage Groups aims to provide education and guidance in this collaborative journey. The founder is Mike Looney, PhD, a client and generous supporter of Cancer Commons, whose family… Read more »