Dr. Mark Lewis

Dr. Mark Lewis: What is Lanreotide and How Does It Work

Dr. Mark Lewis discusses the use of lanreotide (Somatuline) as an anti-hormone injection to treat neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors produce hormones that can stimulate their own growth, and lanreotide works as a hormone blocker to disrupt this feedback loop. The injection is administered monthly in the buttock and may cause some discomfort. Continuous administration over many months can help control the disease and suppress hormone-driven tumor growth.

Dr. Mark Lewis: Nutrition During Cancer Treatment

The video addresses misconceptions about nutrition in cancer patients, particularly the idea that sugar feeds cancer and the resulting adoption of extreme diets like ketogenic ones. These diets often lead to unintended self-starvation because the body naturally produces sugar to prevent hypoglycemia. Additionally, the speaker discusses the role of family members in supporting cancer patients, highlighting that while it's natural to want to prepare nourishing meals, it's essential to consider the patient's appetite, which may be affected by the cancer or its treatments.

Dr. Mark Lewis: Your Life After Cancer

The video discusses the hopeful message for cancer patients that life can continue during treatment. The speaker highlights the shift towards outpatient care to allow patients to maintain their daily lives and work, thus supporting their psychological well-being. The goal is to minimize hospital visits and avoid taking over patients' lives.

Dr. Mark Lewis: Retaining Information from Your Appointment

Dr. Lewis discusses a phenomenon they refer to as the "tinnitus of terror," which occurs when patients first learn about their cancer diagnosis and subsequently struggle to absorb additional information due to a fight or flight response. The speaker appreciates recording videos because they serve as a resource patients and their families can revisit to better understand the information provided, without the need to ask repeatedly.

Dr. Mark Lewis: Oxaliplatin: Side Effects and Remedies

The video discusses the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin, commonly used for treating colorectal cancer, and its unique side effect of causing sensitivity to cold. This side effect is triggered by touching cold objects or consuming cold drinks, rather than ambient cold temperatures. The speaker suggests managing this sensitivity by drinking warm liquids for the first few days after treatment and wearing gloves when handling cold items.

Dr. Mark Lewis: Family Members and Chemotherapy: What to Know

Dr. Lewis addresses family members of chemotherapy patients, reassures them that modern chemotherapy's side effects are significantly improved compared to the past. Dr. Lewis emphasizes that family members need not fear the patient, as chemo can only be transmitted through bodily fluids. Dr. Lewis recommends flushing toilets twice in shared bathrooms and avoiding unprotected intercourse, but otherwise encourages normal interactions.

Dr. Mark Lewis: How 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Works

SO54, also known as uracil or 5-FU, is a crucial chemotherapy drug for gastrointestinal cancers. It acts as a "Trojan horse" by introducing "U" into the DNA sequence, disrupting cancer cell replication. Administered through a 46-hour infusion, this method reduces toxicity and minimizes side effects like mouth sores, diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash.