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  • American Institute for Cancer Research: Coffee may be protective against some cancers

    Thanks to the Boston Tea Party in 1773, coffee is the patriotic drink in America. Coffee breaks became part of the routine in workplaces, homes and churches after an ad campaign in 1952 promoted the idea. Today, you can find a Starbucks on almost every corner. So, is that daily Cup of Joe really as bad for you as they say?

  • How a Breast Cancer Diagnosis Inspired a Career Change: Ronda’s Story

    In 2002, Ronda Sapache, a 35-year-old maternal homecare nurse, faced the shock of a lifetime. Despite no family history surrounding the disease, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I put off having the mammogram for a few months; I almost didn’t go through with it. But this little voice in my head told me told me to get the exam,” says Ronda of her diagnosis. “I am so glad I did it then. Any sooner and they might not have caught it; any later and I might not be here today.”

  • Personal Prescriptions: Clinical trial explores new targets for treating advanced breast cancer

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States and worldwide. When diagnosed early, it has more than a 90% cure rate. Yet, even when breast cancer spreads outside the breast and becomes metastatic, women may survive many years on effective therapy. When deciding how to treat breast cancer, the breast profile, or “phenotype,” guides oncologists to select the treatment options most likely to control the cancer and maybe even get rid of it altogether.

    So how do we do that?

    Currently, we determine the phenotype by measurement of the presence or absence of Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, and the Her2neu growth factor receptor on cancer cells.  Scientists are also studying other biologic features of cancer cells to look for new “targets” to improve therapy. For patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer that is Estrogen Receptor or Progesterone Receptor positive, our standard of care is to initiate estrogen-blocking or estrogen-lowering treatment called “endocrine therapy.” If the cancer is life threatening, or vital organ function is being compromised, then chemotherapy is often initiated first to get control of the cancer, followed by endocrine therapy.  Examples of endocrine therapy include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, ovarian suppression, fulvestrant and a new drug on the market, everolimus.  In 2012, the FDA approved everolimus (a drug that blocks a critical pathway in cancer cells) after research and clinical trials showed a significant improvement in the response to the combination of exemestane plus everolimus, versus using exemestane alone. This drug is now used for women with advanced estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.

    A new clinical trial at UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health

    We have just started a new clinical trial (research study) at UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health that explores another target, the PI3K pathway. PI3K stands for phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase. This is an important enzyme in normal cells that regulates multiple functions of cells. It appears to play a critical role in the crossroads of the intricate molecular messaging that occurs in cancer cells. In this clinical trial, we are testing BKM120, an oral medication that targets the PI3K pathway. This trial will look at whether or not this oral medication, combined with fulvestrant (another cancer fighting medication), may help to combat a patient's cancer.

    Women are eligible for the trial if they:

    Are 18 years or older with a biopsy proven diagnosis of breast cancer and tumor tissue available for special studies. Have inoperable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer Have Estrogen Receptor or Progesterone Receptor positive phenotype and are Her2neu receptor negative Are postmenopausal Have been treated with aromatase inhibitors (anastrazole, letrozole, or exemustane) and their disease has progressed or recurred Have adequate liver function, good control of blood sugar, and adequate heart function without irregular heart rhythm Have not received more than one type of chemotherapy for metastatic disease and do not have symptoms from central nervous system metastases Do not have significant psychiatric disorder, major depression, major anxiety, or thoughts of suicidePatients who choose to enter clinical trials are given complete information regarding the details of the trial, the safety issues, and the opportunity to withdraw from the trial at any time without consequences. The process of educating patients so that they can decide whether to participate is called the “informed consent process.” Federal guidelines spell out the process for entering patients on clinical trials, the FDA approves and receives reports about the trial, a Safety Committee monitors trial safety, and Institutional Review Boards oversee the protection of the rights and welfare of research patients.

    My Personal Prescription:

    If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, ask your consultant about available clinical trials and your eligibility.

  • Choosing a mobility device? Check out these tips from our Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center

    Many individuals who have multiple sclerosis (MS) begin to have difficulty with their mobility as the disease progresses. Changes in vision, decreased balance, increased muscle weakness and spasms, changes in sensation, all of these side effects can affect mobility. When a decline in function occurs, especially in the lower extremities, individuals may want to begin researching mobility devices.

  • There is hope: Advancements in ovarian cancer treatment provides hope for patients

    When women are told they have a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, their first thought is usually fear. This is the cancer that we don’t always talk about. This is the cancer where we don’t see so many runs and walks and rallies and ribbons adorning the food we buy and the events we attend. It’s not pink. It’s teal. Is teal scarier? Well, breast cancer is no walk in the park, but what about teal?

  • What is Music Therapy and How Can It Help Cancer Patients?

    Ever heard of music therapy? These two words paired together may seem odd, but it’s actually something we use in our everyday lives.

  • Pediatric ED and Level One Trauma Center

    Learn more about our expert pediatric emergency medicine specialists

  • Could My Picky Eater Have a Feeding Disorder?

    If you have a picky eater, you’ve probably experienced some stressful mealtimes.

  • ‘I Felt Like My Heart Could Quit at Any Minute’

    Two years ago, Don Schaus was moping around the house, wishing he could attend his grandson’s graduation. But he had heart problems, and that kept holding him back.

  • Dr. P. Phillips Hospital ED Participates in Spring Festival

    Members of the Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Emergency Department participated in last weekend’s Independence Spring Festival – an event that hosts local vendors, food trucks, games and activities for families. The team’s tent featured Orlando Health first-aid kits, pamphlets and flyers. The Air Care team even did a fly over of the event!