Patient from Hell

Dr. Anita Srinivasan, a surgical oncologist, discusses her journey in oncology, the challenges faced in safety net hospitals, and the importance of patient-centered care in surgical oncology. The discussion covers the pain comparison between mammograms and cosmetic treatments, the impact of fear on surgical choices, and the significance of advanced care planning and patient education in making informed decisions about breast cancer treatment.

About Our Guest:

Surgeon, Health Executive, Healthcare Operational Excellence and Profitability Leader | 20+ years as a surgeon, health executive, thought leader, innovator, and advocate for health equity and access

Resources & Links:

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI research study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30964385/ ‘Integrating Advance Care Planning Videos into Surgical Oncologic Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial’

Chapter Codes

00:00 The Pain of Mammograms vs. Cosmetic Treatments

02:55 Dr. Anita Srinivasan's Journey in Oncology

05:51 Understanding Safety Net Hospitals

09:08 Challenges in Treating Advanced Breast Cancer

12:02 Surgical Oncology: Approaches and Techniques

15:08 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care

17:56 Advanced Care Planning in Surgical Oncology

21:07 The Role of Patient Education in Decision Making

24:01 The Impact of Fear on Surgical Choices

26:53 Future Directions in Surgical Oncology

Connect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Listen Elsewhere: 

Website: https://mantacares.com/pages/podcast?srsltid=AfmBOopEP5GJ-Wd2nL-HYAInrwerIVhyJw67salKT-r9Qb_gadBvbHie 

YouTube: https://youtu.be/2SxvTqJht34?si=2U_98RfJJeWkTaT3 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TR1lFLtf6em5YyKtlWy2L?si=6ma-9g_wTIWTCLmHiHF_Aw 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-cervical-cancer-screening-surgery-and/id1622669098?i=1000706666920 

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. 

Tags & Keywords:

oncology, breast cancer, surgical oncology, patient care, mammograms, safety net hospitals, advanced care planning, patient education, mastectomy, lumpectomy

Dr. Shannon McLaughlin-David discusses the complexities of cervical cancer, HPV, and the role of gynecologic oncology. The dialogue explores the emotional and clinical challenges faced by both patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and empathy in patient care. The discussion also highlights the various types of gynecologic cancers, surgical interventions, and the difficult decisions patients must make regarding their treatment options. This conversation delves into the complexities of patient autonomy, the emotional challenges faced by oncologists, and the systemic incentives within healthcare that can impact patient care. The discussion also covers the evolution of cervical cancer screening guidelines, the role of HPV in cervical cancer, and the importance of patient advocacy and education regarding vaccination.

About Our Guest:

Shannon MacLaughlan David, MD, MS is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and Founder of SMacDavidMD, LLC, a Coaching and Consulting firm. Following her residency in Ob/Gyn, Dr. MacLaughlan David went on to complete fellowship training in Gynecologic and Breast Oncology at Alpert Medical School of Brown University and spent her career in academic medicine at Stanford University's School of Medicine and the University of Illinois - Chicago. She also holds a master's degree in integrative medicine, which she used to build innovative clinical practice models for gynecologic cancer survivors as Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Integrative Practice Unit at the University of Illinois Cancer Center. Shannon, or "SMac," is a fierce advocate for women's health, cancer prevention and survivorship, and health equity. 

Resources & Links:

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI research study here: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33632649/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1746483503903350&usg=AOvVaw0SNo_jk-rzoVp85P5E3s6F ‘Effect of 2 Interventions on Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline Adherence’

Chapter Codes

00:00 Introduction to Cervical Cancer and HPV

02:49 The Journey to Gynecologic Oncology

05:57 Understanding Gynecologic Cancers

09:05 Surgical Interventions in Gynecologic Oncology

11:59 The Complexity of Patient Decisions

15:07 Patient-Clinician Communication Challenges

17:45 The Role of Empathy in Oncology

21:05 Navigating Hormonal Treatments and Patient Reactions

27:30 Navigating Patient Autonomy and Medical Ethics

29:47 The Emotional Toll of Oncology

33:00 Understanding the Healthcare System's Incentives

35:58 The Role of Patient Advocacy

39:05 The Evolution of Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

51:46 HPV and Its Impact on Cervical Cancer

54:48 Current Screening Protocols and HPV Vaccination

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani speaks with Dr. Sara Char about her journey into oncology, the evolution of cancer biology, and the significant role of the microbiome in colon cancer. They discuss the complexities of cancer survivorship, the effectiveness of different methods of delivering survivorship care plans, and the importance of colonoscopy in monitoring colorectal cancer. The conversation also delves into the impact of diet on cancer risk, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of dietary patterns rather than focusing solely on individual foods. In this conversation, Dr. Sara Char discusses various aspects of survivorship care for colorectal cancer patients, focusing on dietary recommendations, exercise, and the emotional challenges faced during the transition from active treatment to survivorship. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of balancing nutrition, understanding the role of GLP-1 agonists, and the need for a supportive care team. Additionally, the conversation highlights the unique mental health needs of survivors and the significance of providing patients with a roadmap for their cancer journey.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Sara Char is a hematology and oncology fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She specializes in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers with a specific interest in young-onset colorectal cancer. Her research explores the molecular underpinnings of diet and lifestyle factors implicated in colorectal cancer development and progression. Dr. Char received her M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency training in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she also served as chief resident. Outside of work, she is a self-identified foodie and devoted dog-mom. 

Resources & Links:

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI research study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34302474/ - ‘Simplifying Survivorship Care Planning: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing 3 Care Plan Delivery Approaches’

Chapter Codes

00:00 Exploring the Microbiome and Colon Cancer

05:59 The Transition to Survivorship Care

11:57 Understanding Adherence in Survivorship Plans

17:49 The Role of Colonoscopy in Survivorship

24:06 Dietary Patterns and Cancer Risk

25:04 Inflammatory Diet and Health Outcomes

28:11 Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Survivors

30:34 Exercise and Body Composition in Cancer Care

31:59 Managing GI Issues with GLP-1 Agonists

34:43 Navigating Multidisciplinary Care

35:50 The Transition from Active Treatment to Survivorship

38:08 Mental Health Challenges Post-Treatment

41:41 The Need for Psycho-Oncology Support

46:47 The Importance of Patient Education and Resources

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode, Dr. Tejas Jayakrishnan discusses the rising incidence of young onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and the potential environmental factors contributing to this trend. The conversation delves into the importance of screening protocols, the challenges faced in early detection, and the role of education in increasing awareness and understanding of cancer risks. Dr. Jayakrishnan emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in patient care, particularly for younger patients, and highlights ongoing research efforts aimed at improving outcomes in this demographic.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Thejus Jayakrishnan is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Originally from India, he completed his medical training in New Delhi and continued his journey through residency in Pittsburgh and oncology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Jayakrishnan's research explores why some people develop cancers like colorectal cancers at a younger age. He studies how metabolism, gut bacteria, and genetics contribute to these patterns, with the goal of developing better tools for screening and treatment.

In the clinic, he treats patients with all types of gastrointestinal cancers and works closely with Dana-Farber’s Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center. His focus is on translating scientific discoveries into meaningful improvements in care through clinical trials. Outside of work, he’s an avid cyclist, outdoor enthusiast, and lover of books and movies.

Resources & Links:

Chapter Codes:

00:00 - Understanding Young Onset Colorectal Cancer

10:03 - Screening Protocols and Challenges

19:50 - The Role of Education in Cancer Awareness

30:04 - Future Directions in Colorectal Cancer Research

Connect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. 

Join us as we welcome Dr. Fauzia Riaz, Samira’s oncologist, who believes in treating the whole person—not just the cancer.

In this episode, we explore survivorship care: What does it truly mean? What insights does a thousand-person study reveal about different cancer survivorship care models? How can oncologists optimize treatment plans to improve quality of life for survivors? And what gaps must care providers address to ensure lasting, meaningful impact? This episode features the following PCORI study: Quality of life among cancer survivors by model of cancer survivorship care by Holly Mead.

Your Cancer GPS is here! Step-by-step breast cancer maps based on what others have gone through and what oncologists recommend: https://mantacares.com/pages/new-see-how-it-works

Sound Bites

• "You're helping me live and thank you for saving my life."
• "It's important to look at the emotional and psychological impact."
• "Survivorship is recognizing that cancer care extends beyond treatment."
• "Quality of life is influenced by emotional and psychological factors."
• "Survivorship care should be integrated from the beginning."
• "We need to think about how we're delivering cancer care."
• "Treatment optimization is going to be so important."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Cancer Care

09:59 Understanding Survivorship

19:50 The Impact of Treatment Models

30:08 Research and Future Directions in Oncology

Key Highlights:

- Being attentive as a physician involves more than just careful monitoring during each step of treatment; it also requires providing support and compassion to the whole person you’re treating.

- The goal of survivorship is more than just surviving; it is to thrive and lead a high-quality life moving forward. There are two main survivorship care models from the study we reviewed, post-survivorship treatment and oncology-embedded survivorship. Each survivorship care model has their role.

👤 Guest Bio:

Dr. Riaz is dedicated to advancing breast cancer treatment through an innovative clinical trial program that focuses on cutting-edge therapeutics and biomarkers. Dr. Riaz is studying circulating tumor (ct) DNA-minimal residual disease (MRD) as a pivotal biomarker for early-stage breast cancer. She aims to enhance its use in surveillance and early detection while guiding personalized treatment strategies through novel clinical trials. Furthermore, she is committed to improving immunotherapy efficacy by modifying the tumor microenvironment. Her research involves developing early-phase trials that integrate novel therapeutic approaches, combining immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

As a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Riaz is also committed to improving the accessibility of cutting edge therapies to all patients. She is leading a collaborative effort with multiple institutions to develop databases that track patient outcomes and inform treatment practices.

Dr. Riaz’s overarching goal is to expand early-phase clinical trials and foster academic-industry partnerships to advance the field of breast oncology and improve patient care.

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Manta Cares, cancer survivorship, survivorship care, cancer treatment, oncology care models, cancer survivor care, cancer treatment optimization, effective cancer care, personalized cancer treatment

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)

In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani speaks with oncology nurse Joshua Carter about his path into cancer care, shaped by personal experiences with family illness. They explore the differences between palliative and hospice care, the complexities of pain management, and the vital role nurses play as advocates. Josh also discusses misconceptions around pain medication, the promise and challenges of e-health tools, and the often-invisible workflows nurses navigate daily. He shares practical advice for patients, caregivers, and fellow clinicians, emphasizing the importance of early palliative care and being a bold advocate within the healthcare system.

About Our Guest

Josh Carter is an Oncology Nurse at Stanford Women's Cancer Center. His entire 17-year nursing career has been in oncology, with inpatient, industry, and outpatient experiences in Cleveland, Chicago, San Diego, and San Francisco. Josh holds undergraduate degrees from Kent State University and Ohio University and is currently on track to complete his Master's at the University of Michigan School of Nursing this Fall. He is a certified Oncology and Breast Care Nurse. His interests include Nursing Innovation, Digital Health, Patient Advocacy, Patient Education, Patient-Centered Design, Healthcare Improvement, Quality, and Implementation Science. With his interests in Healthcare Quality, Josh is currently a Site Assessor for the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium. 

Josh has spoken at the National Oncology Nursing Society Congress and Authored Chapters of Oncology Nursing Society Text Books. Josh has been involved with research for caregivers of Cancer patients and has helped in the launch of newly approved cancer treatments. Josh has experience working on a cancer care delivery team at ASCO and has been awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. 

Resources & Links:

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI study “A Stepped-Wedge Randomized Controlled Trial: Effects of eHealth Interventions for Pain Control Among Adults With Cancer in Hospice”

Sections

00:00 - Journey into Oncology Nursing

03:22 - Understanding Palliative vs. Hospice Care

07:04 - Pain Management in Cancer Care

10:23 - Pain Management Strategies and Misconceptions

20:32 - E-Health Interventions in Pain Management

23:19 - The Complex Workflow of Oncology Nursing

27:48 - Quick Tips for Patients and Caregivers

Connect with Us:

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on instagram, facebook, or linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Listen Across Platform:

Website: https://mantacares.com/pages/podcast?srsltid=AfmBOopEP5GJ-Wd2nL-HYAInrwerIVhyJw67salKT-r9Qb_gadBvbHie 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mantacares 

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6gM1GxDBUgXrHwlO0Zvnzs?si=9edb8680461d4eaa 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patient-from-hell/id1622669098

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Patient from Hell, we sit down with Samira and Dr. Samantha, two storytellers who delve into the power of personal narratives, cultural identity, and representation. They share their experiences navigating different spaces, finding their voices, and embracing authenticity. Whether you’re interested in storytelling, personal growth, or the intersections of culture and identity, this episode offers deep insights and inspiration.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Samantha Siegel is an onco-pcp and survivorship physician at Kaiser Permanente. She has survived relapsed/refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma, including an autologous bone marrow transplant in June 2022. This has made her passionate about integrative oncology, AYA survivorship, longterm toxicities, returning to work after cancer and more. Dr. Siegel is the cofounder of PCP-ONC CARES program, a longitudinal cancer survivorship care model beginning at diagnosis and she serves as the current director of Cancer Survivorship for Kaiser San Francisco. She is the host of AIM at Melanoma’s supportive cancer care podcast, “Beyond the Clinic.” Dr. Siegel is focused on elevating cancer survivorship to a distinct board certification status. She lives in Davis with her husband, three kids and energetic dog. They enjoy outdoor activities and plant-based living.

Key Highlights:

• [00:10:30] The Power of Storytelling in Identity: Sam and Samira discuss how personal experiences shape the stories we tell and the impact storytelling has on self-identity and cultural understanding.

• [00:22:45] Challenges in Representation: They share their experiences with representation in the media and the barriers they’ve faced in telling authentic stories.

• [00:35:00] Embracing Authenticity in Creative Work: A conversation about the importance of staying true to oneself and how authenticity can lead to more meaningful storytelling and connection.

Key Moments:

• [00:02:15] - Introduction to Sam and Samira

• [00:10:30] - How personal experiences shape storytelling

• [00:22:45] - Overcoming challenges in representation

• [00:35:00] - The impact of authenticity in creative work

• [00:48:20] - Closing thoughts and takeaways

  
  

Connect with Us: Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.

Resources & Links:

• This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI ⁠study⁠ “Effects of a Communication Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial to Enable Goals-of-Care Discussions” by Nina Bickell

Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani sits down with Dr. Cara Bohon, a clinical psychologist and researcher, to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors. They discuss the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in cancer care, the complexities of treating cancer-related insomnia, and the shortage of mental health professionals trained in oncology.

Dr. Bohon and Samira also review a PCORI-funded study led by Dr. Jun J. Mao, comparing the effectiveness of CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) versus acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia. Dr. Bohon breaks down step-by-step sleep strategies for cancer patients, offering practical tools to improve sleep, emotional well-being, and cancer-related anxiety—even for those without access to therapy.

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features this PCORI study by Jun J Mao, MD.

Check out the free mental health resources mentioned in this episode from Veterans of America here.

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Your Cancer GPS is here! Step-by-step breast cancer maps based on what others have gone through and what oncologists recommend.

Key Highlights:

1. Insomnia is a major issue for cancer patients and survivors alike – beyond just trouble sleeping, it exacerbates pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and emotional distress, making cancer treatment even more challenging.  

2. The clinical trial covered in this episode found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) led to better sleep improvements compared to acupuncture, with lasting effects even after treatment ended. While acupuncture may not be as effective as CBT-I for sleep, it showed short-term benefits for managing cancer-related pain, which can still be valuable for your mental health as well

3. The problem with therapy today is not just accessibility, but also the fact that many therapists aren't trained in psycho-oncology, making it difficult for cancer patients to find mental health support tailored to their unique challenges.  

4. Techniques from CBT-I, such as sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation exercises, can significantly improve sleep quality—even for those who can't afford professional therapy.

About our guest: 

Dr. Cara Bohon is a clinical psychologist and researcher from Stanford University with experience scaling delivery of evidence-based mental health treatments to meet the huge needs of patients across the United States. She led clinical programs and research at Equip Health, which addressed the demand for effective eating disorder treatment by providing training and virtual delivery of evidence-based eating disorder treatment across the country and is passionate about expanding her work in oncology in the future.

Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

Nine years with no evidence of disease—yet Megan-Claire Chase’s cancer journey isn’t over. As she once fought cancer alongside her mother, she now faces something even harder: losing her. In this episode, Megan-Claire shares a deeply vulnerable side—a daughter losing her mother. Facing your own mortality is one thing, but facing the mortality of your loved ones—friends, family, fellow cancer patients, and survivors—and the hole they leave behind is something entirely different.

Key Highlights:

1. Witnessing her mother’s cancer progression brings anticipatory grief, yet despite that grief, Megan strives to learn as much about her mother as possible, including fond memories from her childhood.

2. Despite the anticipatory grief, Megan and her mother engage in a bonding exercise using question cards, and she records their conversations. One of the most meaningful things she learned was that her mother reflects on her life with joy—ultimately, the greatest goal is to leave this world happy.

3. Facing your own mortality can unearth many emotions: the need to be confident and not tolerate disrespect, the desire to live life on your own terms and to the fullest, yet also a deep sense of loneliness and isolation.

About our guest:

Check out thefirst episode Megan-Claire Chase appeared in here. 

Megan-Claire Chase, also known as Warrior Megsie, is the Breast Cancer Program Director and host of theOur BC Life podcast at SHARE Cancer Support. As an invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) breast cancer survivor and passionate patient advocate based in Atlanta, GA, Megan-Claire is a dedicated champion for the needs of breast cancer patients, particularly in addressing the disparities faced by minoritized communities and those in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) communities.

In addition to her pivotal role at SHARE, she serves on Bayer Oncology's Digital Patient Council, is a patient advocate for the Oncology Data Advisor Editorial Board, and recently joined the Worth the Wait Charity advisory board. She also contributes as a writer and advisory board member for Patient Power, amplifying the voices of breast cancer patients.

Megan-Claire’s advocacy efforts include participating as a panelist onLeveraging Technology to Support Patient-Centered Multidisciplinary Oncologic Care at the 2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium, co-authoring a podcast and infographic on genetic testing in metastatic breast cancer, collaborating with Pfizer on theAction Guide to Disrupt Inequitable Health Outcomes, and sharing her personal journey on PBS’sBeyond Cancer throughStories from the Stage. Her work has been spotlighted in notable publications likeThe New York Times,People Magazine,Cancer Health,Cancer Today, andCURE Magazine.

Beyond her cancer advocacy, Megan-Claire is a versatile voiceover actor, a dedicated social justice activist, and a proud cat mom to Phoebe.

Disclaimer:All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only.  This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Looking for tools to help you take control of your cancer experience? Check out My Cancer GPS™, a step-by-step map that guides you through the entire cancer experience.

In this enlightening episode of the Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani interviews Dr. Sara Tolaney, a leading oncologist specializing in breast cancer. They delve into the evolving landscape of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), exploring advancements in treatment, from targeted therapies to immunotherapy, and the challenges faced by patients in both early-stage and metastatic settings. With her characteristic warmth and expertise, Dr. Tolaney provides actionable insights for patients and caregivers, offering hope and understanding in navigating this complex diagnosis.

Key Highlights:1. A New Paradigm in Early-Stage TNBC Treatment: Dr. Tolaney explains how neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy has revolutionized outcomes, achieving pathologic complete response rates above 60%.2. Metastatic TNBC Advances: The discussion highlights the critical role of biomarker testing and the introduction of innovative therapies like antibody-drug conjugates, providing extended survival for many patients.3. Empowering Patient Symptom Management: The episode underscores the importance of patient-reported outcomes and emerging tools like health apps to enhance self-management and real-time support for side effects.

About our guest:Sara Tolaney, MD, MPH is the Chief of the Division of Breast Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and is internationally recognized for her research and education leadership in breast cancer. She also serves as Associate Director of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers and is a Senior Physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Tolaney received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and her medical degree from UC San Francisco. She subsequently completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, and fellowships in hematology and medical oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She obtained her Masters in Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. Her research focuses on the development of novel therapies in the treatment of breast cancer and developing more effective and less toxic treatment approaches. Her work has demonstrated that a relatively low risk regimen is beneficial in women with early stage node-negative HER2-positive cancers, and this works has been incorporated into national and international guidelines. She has developed several follow-up studies looking at novel approaches to early stage HER2-positive disease and has also played a significant role in development of cdk 4/6 inhibitors, antibody drug conjugates, and immunotherapy in breast cancer. She is the author of over 150 peer-reviewed publications with manuscripts included in many prestigious journals such as the New England Journal, Lancet Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and JAMA Oncology.Key Moments:At 8 minutes: "It used to be that if someone had a triple negative breast cancer, we would often take someone to surgery and then after surgery give them some chemotherapy to kill any stray cells that might've gotten into the bloodstream and integrate radiation as needed. But we've really changed our approach very dramatically over the last few years where we've learned that if someone has an early stage, stage two or three triple negative breast cancer, it is actually very critical that they not go to upfront surgery, but in fact get chemotherapy with immunotherapy prior to surgery."Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.