North Houston Cancer Clinics

08/20/2026

Could a personalized vaccine help the immune system fight cancer?

New Phase 3 results in patients with high-risk melanoma that had been completely removed by surgery are very encouraging.

Researchers created an individualized mRNA-based cancer vaccine using information from each patient’s own tumor and combined it with Keytruda (pembrolizumab).

An easy way to understand the idea:

🎯 Personalized vaccine: helps train the immune system to recognize features of that patient’s cancer.

🛑 Keytruda: removes an important immune “brake,” helping immune cells recognize and attack cancer cells.

In the Phase 3 study, the combination performed better than Keytruda alone in delaying the return of melanoma and distant spread of melanoma.

But this distinction is important:

This is promising Phase 3 evidence, and the detailed results still need to be presented. The personalized vaccine is investigational and is not yet a new FDA-approved standard treatment.

Cancer treatment is becoming increasingly personalized—not simply based on where a cancer started, but also on the biology of an individual patient’s tumor.

— Dr. Elham Abbasi
Medical Oncologist

For general education only. This information is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

08/20/2026

A Vaccine for Cancer? Personalized mRNA Vaccine + Keytruda Shows Promise in Melanoma. Could a personalized vaccine help the immune system fight cancer?

New Phase 3 results in patients with high-risk melanoma that had been completely removed by surgery are very encouraging.

Researchers created an individualized mRNA-based cancer vaccine using information from each patient’s own tumor and combined it with Keytruda (pembrolizumab).

An easy way to understand the idea:

🎯 Personalized vaccine: helps train the immune system to recognize features of that patient’s cancer.

🛑 Keytruda: removes an important immune “brake,” helping immune cells recognize and attack cancer cells.

In the Phase 3 study, the combination performed better than Keytruda alone in delaying the return of melanoma and distant spread of melanoma.

But this distinction is important:

This is promising Phase 3 evidence, and the detailed results still need to be presented. The personalized vaccine is investigational and is not yet a new FDA-approved standard treatment.

Cancer treatment is becoming increasingly personalized—not simply based on where a cancer started, but also on the biology of an individual patient’s tumor.

— Dr. Elham Abbasi
Medical Oncologist

For general education only. This information is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

CancerTreatment mRNA Oncology CancerEducation

08/16/2026

CHEMOTHERAPY & HAIR LOSS: What Should You Expect?

Hair loss is one of the biggest concerns many patients have before starting chemotherapy.

When will it start? Will you lose all your hair? Does every chemotherapy cause hair loss? And most importantly—will your hair grow back?

In this video, I explain what causes chemotherapy-related hair loss, what you may expect during treatment, and what happens as your hair begins to grow back.

Knowing what to expect can make the experience a little less frightening. ❤️

Save this video for later or share it with someone preparing for chemotherapy.

— Dr. Elham Abbasi
Medical Oncologist & Hematologist
North Houston Cancer Clinics

CancerCare CancerSupport CancerEducation Oncology Oncologist HairRegrowth CancerAwareness NorthHoustonCancerClinics

08/06/2026

is chemo brain real and will it go away.

08/04/2026

07/24/2026

Can you get pregnant after cancer treatment? 🌸

Many women can have healthy pregnancies after cancer treatment, but every situation is different.

If having children is important to you, talk with your oncology team before starting chemotherapy or radiation whenever possible. Early planning may provide fertility preservation options.

Watch this short video to learn more about fertility after cancer treatment.

💬 Have questions? Leave them in the comments.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Elham Abbasi
North Houston Cancer Clinics

BreastCancer CancerSurvivor WomensHealth

07/21/2026

Can you get pregnant after cancer treatment? 🌸

Many women can, but it depends on your age, the type of cancer, and the treatment you receive.

If having children is important to you, talk to your oncologist before starting treatment. There may be options to help preserve your fertility.

Every patient’s situation is unique. Watch this video to learn more.

💬 Have questions? Leave them in the comments!

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Elham Abbasi
North Houston Cancer Clinics

BreastCancer CancerEducation WomensHealth

07/18/2026

Every bell tells a story of strength, courage, and hope.
Today, we celebrate another patient reaching a major milestone in their cancer journey. Congratulations on completing treatment—we’re honored to have been part of your path to healing.

you continued health and brighter days ahead.

TheBell CancerCare DrElhamAbbasi NorthHoustonCancerClinics

07/17/2026

Your liver works hard every day to keep your body healthy—but excessive alcohol can cause lasting damage. Understanding the risks is the first step toward protecting your liver and your overall health.

📞 Schedule an appointment with us today: 936-439-5213