Novel Cancer Treatments Explained – Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Cancer Care Connections

Discover the transformative advances in treatment as Dr. Graham Watson of Virginia Oncology Associates sheds light on the power of personalized medicine in the battle against cancer. His passion for the subject is evident, as he navigates the complexities of cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy and targeted treatment. Not only do these innovative approaches offer a tailored fit to individuals, but they also signify a departure from traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Watson's insights promise to leave you informed and hopeful, championing the importance of patient engagement and the profound impact of understanding your own treatment.
In this episode, we discuss what fuels cancer's relentless progression and how novel therapies are revolutionizing patient care. Dr. Watson emphasizes the necessity of clear communication in oncology, a field where knowledge is more than power—it's a lifeline. Dr. Watson encourages patients to take an active role in their healthcare journey, armed with questions and a supportive care team ready to navigate the road to recovery together.
Dr. Graham T. Watson grew up in Richmond, VA. He attended Davidson College on an academic/leadership scholarship and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from Wake Forest University School of Medicine where he received the Lange Award for academic excellence in the first year and was named the most outstanding student in Hematology and Oncology. While at Wake Forest, he was inducted into AOA Medical Honor Society, Gold Humanism Honor Society, and served as Student Body President. Dr. Watson completed his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In his final year, he served as Chief Fellow.

He has performed research in the area of “physician-patient communication” and his practice philosophy is to focus on excellent communication with his patients and their families. He views himself as an advisor and educator for his patients with the goal of helping them make the best treatment decision for their individual situation. Dr. Watson treats patients with all types of cancers and blood disorders, and his clinical interests include lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, and cancers of the head and neck.

Resources mentioned in this podcast
Cancer Care Connections: Car T-Cell Therapy: Engineering the Immune System to Fight Cancer with Dr. Gary Simmons

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Cancer Care Connections is the official podcast of Virginia Oncology Associates. For more information, visit us at VirginiaCancer.com. or find us on Facebook or Instagram at Virginia Oncology Associates.

Chapters

1. Novel Cancer Treatments Explained – Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy (00:00:00)

2. Communication in the oncology setting (00:01:03)

3. What are novel therapies? (00:02:59)

4. What is Immunotherapy? (00:04:57)

5. What is Targeted Therapy? (00:12:57)

6. Cancer gene mutations vs inherited gene mutations (00:16:39)