Four Types of Benign Tumors

A graduate of Ross University School of Medicine, Dr. Matthew Taub works as a hematologic oncology physician at Optimum Oncology Hematology Associates in Florida. Possessing more than two decades of medical experience, Dr. Matthew Taub has treated multiple malignant and benign disorders in Florida, New York, and other states.

Benign tumors do not pose a threat to human health; however, they can press against blood vessels or nerves and cause pain or other problems. There are several types of benign tumors that are categorized based on where they grow. These types are briefly described below:

- Adenomas. Benign tumors that grow in the epithelial tissue of a gland, organ, or other structure are classified as adenomas. These growths are most commonly found as a polyp in the colon, but they are also found on the pituitary, adrenal, or thyroid gland.

- Myomas. When a benign tumor grows in the walls of the blood vessels or in the muscle, it’s classified as a myoma. Smooth muscle inside the organs can also hold myomas, but these growths are often classified as a fibroid rather than a myoma.

- Fibroids. Also known as fibromas, these tumors are found in the fibrous tissue of any organ. Typically, they are found in the uterus and may cause urinary incontinence or vaginal bleeding. If a fibroid causes symptoms, it can be surgically removed.

- Lipomas. The most common type of benign tumor is a lipoma. Found on the neck, back, or arms, lipomas develop from fat cells and are normally round and soft. When pressed on, they also move slightly under the skin.

Immunotherapy Side Effects More Common Than Originally Thought

A hematology and an oncology physician at Optimum Oncology Hematology Associates in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Dr. Matthew Taub has won numerous awards for his work treating and managing various disorders in multiple states. Active in his professional community, Dr. Matthew Taub maintains membership with such organizations as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Since 1964, ASCO has promoted the prevention and cure of cancer through the education of professionals and cancer research. Recently, the organization released information about a new study on people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). According to this report, unexpected medical problems caused by the immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab, atezolizumab, and pembrolizumab may all be underreported in the initial trials of these therapies.

To complete this analysis, researchers looked at close to 2,800 people diagnosed with NSCLC who received immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors between 2015 and 2017. These individuals reported adverse events caused by these inhibitors to their insurance companies. This information was available to researchers through OptumLabs Data Warehouse, an insurance database founded in 2012 by the Mayo Clinic.

According to the results, the most common adverse outcome to immunotherapy was hypothyroidism. This issue appeared in just over 9 percent of patients. Meanwhile, acute kidney injury and anemia affected over 8 percent of patients, combined. Some patients also reported cardiac and gastrointestinal events, though these issues were relatively rare.

The researchers believe that being aware of these side effects and when they occur will grant physicians a greater chance to intervene and prevent such issues. In the meantime, being aware of the issues that immunotherapy can cause ensures that patients and physicians alike are better informed about treatment options.

Could an App Help Patients Manage Cancer Pain?

A graduate of the Ross University School of Medicine, Dr. Matthew Taub completed postdoctoral training in oncology and hematology at New York Medical College. Based in Florida, Dr. Matthew Taub offers treatment through Everglades Oncology and Hematology in Miramar. He approaches patients with compassion and understands that everyone experiences a cancer diagnosis and treatment side effects differently.

A researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital recently found that a smartphone app called ePAL that makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) could actually help patients manage cancer-related pain. Patients in a study reported an average reduction in pain severity scores of 20 percent after eight weeks of app use, while those individuals in usual care reported no change. Furthermore, among a randomized study involving 112 patients with solid tumors, ePAL reduced the risk of hospital admission by about 70 percent. However, patients using the app did report increased anxiety.

The app helps patients differentiate between severe and moderate pain and connects them to the appropriate resource, whether that is clinical or educational feedback. While more research needs to be done, the findings show the viability of using apps to track and manage cancer-related pain.

Immunotherapy Promising in Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Dr. Matthew Taub treats patients for a wide range of cancers as a hematologist-oncologist at Everglades Oncology and Hematology. Board-certified in his field, Dr. Matthew Taub maintains a close watch on research developments informing the oncology community. 

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a recent study led by a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researcher indicates the efficacy of immunotherapy in treating triple-negative breast cancer. 

As many as 20 percent of breast cancer cases involve this advanced, aggressive form of the disease, which has a relatively low survival rate and an elevated chance of metastasis and recurrence. The study involved augmenting chemotherapy with atezolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, which was well tolerated by a sample of more than 900 chemotherapy patients and brought significant clinical benefits. These included statistically significant levels of progression-free survival of 7.2 months, versus 5.5 months among those patients who received chemotherapy alone.

ASCO Cancer Survey Shows Lack of Trust in Alternative Treatment

Fellowship trained in hematology and oncology, Dr. Matthew Taub helps patients to overcome cancer and achieve sustained pathways to wellness and recovery. Active with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Dr. Matthew Taub follows advances and developments in his field.

Recently released, the second annual ASCO National Cancer Opinion Survey found that approximately 40 percent of respondents believe alternative medicine alone can effectively combat the disease. 

Unfortunately, as ASCO emphasizes, alternative treatments such as vitamin regimens, oxygen therapy, and special diets don’t work on their own. Several studies have confirmed that compared to people who take their doctors’ recommendations, those who do not obtain evidence-based cancer treatment or undergo alternative therapies are 2.5 times likelier to die within a given time period. This results in part from a lack of data on alternative therapies. In addition, many alternative treatments have proven not to be beneficial to patients. 

The ASCO survey, which spanned nearly 5,000 adults, further reveals that people between the ages of 18 and 37 are most likely to view alternative medicine as a standalone cancer solution, with those over age 72 the least likely to view it as such. With one-fifth of respondents having experienced cancer or currently living with the disease, only 22 percent of this cohort believe that alternative therapies take the place of standard care.

ASCO Supports Affordable Cancer Drugs

Florida-based oncologist Matthew Taub serves on the boards of several regional hospitals. In addition, Dr. Matthew Taub is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Medical Association and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Since 1964, ASCO has promoted innovations in cancer care and improvement in patient outcomes by providing education and research opportunities to medical professionals specializing in oncology. ASCO also advocates for policies and regulations that increase access to cancer treatment and high-quality care.

One of ASCO’s staunchest platforms is making cancer treatment more affordable. In a policy statement released in 2017, ASCO noted that cancer treatments have become much more effective, but they are not financially accessible to many patients. 

Treatment costs can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, causing financial strain that can result in bankruptcy or the forgoing of essential treatment. To combat this, ASCO supports any policy or legislation that aims to lower the cost of cancer drugs, such as negotiating drug prices at the national level.

ASCO Annual Meeting Advances the Oncology Field

Matthew Taub, MD, practices hematology and oncology at Optimum Oncology Hematology Associates in Pembroke, Florida. An active member of the professional community, Dr. Matthew Taub belongs to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Since 1964, ASCO has worked to cure cancer through research, high-quality patient care, and professional education. To this end, the organization has maintained an annual meeting for oncology professionals. 

The meeting attracts medical professionals from around the world to share and discuss new therapies, new treatment options, and controversies that affect the field. More than 32,000 professionals attend the ASCO Annual Meeting each year.

The upcoming meeting is scheduled to take place from May 31 to June 4, 2019, in Chicago. ASCO plans on having pre-meeting educational programs, interactive workshops, and various professor sessions. ASCO also plans on hosting a prayer and meditation room for silent reflection and relaxation during the meeting.