In this conversation, Margie Wilson talks to Fred Hutch Cancer Center's Bonnie Rochman about her experience being diagnosed with endometrial cancer and her evolution into a patient advocate for Black women. She discusses her initial symptoms and treatment, the challenges of navigating the medical system, and the importance of having open conversations about women's health and finding a supportive healthcare provider.

• Margie was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2016 after experiencing unexplained bleeding that she attributed to menopause.
• The first oncologist she saw was dismissive and rushed, but finding a compassionate and understanding doctor made a significant difference in her treatment experience.
• Brachytherapy was a key part of her treatment plan.
• Margie became involved with ECANA to advocate for Black women with endometrial cancer.
• Education and awareness are vital in saving lives and improving health outcomes for women.
  

Dr. Mazyar Shadman is a blood cancer specialist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center who focuses on lymphoid malignancies. In a conversation with Bonnie Rochman, they explore the advancements in CAR T-cell therapy, particularly for large B-cell lymphoma, highlighting its impact on patient outcomes and survival rates.

Takeaways

• CAR T therapy is a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
• The future of cancer treatment may heavily rely on CAR T advancements.
• CAR T therapy represents a shift in cancer care paradigms.
• It is particularly effective for large B-cell lymphoma.
• Patients with relapsed disease historically had limited survival chances.
• CAR T therapy has improved outcomes for high-risk patients.
• 30 to 40% of patients are now being cured with CAR T therapy.
• The treatment offers better quality of life compared to standard care.
• Ongoing research is crucial for further advancements in CAR T.
• Patient selection is key for the success of CAR T therapy.

In this conversation, Dr. Tom Purcell, Chief Medical Officer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, discusses his role in overseeing quality care delivery and patient satisfaction with Bonnie Rochman. He reflects on his previous experience in a community cancer program and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in optimizing patient care. The conversation also touches on the cultural shifts necessary for improving healthcare delivery and the ongoing efforts to enhance patient access and satisfaction.