Outsmarting Cancer with Immunotherapy

Dr. Sweis, a scientist and instructor at the University of Chicago, studies an emerging treatment known as immunotherapy.

What is a clinical trial? 

A clinical trial is when one or more drugs that are not specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration for a particular disease are being tested to see how they work for people and what the side effects may be.  All trials are different in terms of ho

A Miracle Mix of Chemotherapy Cures Testicular Cancer

In 1974, men diagnosed with testicular cancer faced an overall survival rate of 5 percent. Surgery was the only viable treatment option, and if it failed, the prognosis was fatal. 

Doctor after doctor recommended different treatment options for Marlene Portnoy’s husband, Steve, after he was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor.  Desmoid tumors are rare, and each doctor admitted uncertainty about their plans.

It Takes a Village

 “My grandmother, my grandfather, my mother, my two uncles, my aunts,” said Riccardo. “My family has definitely been affected by this terrible disease.”

Dr. Lewis has experienced cancer from every angle. He shares with fellow oncologist Jonathan Bleeker, MD how a lifetime conquering cancer shapes his thoughts on what doctors learn from patients and how patients can navigate the ever-changing cancer community.   

When a Mole Is Melanoma

Addison's sister spotted a suspicious mole on her back. She went to see a dermatologist to have the mole removed, and an analysis showed it was melanoma. 

Cancer Interrupts a Charmed Life

Robin and Dave Dubin were college sweethearts who moved to the suburbs and started a family. Then Dave was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 29. After Dave had surgery and chemotherapy, life got back to normal.

No More Options

It is devastating for a doctor to tell a patient he cannot help him. Dr. Tannir recalls how the words of a young father still ring in his ears.