Astera Cancer Classes
To Request an Appointment Call
732-390-7750
or Use Our Online Contact Form
Astera Cancer Care’s Cancer Classes
A cancer diagnosis can be life changing. At Astera Cancer Care, we strive to provide the education, collaboration and support you need in this journey. That includes providing comprehensive virtual classes and podcasts that cover the basics of cancer and beyond. From risk factors and screening to treatment options and planned lifestyle changes during and after treatment, we touch on the topics that are important to your journey.
2022 Programs
Understanding Breast Cancer
Astera’s Dr. Sundus Abbasi breaks down the risks, symptoms, and different treatments.
Astera’s Dr. Brian Chon discusses Proton therapy, an an advanced technology that is an important addition to the fighting against cancer. It works by using precise radiation which can reduce the exposure to normal, healthy tissues.
Anemia
Astera’s Aysha Khalid, MD discussed various aspects of Anemia, ranging from causes to treatment.
A Breakthrough Every Week: Cancer Research in Our Community with James C. Salwitz, MD, Astera Cancer Care
Dr. Salwitz discusses how patients can benefit from enrolling in clinical trials and finding the right treatment.
June Heartbeat
Astera Cancer Care’s Director of Palliative Care, Tina Basenese discussed various aspects of palliative and supportive care.
Astera Cancer Care’s Lauren Kriegel, LCSW, OSW-C recently discussed various aspects of disability including eligibility, how to apply, and being denied.
2021 Programs
East Brunswick
New Treatments and Clinical Trials for Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma and Other Blood Disorders
Dr. Kazemi discusses the ins and outs of multiple myeloma breakthrough clinical trial options offered at Astera Cancer Care.
Side Effects of Cancer Therapies – Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, and Immunotherapy
Dr. Fein addresses the side effects of cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy. Dr. Fein also going into what to look for with these therapies and how to lessen these toxicities.
Empowering Patients and Families Experiencing Cancer: Navigating the Cancer Journey. Tina Basenese discusses the journey of living with cancer and how to promote positivity.
Low Platelet Levels and advancements in Treatment
Dr. Porcelli discusses the topic of thrombocytopenia, platelets and their purpose, and novel therapies in use for low platelet counts.
Plainfield
Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD), Polycythemia and others: Types and Treatments
Dr. Schuman discusses the family of diseases called the Myeloproliferative disorders and how each one is distinguished and treated. The class also goes into the latest developments and treatments.
Understanding Early Stage and Non-Metastatic Rectal Cancer
Dr. Canavan covers the early stages of rectal cancer and non-metastatic rectal cancer. He will touch upon the etiology as well as the anatomy of the disease.
Scotch Plains
Breast Cancer Causes and Prevention
Dr. Pan discusses the causes and symptoms of breast cancer. She covers what can be done to prevent breast cancer including screening and diagnosis along with treatment options.
All You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
Dr. Dobrescu and Dr. Amjad join together and discuss the various types of lung cancer out there. They also cover lung cancer screening and prevention including the advancements in the treatment of lung cancer such as surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments.
Lectures
Remember Your Grandparents
Michael Nissenblatt discusses the human predicament – that we are probably the only living things which can foresee our end. Given this truth, how can we still have hope for the future? What strategies keep us optimistic and productive? What is the role of upbringing and family in this perception? Why has this been a cultural priority? Why is the pandemic good? Just what is this strange eternal message?
Side Effects of Cancer Therapies: Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, and Immunotherapy
Presentation made by Drs. Maqsood Amjad and Philip A. Pancari from Astera Cancer Care for our patrons on December 8, 2021.
Cancer During COVID-19
Blood Cancers
Dr. Craig Lampert and Dr. Philip Pancari discuss the diagnosis, treatment and management of lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma, along with various blood disorders, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breast Cancer
A virtual overview with Dr. Hiral Patel Fontanilla, Dr. Lisa Hopkins and Dr. Ellen Ronnen examining adjustments in breast cancer care during the pandemic, with a focus on new guidelines for mammography and treatment.
Colon Cancer
Dr. Nell Maloney-Patel, Dr. Ira Merkel, Dr. Joseph Pepek and Dr. James Salwitz review the importance of early screening and diagnosis in colon cancer patients. The connection between polyps and colon cancer is also examined, as well as the detriment of delayed treatment due to COVID-19.
Lung Cancer
Dr. Todd Flannery and Dr. Michael Nissenblatt cover the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. A focus is placed on stage-specific care and safety measures to maximize positive outcomes with an emphasis on SBRT’s role in early stage treatment.
Prostate Cancer
Dr. Phillip Reid and Dr. Edward Soffen talk about prostate cancer, from evaluation to biopsy and post-surgical care. The impact of COVID-19 on delayed treatment options, such as hormonal therapy and radiation, and the importance of immediate treatment for some patients.
Skin Cancer
Dr. John Baumann, Dr. Darshan Vaidya and Dr. Sameer Desai discuss skin cancer, including risk factors, risk mitigation, such as the importance of sunscreen, and treatment options, during COVID-19.
Breast Cancer
Dr. Renee Armour, Dr. Aysha Khalid and Dr. Steven Zarny talk about all things breast cancer. Topics range from prevention and understanding of the different types of breast cancer to tailored treatment options and the role of radiation.
Viewer discretion is advised due to some explicit images.
Cervical, Ovarian and Uterine Cancers
Drs. Michael Nissenblatt and Edward Soffen discuss the three most common types of gynecologic cancers. The roles of vaccine in prevention and radiation in treatment are discussed.
Gynecologic Cancer
Dr. Seeta Trivedi holds an in-depth talk about the screening and detection process of gynecologic cancers. She touches upon advances in medical treatment and incidence of gynecologic cancers in women of different ages.
Cancer Management
Elderly Cancer Treatment
Dr. Jonathan Rosenbluth covers questions and concerns elderly patients and their families face with a cancer diagnosis. Topics range from overall health to advance directives in end-of-life care.
The Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Drs. Jae Lee and Phillip Reid conduct a comprehensive overview of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Includes topics of nausea, mucositis, immune suppression, fatigue and neuropathy and ways to manage them in your everyday life.
Survivorship
Dr. Ellen Ronnen, Betsy Dubov, RD, MS, and Katherine Schaible, MSW, LSW discuss life after cancer. The key points of discussion are the role of survivorship visits, exercise recommendations, healthy eating tips, mental health optimization and the importance of post-chemo appointments.
Understanding a Cancer Diagnosis
Colorectal Cancer
Dr. Beiqing Pan discusses the full life cycle of colorectal cancer from risk factors and prevention to patient-specific treatment options and survivorship.
Hematologic Malignancies
Dr. M. Hossein Kazemi talks about the treatment of hematologic malignancies: lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma including state of the art ways to fight blood cancers with your own immune system.
Lung Cancer
Drs. Jack Lee and Beiqing Pan give a comprehensive talk about the full scope of lung cancer. Topics include risk, prevention and screening, staging and treatment options.
Pancreatic Cancer
Drs. Arkady Broder, Timothy Kennedy, Joseph Pepek and James Salwitz conduct an in-depth talk covering the full scope of pancreatic cancer. Topics include challenges in early diagnosis, symptom control, research breakthroughs and treatment teamwork.
Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Alexander Itskovich and Dr. Richard Schuman share their knowledge about the basics of pancreatic cancer, including the pancreas’ role in our body, environmental and genetic risk factors, screening and new treatment developments.
Podcasts & Radio Interviews
To Request an Appointment Call
732-390-7750
or Use Our Online Contact Form
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Science Guides Us. Compassion Drives Us.
Astera Cancer Care is founded on 3 pillars of care:
Science
Leading-edge research,
technology, and treatment
Compassion
Unwavering, comprehensive
support for every individual
Collaboration
Harnessing collective knowledge by working together for every patient
From Our Patients
As oncologists and hematologists, we combine our expertise, compassion, and dedication with today’s most advanced protocols and treatments to provide you care and hope.