Is Standard of Care Optimal for the Individual Patient? - Summary - MDSpire
Commentary & Perspectives

Is Standard of Care Optimal for the Individual Patient?

I am writing this from the hospital waiting room. My father is undergoing an 11-hour surgery to remove his parotid gland and a squamous cell carcinoma that has metastasized from his cheek and invaded ...

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In a compelling narrative, Alison Rash recounts her family's struggle with cancer treatment protocols that often adhere to standard of care guidelines, potentially overlooking opportunities for personalized interventions. Her father's metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and her journey through breast cancer highlight the importance of tailored treatment approaches. Rash reflects on the significance of early detection tools like PET scans, revealing her concerns about missed opportunities that could have altered her father's prognosis and her own treatment outcomes. Ultimately, she advocates for a more individualized approach to oncology, prioritizing patient-specific care to enhance survival and quality of life.

Original Source(s)

Is Standard of Care Optimal for the Individual Patient?

  • by ALISON RASH

  • April 15, 2026

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