Cancer Conversations
By Fox Chase Cancer Center
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Podcast Description
Fox Chase Cancer Center, a hospital devoted entirely to cancer prevention, research, and treatment, presents Cancer Conversations, a series to help you make sense of the cancer news we hear every day.
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1 |
Inflammatory Breast Cancer | The fact is, they’re not. Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for about one percent of all cases. Inflammatory breast cancer rarely produces breast lumps and may not show up on a mammogram. Symptoms tend to progress rapidly and can include pronounced swelling or skin changes like irritation or redness. This rare form of breast cancer can often be confused with mastitis. Early diagnosis can save lives. At Fox Chase, we've opened an inflammatory breast cancer clinic in our Women's Cancer Center, led by internationally renowned expert Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli. Personalizing your cancer care is essential. See a breast cancer specialist who can tailor a program that’s best for you. | 28 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2 |
Benefits of Vitamin D | One of the many benefits of a bright, sunny day is that our skin produces vitamin d naturally when exposed to sunlight. Some studies have shown that vitamin D may reduce the risk for certain cancers. However, increasing your sun exposure to get more vitamin D also greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancers – including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in Americans under 30 – and its incidence is on the rise. So protect yourself from the sun and examine your skin regularly. Ask your dermatologist to assess any irregularities you find. Fox chase has a nationally recognized skin cancer program, including Mohs microsurgery and risk assessment for melanoma. | 28 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Federal guidelines for mammograms | This week a listener asked about the new federal guidelines for breast cancer screening. Previous guidelines called for annual mammograms beginning at age 40. These new guidelines recommend mammograms every two years, starting at age 50. Catching cancer early is essential for the best outcomes. That’s why cancer centers like Fox Chase still recommend annual screening beginning at 40 — and earlier if breast cancer runs in your family. Tennis great Martina Navratilova is a case in point. An extremely fit and healthy person, she skipped mammograms for four years and recently was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 53. Personalizing your cancer screening and treatment is essential. The new women’s cancer center at Fox Chase specializes in digital mammography and can tailor the right approach for you and your family. | 28 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
Reconstructive Surgery Techniques for the Jaw | This week a listener asked whether an elderly patient should undergo complicated surgery to remove a tumor next to his jawbone. This procedure can take up to 20 hours and involves both removing the tumor and reconstructing the jaw using a bone from the lower leg. However, Fox Chase is using a game-changing technology that makes better outcomes possible for more patients. Working from a CAT scan, a virtual computer model is developed to reconstruct the jaw. This pioneering work by Fox Chase reconstructive surgeons Drs. Neal Topham and Sameer Patel, in collaboration with our head and neck cancer surgeons, customizes the bone for reconstruction, cutting surgical time in half. Fox Chase is the sole provider of this patient-specific technology in the region and one of only four nationally. | 28 7 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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5 |
Keeping Track of Baseline Screenings | Successful cancer treatment begins early before symptoms occur. This is backed by data. Most screening recommendations are based on a persons age, genetics, or family history of cancer. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
Does Aspirin Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence? | Recent data from a large, ongoing national study show that in more than 4,000 breast cancer survivors, aspirin reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer by nearly 50 percent. In this study, most women who took aspirin did so for heart disease prevention, joint and muscle pain, or headaches. These results are promising. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
Breast Reconstruction Methods | The cosmetics of breast reconstruction following mastectomy are a major concern to most women. While many options are available, the most advanced and aesthetically appealing method of breast reconstruction is called the Micro-Surgical Free Flap Technique. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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8 |
Less Invasive Lung Surgeries | Open lung cancer surgery is highly invasive. Chest muscles are cut and the ribs are spread. However, there is a much less-invasive approach, one that is less painful, with faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay. VATS, or Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, is much like a laparoscopic gall bladder removal where surgeons insert a camera and small instruments into the chest to perform complex lung cancer procedures. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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Robotic Surgery Experts | The robot is simply a tool, so it is important to find a physician who understands the biology of cancer. For surgeons, this means having completed a fellowship in cancer surgery. The robot merely extends the surgeons expertise and when used appropriately can achieve the best patient outcomes. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
Breast Cancer and Soy Intake | Soy protein contains isoflavones, organic compounds similar to estrogen. Estrogen has been linked to increased breast cancer risk. Some studies show that isoflavones may stimulate the growth of existing breast tumors, while others have found that these same compounds may actually protect against breast cancer by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma | Lymphomas are cancers of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes act like a good defensive line in football. They trap bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells so that white blood cells can make the kill. The treatment of choice is usually combination chemotherapy, but that doesnt work for everyone. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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12 |
Summer Skin Cancer Prevention | Did you know that the average person burns after only 15 minutes in the sun? Sunburns can increase the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Learn who is at highest risk of melanoma and what steps you can take to reduce your risk. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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New Treatments in Radiation Therapy | Advanced technology, such as Cyberknife, helps radiation therapists target tumors with great precision. Because the technology corrects for any natural movement during treatment, doctors can deliver the most effective dose to destroy the tumor with minimal effect on normal tissues, reducing potential side effects. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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14 |
Treating Cancer that has Spread to the Liver | Because liver surgery is highly complex and difficult, the first consideration is whether surgical removal is possible. Fox Chase is one of a handful of centers nationally where surgeons like Dr. Andrew Gumbs perform minimally invasive liver surgeries. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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15 |
Welcome to Cancer Conversations | In this first installment, Dr. Robert Uzzo introduces Fox Chase Cancer Center's Cancer Conversations, and gives a glimpse into what listeners can expect. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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16 |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's Disease | Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohns Disease are frequently confused. Both disorders cause abdominal pain and altered bowel function. However, it is important to distinguish Crohns Disease from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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17 |
Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer | Like most cancer therapies, radiation sounds ominous. But there have been significant technological advances. The most sophisticated technique uses multiple small beams and is called intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT. A typical treatment takes about 10 minutes and is painless. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
Bone Marrow Transplant for Multiple Myeloma Patients | Multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow, is often treated using a large dose of chemotherapy designed to wipe out the myeloma cells. But this treatment comes with collateral damage some normal blood cells and bone marrow cells are destroyed. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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19 |
Treating Chemotherapy-Related Neuropathy | Neuropathy is numbness and pain in the legs, hands, and feet, affecting 10 to 20 percent of cancer patients. There are ways to mitigate neuropathy symptoms, including anticonvulsants and pain medications to provide maximum relief. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
Can Parabens Trigger Breast Cancer? | Parabens are preservatives found in literally tens of thousands of cosmetic products including lotions, shampoos, sunless tanners, and gels. They are used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and to prolong shelf life. In 2004, a small study showed traces of parabens in breast cancer tissue. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
Clinical Trials Often Provide the Best Treatment | Clinical trials are performed at all stages of cancer, from prevention to advanced care. Today's most effective therapies have gone through extensive clinical trials. One of the primary benefits for patients is early access to the newest treatments. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors | Prostate cancer remains one of our most common cancers, with more than 192 thousand new cases this year and an estimated 27 thousand deaths. Men with a family history of the disease and African-American men are considered to be at highest risk. Two recent national studies show prostate cancer is preventable. | 15 4 10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
Keystone Programs: Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center | With the Keystone Programs for Collaborative Discovery, Fox Chase Cancerr Center will advance the best approach for transforming the best ideas into the best practice, for the benefit of all. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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24 |
The Safety of Radiation Therapy | I'm Dr. Eric Horwitz, Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology. I’ve treated patients at Fox Chase for 14 years. I’d like to address some of the issues that have made news recently in regard to radiation therapy and patient safety. Treating cancer with radiation has evolved tremendously over the years. We now have sophisticated technologies such as Calypso, Rapid Arc, and Cyberknife. Where we used to talk about accuracy in terms of centimeters, we’re now down to millimeters, even point-one millimeter. This allows us to apply powerful doses of radiation with the utmost safety and precision. It also helps reduce side effects and treatment times. All radiation treatments are not equal. For the best outcomes, you should go where the experts are – where cases like yours are handled every day. NCI-designated cancer centers like Fox Chase offer the best care, backed by the latest research and technology. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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25 |
Family History and Genetic Testing | This week a listener asked about genetic testing and cancer risk assessment. One of the best ways to stop cancer is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Certain patterns within families provide clues to hereditary cancers, such as multiple people in the family with the same or related cancer, or family members with more than one type of cancer. Under the direction of Dr. Mary Daly, a national leader in cancer prevention and risk assessment, fox chase established one of the nation's first risk assessment programs twenty years ago. Risk assessment involves a deep dive into your personal medical history and the history of cancer in your family. If appropriate, genetic testing is performed. Genetic testing allows you, your family, and your treatment team to know your risk so that together you can develop a tailored plan to reduce it. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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26 |
Esophageal Cancer | This week a listener asked about cancer of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. A sore throat associated with severe acid reflux – or even flu-like symptoms, such as a lingering sore throat and swollen glands – may mask the development of esophageal cancer. Treatment usually involves surgery – or a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Fox Chase offers minimally invasive surgical options, including treatments for very early esophageal cancer that allow patients to retain their esophagus and avoid surgery. This is not a common cancer, but acid reflux, smoking, drinking, and being overweight do increase your risk. Women who take osteoporosis drugs like Fosamex double their risk. See a cancer expert for a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis, which is critical for best outcomes. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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27 |
Ewing's Sarcoma | This week a listener asked about Ewing's Sarcoma. Sarcomas are tumors arising from the bone or soft tissues such as muscle or fat. Ewing's is a rare form of bone cancer which most often strikes children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 20 but can be seen in adults, as well. It does not appear to be hereditary. Although Ewing's can occur in any bone, the most common sites are the limbs, pelvis, and ribs. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation, and targeted therapy. Fox Chase's nationally ranked sarcoma program leads and participates in studies looking at these targeted therapies. Our team of sarcoma experts, led by oncologist Dr. Margaret von Mehren, provides personalized care for these uncommon tumors. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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28 |
PSA Testing and Prostate Cancer | This week a listener asked about the PSA test for prostate cancer. The concern about this test is whether it leads to overtreatment in men. Prostate cancer is the second-most prevalent cancer in american men, however, so the risks and benefits of the psa test warrant a discussion with your doctor. High-risk populations such as African-Americans or those with a family history of prostate cancer are excellent candidates for the psa test. Fox Chase's Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment service personalizes the screening process for high-risk men. Under the direction of Dr. Veda Giri, this program evaluates expanded family histories and screens for relevant genetic mutations. We then make appropriate recommendations ranging from genetic testing and preventive measures to early detection and treatment. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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29 |
Comprehensive Cancer Center Nursing | This week a listener asked whether cancer patients need specialized nursing care. Cancer patients have unique nursing needs. Like our doctors, the nurses at Fox Chase receive specialized cancer training. One measure of excellence is magnet status, awarded by the american nurses credentialing center. Only about six percent of hospitals in the nation achieve this distinction. Ten years ago, Fox Chase became the first comprehensive cancer center in the U.S. and the first Pennsylvania hospital to gain magnet status. Since then, Fox Chase has become the first hospital in Pennsylvania to earn three consecutive magnet nursing designations. In the end, compassionate nursing care leads to better outcomes. That's an award we can all live with. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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30 |
Interventional G.I. Procedures at Fox Chase Cancer Center | I’m Dr. Jeffrey Tokar, Attending Gastroenterologist at Fox Chase, and I’d like to talk about interventional endoscopy. This is a safe, effective alternative to more invasive surgical or radiologic procedures for diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions. Endoscopists can often treat cancerous and precancerous growths, and most patients often go home the same day. Not all medical centers offer the level of endoscopic specialization provided at Fox Chase, which involves advanced training and sophisticated equipment. Fox Chase delivers this highly specialized care on a daily basis. We’ve also developed relationships with innovative biotechnology companies, enabling us to offer the newest endoscopic procedures before they are available at other medical centers. And that means better outcomes for you. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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31 |
Cancer Treatment Outcomes | I'm Dr. Michael Seiden, President and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center. I'd like to tell you about a step we've taken toward greater transparency for people seeking cancer care. We've posted five-year survival rates for major cancers on our website as a measure of quality so that you can find the best possible cancer care for yourself and your family. The data compares survival rates for patients treated at Fox Chase to those treated at community hospitals across the nation. Specifically, the data is for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer and comes from the American College of Surgeons' National Cancer Database. Numbers cannot reflect the personal, individual aspects of cancer. The Fox Chase team understands this and is committed to providing the best possible care for each patient. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Comprehensive Cancer Centers | This week a listener asked about the difference between care at a community hospital cancer center and a comprehensive cancer center. The national cancer institute recognizes 40 comprehensive cancer centers, including Fox Chase. These are the elite cancer centers recognized for expertise in research, education, cancer screening and prevention, and patient care. This year, Fox Chase celebrated the 50th anniversary of its discovery of the Philadelphia Chromosome – the first genetic abnormality linked to cancer, and the first to lead to a targeted cancer therapy. From nobel laureates to cutting-edge cancer care, comprehensive cancer centers like Fox Chase are home to nationally recognized physicians and researchers who develop new treatments that others use. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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33 |
One-Stop Breast Care | This week a listener relocating to Philadelphia asked where she should go for her annual mammogram. There are many methods to detect breast cancer, and the key is to find a facility with expertise in all of them. For example, not all mammograms are created equal. Digital mammography has become the gold standard, especially with the high-density breast tissue often found in younger women. At Fox Chase, our new women’s cancer center offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools, including digital mammography, ultrasound, and MRIs. You should look for centers like Fox Chase that have been recognized for excellence by the American College of Radiology. In the event of a diagnosis, state-of-the-art breast imaging is only the first step in a personalized treatment program. Comprehensive cancer centers deliver the best in both screening and treatment. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Second Opinions | This week a listener with colon cancer asked how to improve his chances for cure. Curing cancer is complicated. Unfortunately, people spend more time getting a second opinion on what car to buy than seeking a second opinion on their cancer care. A second opinion confirms the primary diagnosis, and allows you to explore other treatment options. In short, it provides peace of mind. Early and comprehensive treatment provides your best chance for cure, and where you seek that treatment from the very start is critically important. So, what questions should you ask your doctor? Is this a comprehensive cancer center? How many cases like mine do you see each week? Do you conduct clinical research? And do you consider yourself a national leader? Second opinions sometimes lead to better first treatments. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Endometrial Cancer | This week a listener asked about endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterus, is the most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. While postmenopausal women have the highest risk, other factors include obesity, family history of uterine or even colon cancer, and the use of hormone therapies. Common symptoms include unusual bleeding or discharge, and pelvic pain. Treatment can include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, so faced with this decision, what should you do? Fox Chase has made a multi-million dollar investment in developing the region's first women's cancer center. Our internationally known experts will guide you through your cancer journey. From robotic surgery to the latest systemic therapies, we create a tailored treatment plan that's best for you. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Barrett's Esophagus | This week a listener with chronic heartburn asked about Barrett's Esophagus. Barrett's Esophagus is a precancerous condition where the lining of the esophagus has been repeatedly exposed to acid reflux. It is named for Dr. Norman Barrett, the thoracic surgeon who first described the condition. Only a small percentage of those with chronic acid reflux will develop Barrett's. Screening for Barrett's is still important because it does increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer. See your doctor about other key risk factors such as smoking and increased consumption of alcohol and red meat. Personalizing your care and managing risk factors are critical for better outcomes. At Fox Chase, we've opened a Barrett's Esophagus clinic to provide individualized screening and treatment options. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Virtual Colonoscopy | This week a listener asked about virtual colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy uses Cat Scan and computer imaging to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon. Although the preparation is the same as traditional colonoscopy, the benefit is that no sedation is necessary, and the exam only takes about 10 minutes. According to Fox Chase radiologist Dr. Kristin Edwards, studies show that virtual colonoscopies are just as effective as traditional ones in detecting large polyps and colon cancers. Since colon cancer is a leading cause of death, and early detection is essential, colonoscopy is vitally important. At Fox Chase, our expertise in virtual colonoscopies provides an option for patients when traditional colonoscopies are incomplete. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Minimally Invasive Surgery | I'm Dr. Jeffrey Farma, attending surgical oncologist at Fox Chase, and I'd like to say a few words about minimally invasive cancer surgery. There are numerous benefits to this kind of surgery: smaller incisions, faster recovery, and minimal blood loss to name a few. But not all minimally invasive surgery is the same. At Fox Chase, our surgeons are fellowship-trained, meaning they complete up to four years of additional training focused specifically on cancer surgery. These techniques include robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, single-incision, and video-assisted thoracic surgery. We’re one of only a handful of institutions nationwide using robotics to treat nearly all types of cancer. At Fox Chase, our surgeons know how to use the technology, and they have more experience using this technology to treat cancer patients. And that means better outcomes for you. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Radon and Lungs | This week a listener asked about radon gas and lung cancer. Radon is in the air we breathe – however, exposure to high levels over the long term poses a serious risk for developing lung cancer. Fox Chase is one of a few comprehensive cancer centers using a less-invasive technology called light-induced fluorescent endoscopy, or life. This provides safer, more accurate early detection. According to Dr. Michael Unger, an internationally renowned pulmonologist at Fox Chase, this new tool examines areas beyond the reach of traditional technology. It also allows for more precise therapies, preventing damage to healthy lung tissue. Early detection is critical for better outcomes. People who are at risk for lung cancer – including those exposed to radon and asbestos, should see a lung cancer expert. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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Abnormal pap smear results. What now? | This week a listener asked about what to expect after an abnormal pap smear. Abnormal Pap smears are not always dangerous but do require some additional evaluation. This is usually done by a simple office procedure called a colposcopy, where the cervix is evaluated with a microscope. Sometimes small biopsies are also done to help clarify the severity of the abnormality. Mild changes can be managed conservatively. Precancerous growths, however, could require additional procedures. Fox Chase's Colposcopy Clinic, located in our new Women's Cancer Center, is led by Dr. Cynthia Bergman. This clinic delivers the expertise you expect from an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. It also provides access to a care and treatment plan developed just for you. | Free | View In iTunes | |
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T-Cell Lymphoma | This week a listener asked about Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the white blood cells, an important part of our immune system. T-cell lymphoma is a very rare type of this disease. According to Dr. Barbara Pro, a specialist in t-cell lymphoma at Fox Chase, symptoms can be vague – it can often start as a simple rash. There are many types and subtypes of lymphoma and proper treatment depends on recognizing these differences. It's therefore critical to seek out a lymphoma expert to get an accurate diagnosis and to develop a personalized treatment plan. Several new drugs being studied in clinical trials show promise with t-cell lymphoma. Nationally recognized cancer centers like Fox Chase offer the latest research and the best treatment options. | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 41 Episodes |
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