City Of Hope Radio

What is graft-versus-host-disease and who is most at risk?Each year, thousands of patients with hematologic malignancies undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation (that is, they receive a donor’s stem cells), offering them a chance at cure. Graft-versus-host disease is a potentially deadly complication of this therapy and occurs in approximately 25 to 60 percent of patients.Jonathan Cotliar, MD is here to discuss graft-versus-host-disease, why it occurs and it's treatment and symptoms.

Laparoscopic surgery, is when surgeons operate using long, thin instruments inserted through small punctures or slits in the skin.Robotic-assisted surgery takes laparoscopic surgery a step further. The surgical instruments are mounted on a robot, which surgeons control from a console.Patients who undergo robotic surgery experience less pain and recover faster.Clayton S. Lau, MD is here to discuss robot assisted surgery, it's benefits and possible drawbacks. 

The spine can be affected by many different kinds of tumors. Malignant (cancerous) tumors can arise within the spine itself. Secondary tumors, which are actually much more common, begin as cancers in another part of the body, such as the breast and prostate, and then spread (metastasize) to the spine.Because the spinal cord is enclosed within the rigid, bony spinal column, any abnormal growth can cause problems by compressing the spinal cord and nerves, or compromising the structural integrity of the spine.Mike Chen, M.D., Ph.D is here to discuss spinal tumors and it's diagnoses and how City of Hope is leading the way in less-invasive spine tumor surgery.

For patients with a diagnosis of cancer of the head or neck, the priorities are always the same: getting the very best treatment that affords the best outcome possible, and finding hope in the process.From diagnosis through treatment and follow up, City of Hope offers a truly comprehensive approach to treating head and neck cancers. Our renowned head and neck surgeons specialize in the complex procedures often necessary to eradicate these tumors while preserving vital structures and function.Robert Kang, MD is here to discuss head and neck cancer, it's diagnoses and treatments.

Cervical cancer is one of the more common cancers of the female reproductive system. Most cervical cancers are linked to infection by HPV (human papillomavirus).Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second-most-common type of cancer that strikes women – behind only breast cancer.Cervical cancer is diagnosed through a series of exams, typically beginning with a Pap and – if you’re older than 30 – the HPV test, followed by a colonoscopy (in which a lighted, magnifying instrument is used to examine your cervix) and biopsy (in which a sample of tissue is removed for analysis in a laboratory).Ernest Han, MD is here to discuss cervical cancer, it's diagnoses and treatments.

The colon and rectum are parts of the body’s gastrointestinal system, also called the digestive tract. After food is digested in the stomach and nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, the remaining material moves down into the lower large intestine (colon) where water and nutrients are absorbed.  The lower parts of the digestive tract include the rectum and anus, through which stool (solid waste) travels as it passes from the body.Possible signs of cancer of the colon and/or rectum include a change in bowel habits or blood in the stool. These and other symptoms may be caused by colon and/or rectum cancer.Stephen Sentovich, MD is here to discuss Colon Cancer and how early screening can save lives.

Patients are often referred to City of Hope following the discovery of a kidney mass, which may or may not be a malignant tumor (cancer). Some masses are benign (not cancerous). A careful diagnosis is needed to confirm the health problem and assess its extent.Listen in as Sumanta Pal, MD discusses Kidney Cancer, it's diagnoses and treatments.

Deodorant, plastic bottles, grilled foods, artificial sweeteners, soy products ... Do any of these products really cause cancer? With so many cancer myths and urban legends out there, why not ask a cancer doctor? Dr. Sudan can debunk cancer myths while sharing cancer facts that matter, such as risk factors, prevention and the research underway at City of Hope.

Cancer doctors usually treat cancer with radiation therapy, surgery or medications including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and/or biologic therapy, either alone or in combination.Radiation oncology is one of the three main oncology specialties involved in the successful treatment of cancer.Whether radiation therapy is right for you can only be determined by a radiation oncologist. A radiation oncologist is a doctor who has gone through specialized education and training on the appropriate and safe use of radiation therapy.Listen in as Paul Mandelin, MD discusses what you need to know about Radiation oncology.

Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the bladder.There are three types of bladder cancer that begin in cells in the lining of the bladder. These cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant (cancerous):   •Transitional cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder. These cells are able to stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is emptied. Most bladder cancers begin in the transitional cells.   •Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that may form in the bladder after long-term infection or irritation.   •Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells that may form in the bladder after long-term irritation and inflammation.Cancer that is confined to the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Cancer that begins in the transitional cells may spread through the lining of the bladder and invade the muscle

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by a rapidly-developing cancer in the myeloid line of blood cells, which is responsible for producing red blood cells, platelets and several types of white blood cells called granulocytes.Because AML grows rapidly, it can quickly crowd out normal blood cells, leading to anemia, susceptibility to infections and uncontrolled bleeding. Due to the aggressive nature of AML, this disease usually requires intensive treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation.The following represent symptoms typical for AML:   •Fever with or without an infection  •Frequent bruising or bleeds that do not clot  •Leukemia cutis (multiple lesions with a firm or rubbery consistency that may be pink, red, red-brown or blue-violet in color)  •Night sweats  •Pain in the bones or joints  •Pain or feeling of fullness below the ribs  •Petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding)  •Shortness of breath  •Weakness or fe

A diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer is life-altering. Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that begins in a woman's reproductive organs.Most cases of gynecological cancer are found in women who are middle-aged or older.The Gynecologic Oncology Program at City of Hope offers a unique approach for women diagnosed with all types of gynecologic cancer (cervical, ovarian, endometrial/uterine).At City of Hope, we focus on the patient as a whole, treating both the physical and emotional changes that a gynecologic cancer diagnosis can bring, while also addressing the needs of partners and families.Listen in as Michael Lin, MD discusses gynecologic cancer and just what it means to you and your family.

Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of the 21 million diagnosed diabetes cases in the U.S. (Another 8.1 million are undiagnosed.) But preventive action can be powerful.Diabetes not only increases the risk of death, it can lead to a host of complications such as blindness, heart disease and stroke.Even modest lifestyle changes can greatly decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.Making one or two small changes per week will, over time, add up to a considerably healthier lifestyle. Doing so may also prevent type 2 diabetes.Listen in as Dr. Fouad Kandeel discusses diabetes, it's treatments and what you can do to keep it in check.

Each year, 220,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer, making it one of the most common cancers in the United States. However, with timely diagnosis and appropriate therapies, the disease can be effectively treated with minimal impact to quality of life.Listen in as Karen Reckamp, MD explains City of Hope's lung cancer treatment program.

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that arise when infection-fighting white blood cells in the lymphatic system – called lymphocytes – become malignant and affect the skin.Photo therapy to topical creams, the first defense is to relieve the itching.Is it eczema? Is it psoriasis? When do you suspect CTCL.Mycosis fungoides is the most common type of CTCL. A primary symptom is a rash that arises initially in areas of the skin that are not normally exposed to sunlight.Listen in as Christiane Querfeld, MD and Melanie Cole, MS discuss CTCL, it's diagnoses and treatments.

Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles.Possible signs of testicular cancer include swelling or discomfort in the scrotum.These and other symptoms may be caused by testicular cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur: •A painless lump or swelling in either testicle •A change in how the testicle feels •A dull ache in the lower abdomen or the groin •A sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum •Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotumListen in as Dr Jonathan Yamzon Discusses testicular cancer, it's symptoms and the latest advances in treatments.

Approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. While the disease can have a profound impact on the patient and her loved ones, it is also one that can be effectively treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.City of Hope's breast cancer program offers a uniquely patient-centered approach for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Our expert team of doctors and researchers are turning innovative laboratory breakthroughs into promising new therapies that can impact our patients today and in the future. We also focus on treating the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual issues that a breast cancer diagnosis can bring for the patient and loved ones.An accurate and thorough diagnosis is important so that your breast cancer team can develop the best treatment plan for you. At City of Hope, your care team will utilize the most advanced breast imaging technologies and laboratory techniques to guide your persona

Recognized internationally for its breakthrough treatments for leukemia and other blood disorders, City of Hope is one of the most successful treatment centers for leukemia in the country and has had some of the consistently best survival outcomes. Listen as hematologist-oncologist Dr. Joseph Alvarnas explains that the focus of doctors and others at City of Hope is not just cancer remission, but to cure patients altogether.

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas are types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that arise when infection-fighting white blood cells in the lymphatic system – called lymphocytes – become malignant and affect the skin.Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphoid system and usually arise in lymph nodes. However, with skin being the largest lymphoid organ in the body and our first line of defense against the outside environment, occasionally it becomes the site of lymphoma formation.Listen in as Jasmine Zain, MD talks about T cell lymphomas,along with the best prevention and treatments.

About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point during her life. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, behind skin cancer.Detecting breast cancer early is the best way to beat the diseaseWhile one can’t change some risk factors such as genetics and aging, there are certain things one can do that may lower one’s risk for breast cancer. Listen to City of Hope Radio as Dr. Linda Bosserman, prominent medical oncologist at City of Hope in Rancho Cucamonga, discuss ways one can help prevent and reduce their risk of getting the disease.