Founder

Fatigue continues to be one of the biggest challenges for survivors of cancer, particularly because its severity can have a lasting effect on lifestyle.

Unlike tiredness from a hard day at work or a vigorous workout, cancer fatigue can be unrelated to a person’s activities yet all encompassing. The phenomenon can be difficult for those who have never had cancer to understand.

“(Friends) really do not get it when I need to go home and climb into bed immediately or am unable to take one more step or have to cancel an engagement,” Jane Biehl, a CURE® Voices contributor, wrote in a 

. “Before cancer, willpower carried me through fatigue, but no more. That weight all over my body frankly kicks my butt.”

In this issue of CURE®, we take an in-depth look at cancer fatigue, its causes and a variety of treatment options. Perhaps counterintuitively, experts point out that the most effective therapy for this condition is exercise, a remedy that could seem daunting. Research consistently supports this idea, and our article describes the kinds of programs that work best.

In another feature, we tackle the topic of radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive drugs with an expanding role in both treatment and diagnosis. The expectation is that more of these drugs will be discovered over the next decade, and additional uses will be found for those already on the market. Our article discusses the fascinating area called theranostics or using the same radiopharmaceutical to both diagnose and treat a specific cancer.

Elsewhere in the treatment arena, we bring highlights from June’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, including findings in colorectal, bladder, ovarian and non-small cell lung cancers. This issue also covers investigational treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and kidney cancer.

At the other end of the spectrum, we look at the time before cancer develops and how people can protect themselves. With the help of a Northwestern University expert in epidemiology and cancer prevention, we examine recommended strategies for avoiding the disease. A separate piece explores whether those who had genetic testing years ago should repeat the process using today’s more sophisticated tests to get a more comprehensive picture of whether they have any inherited cancer-causing genes.

Finally, we come full circle with another article on easing a side effect, in this case hair loss during chemotherapy. In an interview, an oncology expert answers our questions about the safety, effectiveness and availability of cold caps.

We hope that these articles, which span the cancer journey from prevention to survivorship, leave you better informed about strategies that can help you lead a healthier and more comfortable life. As always, thank you for reading.

Articles

Exercise can help prevent excess fatigue for survivors of cancer and other issues are explored in this summer issue of CURE.

Exercise Can Help Ease Excessive Fatigue in Survivors of Cancer

perfectly understood, cancer- related cognitive impairment — commonly referred to by patients undergoing cancer treatment as “chemo brain” &mdash; is a very real, sometimes long-lasting mental fog that affects as many as 75% of patients during cancer treatment (and can last months or even years after treatment).

For years, many doubted its existence, chalking up the symptoms to old age or another malady. But now, as more survivors are living longer, researchers are better able to study it.

In this issue’s cover story, “Chemo Brain Is Real,” we hear from researchers who are investigating cancer-related cognitive impairment, as well as cancer survivors who are living with it. The article also offers strategies that optimize thinking and memory — and can help lift that fog.

Through treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiation and two stem cell transplants. For him, however, the biggest challenge was being a young-adult cancer survivor: “I survived this thing, and now all of a sudden, I’ve got to live the rest of my life. Who’s going to want to date me? Can I have kids?” Because many of his friends

Also in this issue, readers hear from Ethan Zohn, former professional soccer player and winner of the TV reality show, “Survivor: Africa.” At age 35, he received a diagnosis of CD20-positive Hodgkin lymphoma. Zohn talks about how his winner’s mentality helped him.

We hope you not only find the information helpful, but also draw inspiration from the stories of other courageous survivors. As always, thank couldn’t relate, Zohn found companionship — and comfort &mdash; through organizations for young adults impacted by cancer.

In addition, a cancer survivor struggling with physical exhaustion ponders whether she’d rather be strong of body ... or strong of soul.

Also inside: how yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy can help cancer survivors with insomnia and advice on rebuilding self-esteem after a cancer diagnosis.

In the summer 2020 edition of HEAL we speak with experts on the very real challenges patients face when confronted with "chemo brain". 

You Are Not Alone When Facing 'Chemo Brain'

 at a promising moment for immunotherapy.

Since the 2011 approval of the first drug in the novel class known as checkpoint inhibitors, these immunotherapies have multiplied both in number and in use.

They now treat a host of cancer types, either on their own or with other drugs. And despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, this period of time has been no different: Over the past several months, the Food and Drug Administration approved new uses for several immunotherapies that were already on the market.

Green lights include one for Keytruda (pembrolizumab) to treat a certain type of early-stage bladder cancer, potentially making surgery unnecessary in one-fifth of affected patients (curetoday.com/ link/273). Sparing patients, the life-changing and potentially dangerous removal of their bladders will likely go a long way toward preserving their quality of life.

So, despite the obstacles created by the pandemic, we are living in a time of hope and action when it comes to cancer immunotherapy. In this issue, we bring you a roundup of news about approvals of immunotherapies for diseases including liver cancer and small cell lung cancer. Meanwhile, an article focused on renal cell carcinoma offers a deeper dive into the intricacies of treatment with immunotherapy.

Elsewhere in these pages, we discuss experimental immunotherapies that show promise as cancer treatments. Our cover story delves into a novel therapy that harnesses a patient’s immune cells, known as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. These powerful cells are removed from a patient’s tumor, multiplied in a lab and reinfused.

In the diagnostic arena, we share news of a tool that uses RNA, or gene expression, to match patients with targeted drugs and immunotherapies. Typically, doctors use DNA to determine who should get novel drugs, basing decisions on which mutated genes are driving a cancer.

The tool designed by computational biologist Dr. Eytan Ruppin and his colleagues at the National Cancer Institute also addresses how genes are expressed and interact in a tumor’s environment, making it possible to identify broader groups of patients who can benefit from specific precision drugs.

Finally, the Cancer Research Institute shares information that can help patients, survivors and caregivers navigate the experience of immunotherapy. The advocacy group describes its educational webinars and patient summits, which are available online for free.

We hope that the array of articles in this special issue will give you an updated understanding of the immunotherapies available today, either as standard treatments or through clinical trials, empowering you to ask informed questions and participate with your care teams in making sound treatment decisions.

Immunotherapy has seen significant advancements since the approval of checkpoint inhibitors in 2011, with new treatments emerging for various cancer types. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA has approved new uses for existing immunotherapies, such as Keytruda for early-stage bladder cancer, potentially reducing the need for surgery. This issue highlights recent approvals for liver and small cell lung cancer, explores experimental therapies like tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and introduces a diagnostic tool using RNA for precision medicine. Educational resources from the Cancer Research Institute are also discussed.

In the 2020 special issue of CURE on Immunotherapy, we take a look at how the field of immunotherapy continues to grow despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

FDA Approvals of Immunotherapy Keep Coming, Even at This Challenging Moment

Humor can instantly a smile to someone’s face, but finding laughter in times of shock, sadness, grief and anger can be challenging. Some individuals may even find it insensitive.

Yet one woman found her sense of humor offered the best way to cope with a cancer diagnosis. After learning that she had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Diana Bosse began to share her humorous takes on cancer, such as treatment-related hair loss, taste changes, constipation and pill organization, with friends on Facebook. Bosse quickly discovered that her friends looked forward to her messages as much as she found comfort in writing them.

Positive feedback led Bosse to fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. She

would never have accomplished that, she believes, had it not been for her diagnosis. Her book, “The Perks of Having Cancer: An Inspirational, Positive and Humorous View of a Not-So-Inspirational, Positive or Humorous Situation,” depicts her life and thoughts through cartoon. Within these pages of 

®, you’ll learn more about how Bosse laughed through lymphoma as she transitioned from patient to survivor.

In this issue, we also explore the risk of diabetes after cancer and its treatment. Research links the two diseases, with some findings suggesting that the incidence of diabetes is six times greater among people with cancer compared with those who don’t have cancer. Two survivors share how they confronted diabetes, and we also offer tips for preventing this life-changing condition.

In addition, world champion figure skater Scott Hamilton pens a personal note to the readers of 

®. After facing a mysterious illness that caused him to stop growing as a child and battling testicular cancer followed by three brain tumors as an adult, Hamilton understands overcoming health adversities. Read on as he discusses the blessings behind survivorship.

Also inside: targeted intervention for sexual health, advice on mentoring others after cancer, and easy-to-make sides and snacks. We hope you find both practical information and everyday inspiration, and, as always, thank you for reading.

Find out how humor is a vital part of healing and what else is inside this issue of the HEAL Spring 2020 issue!

Founder

Exercise Can Help Ease Excessive Fatigue in Survivors of Cancer

You Are Not Alone When Facing 'Chemo Brain'

FDA Approvals of Immunotherapy Keep Coming, Even at This Challenging Moment

Humor's Ability to Heal

Latest News