Doctor Column
“Am I Going to Get Cancer?” Cancer in Families
March 15, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
JoAnn, a 67 year old retired secretary, experienced abdominal pain that at times radiated to the back which she dismissed as indigestion. Usually energetic, she uncharacteristically complained of fatigue and, from time to time, itchiness “all over my body.”
Powerful Warning Signs of Cancer — Red Flags to Look For
March 5, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2018 there will be close to 610,000 deaths in the United States due to cancer and approximately 1,735,000 new cases of cancer. The early diagnosis of cancer increases dramatically the cure rates and the five year survival rates of this disease.
“Can the Rainbow Diet Help Prevent Cancer?” — “Roy G. Biv?”
February 15, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop MD, in a report dealing with “Diet” said: “If you do not smoke or drink excessively, your choice of diet can influence your long-term health more than any other action you may take.”
The Cancer Enigma: “If There’s No Magic Bullet, is Prevention the Cure?”
February 5, 2019
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Nobel Prize laureate Paul Ehrlich coined the term “magic bullet” in 1900, meaning a way to kill (bullet) a specific target (magic). He thought it might be possible to target and kill bacteria with a single agent without hurting the body itself.
The Story of Emily and the Birth of a New Era in Cancer Treatment: Genetically Modified T-cells (GMTs)
April 5, 2018
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The journey of a five year old child is a glittering example of bravery in the struggle against leukemia. Emily “Emma” Whitehead was the first child in the world to receive T-cell therapy (GMTs).
Fentanyl and the Chinese Connection: Prince of Opioids
September 16, 2017
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Cancer patients who require round the clock opioids (e.g. morphine drip) for excruciating pain can become opioid tolerant and experience “breakthrough” pain. In this situation, fentanyl has been useful to relieve severe pain.
