Leukopenia: 6 things to know about a low white blood cell count
Leukopenia is the scientific term for having a low white blood cell count. It’s considered a more general term than neutropenia, which is specific to only one type of white blood cell (the neutrophil).
The Greek prefix “leuko-” means white, while the suffix “-penia” means “too few.” So, it encompasses all types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils....
Rare double-hit leukemia survivor: ‘Go straight to UT MD Anderson’
Normally, leukemia is a disease that strikes old people and babies. So, when I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in ...
How to cope with cold sensitivity due to chemotherapy
Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs — including cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin — are well-known for causing nerve damage in the hands...
Total neoadjuvant therapy: A new era for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
When rectal cancer advances to involve nearby lymph nodes but hasn’t spread to other areas of the body, it’s considered to be locally advanced.
The traditional standard of care has been a three-part regimen consisting of chemoradiation followed by surgery and chemotherapy once again.
“The old approach has been turned on its head based on recent data,” says Josh Smith, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Colon and Rectal Surgery....
Understanding the different types of lymphoma
You may have already heard about non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But are there other kinds of lymphoma? What makes each one unique? And, are some symptoms...
Intrathecal chemotherapy: 10 questions, answered
Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) occurs when microscopic cancer cells spread to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These cells may...
Sharing spaces after chemo: What to know
As an oncologist, I am sometimes asked whether it’s safe to be around friends, family or children after receiving chemotherapy. My answer?...
Fatigue: 3 things to know about this cancer treatment side effect
If you’re always feeling exhausted, you’re not alone. This is especially true if you just finished or are still undergoing cancer treatment...
5-fluorouracil/5-FU: 5 things to know about this common chemotherapy drug
5-fluorouracil (pronounced “flure-oh-YOOR-ah-sill”), or 5-FU for short, is a well-established chemotherapy drug that interferes with a specific...
IV vitamin therapy: Is it safe to use during chemo?
Sometimes, patients ask me about IV vitamin therapy after reading testimonials online from people who claim it has helped them feel better...