Welcome to "Curative"
Insights and ideas for transforming cancer care
When I was 16 years old, my life changed forever. My mom, just 43 years old, lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer. She received excellent care, but the treatments she endured were horrific, and the outcome was devastating. Watching her fight with such courage sparked a mission in me—a mission to find a better way for cancer patients.
For over 25 years, I have been committed to this goal. I began my career as a pharmacist, working as an oncology pharmacy specialist, where I helped patients manage the side effects of their treatments. But I quickly realized that to make the biggest impact, I needed to dive deeper into patient care and research. That decision brought me to where I am today—on the frontlines of oncology care and clinical research, working to bring new treatments to patients who need them most.
The progress I’ve witnessed during my career has been nothing short of remarkable. If my mom were undergoing treatment today, her experience would be entirely different. Advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies have revolutionized oncology. These new treatments are not only more effective but also far kinder than the traditional chemotherapy and radiation she endured. Patients now have more hope, less toxicity, and better outcomes. Yet, too many patients remain unaware of these incredible strides.
That’s why I started this Substack. Through this platform, I aim to:
Share insights into cutting-edge advancements in oncology research.
Provide tips for patients and caregivers on navigating clinical trials, especially for those who have exhausted traditional options.
Advocate for holistic, whole-person care that minimizes toxicity and optimizes outcomes.
This mission is personal. My brother, Doug, a cancer survivor and fellow oncologist, has been a constant source of inspiration. His innovative work in harnessing AI to revolutionize cancer care pushes me to think bigger and care deeper. He reminds me daily to keep the human side of oncology front and center. If you’re interested in groundbreaking perspectives on the future of cancer care, I encourage you to follow his Substack as well. Doug Flora, MD, LSSB, FACCC
Thank you for being here. Let’s make a difference.