BeatTheOdds

11/11/2025

Thanks, Richard

10/24/2025

🧬 Can a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine help some cancer treatments work better?

A new study published in Nature looked at patients with advanced lung cancer and melanoma who were treated with modern immunotherapy. Researchers noticed something surprising. Patients who happened to receive a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within about 100 days of starting their cancer immunotherapy lived longer on average than those who did not.

Why might this happen?

The mRNA vaccine temporarily boosts the activity of the immune system and helps wake up cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells). These cells are like precision guided soldiers that can recognize and destroy cancer cells. In lab models, the mRNA vaccine helped the immune system push deeper into the tumor and made immunotherapy more effective.

In human data, this added activation seemed to help some tumors respond better to immune checkpoint blockade. That is one of the most important cancer treatment strategies today.

⚠️ A few important notes
• This is very early science and not a cure.
• It is based on lab experiments and retrospective patient data.
• It does not apply to all cancers or all treatments yet.
• It does not change clinical guidelines today.
• More research and controlled trials are needed.

Still, this is exciting because it suggests we may already have safe tools that can boost our own immune response against cancer while we continue to improve immunotherapy.

If you want to see how CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, Natural Killer cells and other immune cells work to fight cancer, check the short videos linked in the comments. It is both beautiful and inspiring to see our immune system in action.

As a psycho-oncologist I find this exciting because it aligns with the broader theme of leveraging the body’s own immune system for therapy, and reinforces the importance of integrative care (lifestyle, immunity, timely interventions). I’ll be following how prospective trials evolve.

Comments/thoughts welcome

12/06/2024

An estimated 5.94 million deaths from breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers were averted from 1975 to 2020 due to a combination of prevention, screening (for interception and early detection), and treatment advances, according to a model-based study.

Prevention and screening efforts accounted for 80% of those averted deaths

11/01/2024

"Smokers who quit after a cancer diagnosis had increased survival, with the greatest benefit for those who initiated smoking cessation treatment within 6 months, a prospective cohort study showed.

Among over 4,500 patients diagnosed with cancer, survival over 15 years increased for those who quit smoking at 3 months (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67-0.83), 6 months (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.88), and 9 months (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.95) of follow-up, reported Paul M. Cinciripini, PhD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and colleagues.

The largest survival benefit was seen among patients who began receiving cessation treatment at the center's To***co Research and Treatment Program within 6 months of diagnosis of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer, they noted in JAMA Oncology.

Specifically, at the 75th survival percentile (the time at which 75% of patients had survived), survival increased from 2.1 years among continuing smokers (non-abstainers) compared with 3.9 years for patients who quit (abstainers)."

Largest survival benefit observed in patients who entered a cessation program within 6 months

10/25/2024

Here is an article about what we do this weekend. They even quote me:
“Historically at Long Beach Medical Center, like many cancer treatment centers, we’ve heavily focused on the most advanced technology and pharmacology to address the physical aspects of returning people to health,” said Dr. Mariusz Wirga, medical director of psychosocial oncology at the Institute. “However, the mental, emotional, and spiritual spheres of cancer treatment and recovery should also be addressed in a comprehensive way as they determine the experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as their outcomes.”
“Unfortunately, despite their necessity, many supportive programs aimed at these spheres are not covered by insurance,” Wirga said in a press release. “Thanks to the support of our community and their dedication to the cause, we are able to provide these cancer support programs at the highest level in Southern California to all cancer patients and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Hundreds throughout Long Beach and surrounding communities participate in the annual Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K, which brings additional psychosocial programs and support for those with cance…

10/25/2024

👉I need your help! The 25th Annual Team Spirit Cancer 5k is this Saturday, and we are behind with fundraising. Why is it so important for me?
‼ 25th Anniversary of Team Spirit supporting our vital psychosocial services
‼ 20th Anniversary of the Beat the Odds survivorship program I introduced at the Todd Cancer Institute
‼ 15th Anniversary of my role as Medical Director of Psychosocial Oncology at TCI
🎯Please donate - links and info in the comments.
🏆 We’re also excited to share that we already have 800 registered walkers! If you’d like to join us, it’s not too late—registration is available on-site for $75.

07/09/2024

Tomorrow, we have our monthly class for alumni - Boost the Odds: From Cancer Survivor to Life Thriver. Please let me know if you need a link to our Zoom meeting

06/30/2024

Check out this Long Beach Post article about Team Spirit Cancer 5K raising funds for supportive care services for cancer patients and their families. The link to the article is in the comments.
👉Seize the $35 early bird registration fee for the 25th Annual Team Spirit Cancer 5K on Saturday, October 26, 2024 and join our Beat the Odds squad at https://give.classy.org/BTO2024

“At the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, we understand that cancer affects more than just the body; it affects the mind, body, and spirit,” said Dr. Wirga. “That is why treatment shouldn’t be relegated to only physical treatment but complemented by emotional and supportive services. With that understanding, it is critical for all patients that we continue to grow these programs and implement new ones that will help the well-being of those battling cancer.”
The link to the full article is in the comments.

03/10/2024

Maybe it's time to go cash only?

02/09/2024

Leading a grand rounds workshop on cognitive-behavioral laughter therapy at the invitation of dear friend and colleague Dr. Heather Clague

11/16/2023

It was a great Friendsgiving evening celebrating the 19th Anniversary of BeatTheOdds Cancer Survivorship Program at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!

Photo credit: Andrzej Jończyk