A Collection of Hematology & Oncology Articles

The practice of oncology and hematology is in constant evolution. These articles highlight some of the most notable advancements and discoveries in the modern medical world. We invite you to use this site frequently and collaborate with medical professionals across the globe.

Welcome

At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), our physicians and advanced practice providers are deeply vested in clinical research to provide the most cutting-edge treatment options available to our patients. In our own practices we are fortunate to offer over 300 clinical trials across 37 locations including 3 dedicated Phase 1 Drug Development Units. We value every opportunity to share best practices and the latest research both within and outside of our institution. We welcome you to use this collection as a resource to support your own research and understanding as we strive together to advance cancer care one step at a time.

Maem Hussein MD
Dr. Maen Hussein
Anjan J Patel MD
Dr. Anjan J. Patel

Recent Articles

Final, 10-Year Outcomes with Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma

10-year survival data from Checkmate 067 on Ipi+Nivo, Nivo and Ipi alone in met-melanoma. The OS was twice as long in the Ipi+Nivo group compared to Nivo alone. Of note this was with Nivo-1 + Ipi-3, and most of us use the more tolerable Nivo-3 + Ipi-1 dosing based on Checkmate 511. This remains the SOC for good PFS met-melanoma in my opinion.

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Ponsegromab for the Treatment of Cancer Cachexia

Growth differentiation factor 15 seems to be a driver in cancer cachexia. Ponsegromab targets this pathway and shows a meaningful improvement in weight, appetite and activity level in patients with a high level of this protein. It is fantastic to see a study like this and I’m excited to use this drug when available.

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FCS Physician Focus

Plasma Proteome–Based Test for First-Line Treatment Selection in Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

FCS medical oncologist and hematologist Ernesto Bustinza-Linares, MD has co-authored an abstract published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal, JCO Precision Oncology, that uncovers a new testing method to determine personalized care options for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The abstract’s authors address the limitations of existing guidelines that recommend checkpoint immunotherapy, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy, for treating NSCLC, which often discounts patient variability and immune factors. The findings from the study show that by incorporating additional plasma proteome-based testing, combined with the standard protein inhibitor testing, clear differences in patient outcomes were observed after applying targeted treatments based on the testing results.

Ernesto Bustinza-Linares, MD
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute