Episode 138: Advances in Urologic Cancer Treatment with Dr. Eric Singer
Listen now
Description
During the past decade “the number of new drugs and the pathways that we’re targeting has expanded so much; it’s a very exciting time,” said Eric Singer, MD, a kidney cancer specialist and the new division chief for urologic oncology at the James. In this episode, Singer discusses how and why he got into medicine and oncology, why he uprooted from New Jersey to come to Ohio State, and some of the many advances in treating urologic cancers. A new clinical trial for kidney cancer patients introduces targeted therapy drugs and immunotherapy drugs to patients prior to surgery. Another clinical trial utilizes different combinations of drugs; and another clinical trial uses “adjuvant” therapy after surgery. “It’s the idea that after surgery, even though there is no evidence of cancer, we give the drugs to reduce the chance of it coming back [for high-risk patients],” Singer explained. Urologic cancers include kidney, cladder, prostate, testicular, penial and adrenal cancers. The James division of urologic oncology is growing, and Singer is actively recruiting new surgeons. “I look for someone with incredible passion and a commitment to being a great surgeon, someone who is always thinking how does this benefit the patient,” he said. Singer also talked about how cancer has impacted his family, including his sister, who passed away from ovarian cancer. “Seeing her go through it … was heartbreaking and also so inspiring,” he said, adding her journey has inspired him to go above and beyond for his patients.
More Episodes
Breast screenings saves lives, and the James Cancer Hospital’s Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center is a world leader in providing screenings, such as mammograms. “I really care about each and every patient and I want to make sure every woman has access to good health care and knows that...
Published 06/18/24
The James provides a comprehensive survivorship program for patients and their families. “People are living longer with cancer and how do we make sure they have the best quality of life during their treatment and the years beyond,” said Denise Schimming, APRN-CNP, a certified nurse practitioner...
Published 06/04/24