Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

We are pleased to welcome medical oncologist and hematologist Francis Matuszak, DO to our Ocala Cancer Center and Ocala office locations. Learn more about Dr. Matuszak and our Ocala offices here: https://lnkd.in/erwsfC-X

Sign up to get access to important FCS updates! Click on the link and scroll to the bottom of the page to be added to the list. https://flcancer.com/

When you're in the throws of hurricane preparations, hurricane snacks should be one of the top items on your list. FCS Clinical Nutrition Manager April Rozzo shares some important tips on ensuring you have some healthy options stored away that will be helpful when a storm strikes. 🌀 Read her Special Edition Nutrition Newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/e_m-aiKH

We are excited to again collaborate with NCODA on this latest PQI involving NTRK gene fusions and genomic sequencing. Read it by clicking the article below.

July is #UVSafetyMonth. Living in Florida, it is always important to be mindful of the effects of the sun's rays; however, it's even more critical during the summer months when the UV index tends to be a little bit higher. ☀️ Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the United States for both men and women, and the majority of skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to UV rays (from the sun). It may be a favorite summer pastime to hit the beach 🏖️ or spend a day at the pool 🏊, but it can be harmful in the long run if you are not taking extra precautions. What does #uvsafety look like? In a recent Health & Wellness magazine article, we lay out the facts to help you understand how to protect yourself adequately and why skin cancer prevention is essential so we can all enjoy our favorite sun-filled activities safely. 😎 Take a moment to check it out here: https://bit.ly/4eWoLYB.

Looking for a healthy summer meal to add to your work lunch meal prep? Check out our most recent virtual teaching kitchen with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute's Clinical Nutrition Manager, April Rozzo MS RD CSO LDN, where she walks through how to make a colorful strawberry quinoa tabouli salad 🥗 This nutrient-packed, plant-based dish is the perfect addition to your summer spreads. And who doesn't love eating in season with perfectly ripe Florida strawberries? 🍓 Cook along with April on our YouTube channel here: https://lnkd.in/eFwprrts. #newrecipe #eathealthy #wellness

Angie Trabucco, a patient of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Medical Oncologist & Hematologist Dr. Sandeep Thaper, has battled invasive ductal carcinoma HER2 triple positive, an aggressive form of #breastcancer, for almost 15 years. Throughout the past decade and a half, Angie has seen first-hand the dramatic advancements in therapies and treatment approaches that have helped to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer. In early 2020, Angie was cleared to discontinue a hormone blocker medication after receiving positive blood results and markers. However, later that year, she learned her cancer had spread to her liver. Dr. Thaper acted immediately, referring her to genomic testing to identify inherited genetic mutations to help determine the most effective therapies for her disease. Angie is grateful for the many scientific discoveries that have taken place in oncology research to help develop targeted treatments, but she also credits her FCS care team for supporting her in her continued fight: "I can honestly say I would not be here today without the undivided attention Dr. Thaper and his team give me. It is obvious they are invested in a positive outcome for every patient." Angie's perseverance is extraordinary, and her strength is inspiring 🎀💗 Read her full story here: https://lnkd.in/e2AR6s9D. #her2positive #breastcancerawareness

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute is proud to offer free virtual support groups for cancer patients and caregivers. Support groups provide a confidential, co-ed and nonjudgmental space for patients and their loved ones to find support during their cancer journey. Programs are facilitated by licensed clinical social workers from the FCS Care Coordination team. Our Caregiver Support Group helps loved ones learn how to care for themselves while coping with the highs and lows of caring for someone with cancer. Meetings are held via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month from 2–3 p.m. Eastern. To register, visit https://lnkd.in/eSWF3FdD.

FCS Vice President of Laboratory Services Nicole Radford, FACHE, MS, MT(ASCP), has been named to the NCODA Health Equity Steering Committee. This new initiative brings together leaders from across the U.S. dedicated to working towards a louder voice for patients regarding equitable access to oncology care. Participants attending the 6th Annual Oncology Institute in August will be among the first to discuss relevant topics with committee members to foster stronger dialogue and innovation. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/diSu8Ce

In a recent interview with Targeted Oncology, FCS Lake Nona Drug Development Unit Director of Drug Development Cesar Augusto Perez, MD, shared the findings from a phase 2 study evaluating petosemtamab plus pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The combination of these two drugs, he notes, has "potential first- and best-in-class treatment for the first-line treatment of patients with [recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)]. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eagKn3qD