Entries by melindaroberts
Is Cancer the Best Way to Die?
In 2014, the prestigious medical research journal The BMJ published a controversial piece called “Dying of cancer is the best death.” Here, our Curious Dr. George asks the author of that piece, Richard Smith, CBE, FMedSci, if and how his thoughts on death have since evolved. Dr. Smith was Editor of The BMJ from 1991 to […]
The Power of Precision Medicine is Exemplified by Tempus
For some patients, a key step to finding their best treatment may be molecular testing of their tumor tissue. This type of test could reveal distinct features, such as genetic mutations, that can be targeted by specific treatments. To help facilitate molecular testing for the patients we serve, Cancer Commons has partnered with the company […]
Helping Cancer Patients Access their Own Health Data
For many cancer patients, the ability to access one’s own medical records can aid their treatment decisions, or allow them to donate their personal data for research that could help other patients. But these records can be difficult to obtain and sort through. Here, our Curious Dr. George asks Deven McGraw, Chief Regulatory Officer at […]
10th Annual Lundberg Institute Lecture: American Healthcare: What’s Left After COVID-19
Virtual Lecture: Further Details TBD Moderator George D Lundberg MS, MD, ScD (hon) President and Chair of the Board of Directors, The Lundberg Institute; Editor in Chief, Cancer Commons; Editor at Large, Medscape; Editor in Chief, Curious Dr. George blog; former Editor in Chief, JAMA (1982-1999)
How I Cope with the Tsunami of Cancer and COVID-19 Info
Oncologists worldwide face the challenge of staying on top of the latest treatments, research findings, and other information that could help them treat their patients more effectively. Now, they must do so in the context of COVID-19. Here, our Curious Dr. George asks Kevin Knopf, MD, MPH, Division Chief of Hematology/Oncology at Highland Hospital/Alameda Health […]
How the Coronavirus Pandemic Impacts Cancer Care: Our Survey Results
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to cancer patients. Many have experienced changes to their care, and some face increased risk of infection or worse prognosis if they are infected. In partnership with the company xCures, Cancer Commons is studying how COVID-19 impacts cancer patients. Here, our Curious Dr. George asks Cancer Commons Director […]
The Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Cancer Treatment
In a previous post, CureMatch co-founder Razelle Kurzrock, MD, told us all about her company’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform that matches patients with treatments based on their cancer’s molecular profile. Here, AI expert Jeff Shrager, PhD, responds, and Kurzrock offers a rebuttal. Shrager is Co-Founder and Director of Research at xCures, and was formerly Director […]
How to Beat COVID-19 with Real-Time, Real-World Data
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, researchers around the world are working quickly to develop strategies to treat and prevent this disease. In partnership with the company xCures, Cancer Commons is studying how COVID-19 impacts cancer patients. Meanwhile, xCures has launched larger initiative, BEAT19, to gather information from everyone and anyone who wishes to participate—whether they’ve had […]
What Sets Cancer Commons Apart?
Cancer Commons is a patient-centric, nonprofit network of patients, physicians, and scientists that helps identify the best options for treating an individual’s cancer. Here, our Curious Dr. George asks executive director Erika Vial Monteverdi what sets Cancer Commons apart. Q: As the Executive Director of Cancer Commons, how do you consider our approach to be […]