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Hunterdon Hematology Oncology Proudly Sponsors the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 Gala and 2023-2024 Season

At Hunterdon Hematology Oncology (HHO), we understand that healing goes beyond medicine. While our team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, cutting-edge cancer care, we also recognize the profound role that music plays in nurturing the human spirit. That’s why we are honored to once again sponsor the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for its 2023 Gala and the 2023-2024 Season of inspiring musical performances.

Music: Healing the Soul, Where Medicine Cannot Reach

Just as our physicians, nurses, and caregivers work to heal the body, music has the extraordinary ability to touch the heart and soul—offering comfort, joy, and resilience during life’s most challenging moments. The Princeton Symphony Orchestra embodies this belief, using the power of live music to uplift and transform the human experience.

As a cultural centerpiece of the Princeton community, the PSO brings world-class performances to audiences of all ages, blending beloved masterworks with bold, contemporary compositions. Led by Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov, the PSO continues to innovate, inspire, and enrich the lives of countless music lovers.

A Shared Commitment to Community

HHO and the PSO share a deep commitment to serving the community. Whether through cutting-edge cancer treatments or stirring musical performances, we believe in fostering hope, resilience, and well-being. The PSO’s mission—to leverage the power of live music to uplift the human experience—beautifully aligns with our vision of whole-person healing.

Through this sponsorship, we are proud to support the PSO’s dedication to:

Excellence in artistic expression
Education and outreach programs for students
Equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts
Creative collaborations that bring music to new audiences

Join Us in Celebrating Music & Healing

We invite our patients, families, and the entire community to experience the joy and inspiration of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season. From orchestral masterpieces at historic Richardson Auditorium to the thrilling Princeton Festival in June, each performance is a testament to the enduring power of music.

Explore the season lineup and secure your tickets at Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

At HHO, we believe in healing through both medicine and music—because sometimes, the most profound healing happens in places that science cannot touch. We are honored to support the Princeton Symphony Orchestra and look forward to another season of extraordinary music that moves, inspires, and heals.

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology (HHO) is proud to announce the recognition of our talented oncology specialists—Dr. Kenneth Blankstein, Dr. Myron Bednar, Dr. Megha Shah, Dr. Waqas Rehman, and Dr. Swee Ngeow—as NJ Top Docs for 2023.

This prestigious recognition underscores our practice’s dedication to delivering exceptional oncology care and groundbreaking treatments directly to our community. Conveniently situated within the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center in Flemington, our physicians offer innovative therapies, clinical trials, and integrated patient services.

At HHO, we ensure each patient receives personalized and compassionate care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, supported by a dedicated team including specialized social workers.

Meet our award-winning team of oncology specialists:

10 Must-Know Facts About Cervical Cancer

This past year, an estimated 14,100 women in the United States were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, yet it is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in women between the ages of 35 and 44 worldwide.

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, and the most common cause is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented, by having regular screening tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.

As January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, here are the top 10 key facts and statistics you need to know about cervical cancer:

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths in 2020.
HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and most people are infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity. More than 90% of them clear the infection eventually.
Cervical cancer is more common in women who smoke, have multiple sexual partners, or have a weakened immune system.
Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV.
Cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccinations, practicing safe sex, quitting smoking, and getting regular cancer screenings, such as Pap tests or HPV tests.
Currently available vaccines are intended to produce immunity to HPV types that cause about 90% of cervical cancers. Two main HPV types are responsible for nearly 50% of high grade cervical pre-cancers.
Symptoms of cervical cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, and abnormal discharge.
Treatment options for cervical cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
The 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 92% for cases detected at the earliest stage (stage 0 or stage 1). This drops to 57% for stage 2, 17% for stage 3, and 9% for stage 4.
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women in many developing countries, but is much less common in developed countries due to widespread access to screening and vaccination. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women of lower socio-economic status and those who lack access to healthcare.

At Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, we are a community oncology practice holding continuous education and information sharing as a top priority. WHO practices integrative oncology, using complementary techniques to improve quality of life and help our patients manage the journey through cancer treatment.

To find out more about cervical cancer, book a screening test, or arrange a consultation, call the HHO team in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-237-1201 or schedule an appointment online.

Great physicians don’t just provide medical care; they transform lives. Hunterdon Hematology Oncology proudly recognizes Dr. Kenneth Blankstein and Dr. Myron Bednar for once again being named Jersey Choice Top Doctors for 2022 by New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

This esteemed recognition is awarded through a comprehensive peer-review process involving thousands of medical professionals throughout New Jersey. To receive this honor multiple times demonstrates a consistent standard of excellence, deep compassion, and trusted leadership within the medical community.

Drs. Blankstein and Bednar represent the very best in oncology care, ensuring patients receive innovative treatments with personal compassion, always close to home. Their recognition as top physicians inspires all of us at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology to continue pursuing excellence and pushing forward the boundaries of cancer care.

We proudly celebrate their remarkable achievement and the ongoing impact they make in our community.

At Hunterdon Hematology Oncology (HHO), our team consistently strives to set new standards in cancer care. We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding recognition of our physicians—Drs. Kenneth Blankstein, Myron Bednar, Megha Shah, Waqas Rehman, and Swee Ngeow—as NJ Top Docs for 2023.

Located in Flemington, NJ, within the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, our specialists offer cutting-edge treatments, personalized care, and comprehensive patient support. Their recognition as NJ Top Docs highlights our physicians’ exceptional commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care.

Learn more about these remarkable doctors and their approaches to advanced oncology care:

Check out the NJ Top Docs feature for Hunterdon Hematology Oncology in the current issue of Healthy Living Magazine

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology is honored to announce that our dedicated physicians, Dr. Kenneth Blankstein and Dr. Myron Bednar, have been recognized as Jersey Choice Top Doctors for 2022 by New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

What makes this award so meaningful?

It means that among thousands of New Jersey doctors, Drs. Blankstein and Bednar have earned the respect and trust of their colleagues, who selected them as physicians they would choose to care for their own loved ones. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores their exceptional skill, compassionate care, and dedication to patient well-being.

Choosing Hunterdon Hematology Oncology means choosing doctors who continually strive for excellence and innovation, bringing world-class cancer care right to your community.

Congratulations again to Dr. Blankstein and Dr. Bednar—we celebrate your continued commitment to exceptional patient care!

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology is delighted to announce that Dr. Kenneth Blankstein and Dr. Myron Bednar have once again been recognized as Jersey Choice Top Doctors for 2022 by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. This annual award reflects their ongoing dedication to delivering the highest quality of cancer care and treatment to our community.

The Jersey Choice Top Doctors awards are based on peer recommendations gathered through an extensive survey involving over 20,000 New Jersey physicians. Each nominated doctor is carefully vetted by a panel of esteemed previous award winners, ensuring that the selected doctors truly represent excellence and trustworthiness in healthcare.

“We are proud to have Dr. Blankstein and Dr. Bednar as part of our outstanding team,” said the team at Hunterdon Hematology Oncology. “Their continuous recognition speaks volumes about their unwavering commitment and exceptional patient care.”

Congratulations to our esteemed physicians on their remarkable achievement!

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology (HHO) proudly announces that our esteemed physicians—Dr. Kenneth Blankstein, Dr. Myron Bednar, Dr. Megha Shah, Dr. Waqas Rehman, and Dr. Swee Ngeow—have been named NJ Top Docs for 2023. This prestigious recognition celebrates their dedication to delivering exceptional cancer care, innovative therapies, and compassionate patient support within the community.

NJ Top Docs conducts a rigorous selection process, recognizing healthcare professionals who demonstrate clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and leadership in medical innovation. HHO’s physicians continue to exemplify these standards through their outstanding work and commitment.

Explore each physician’s accomplishments on their NJ Top Docs profiles:

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects your blood. This disease presents itself in various ways, from bone pain to mental fog. Knowing the symptoms is one of the best ways to catch the disease early on, making it easier to diagnose and treat.

At Hunterdon Oncology and Hematology, LLC, our team of renowned experts helps you when you’re suffering from a blood disorder or cancer. Leading our team are five hematology and oncology specialists. Our team offers cutting-edge treatments when you find yourself with multiple myeloma.

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in your blood. These cells are a type of white blood cell, and they’re an important part of your immune system.

Your plasma cells help your body fight off foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses that could harm you. They do this by producing antibodies, which are able to detect and eliminate most pathogens that get into your body.

Multiple myeloma happens when your plasma cells mutate into cancerous cells. These cells then migrate into your bone marrow, where they clump together and push out your healthy plasma cells.

These cancerous plasma cells then make abnormal proteins instead of antibodies, which leads to complications and uncomfortable symptoms. Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer, but it’s just as dangerous as any other form of the disease.

8 common symptoms of multiple myeloma

In the early stages of multiple myeloma, you may not have any symptoms at all. However, as the diseased plasma cells begin to accumulate in your bone marrow, you may suffer from numerous symptoms.

The symptoms you experience depend on how advanced the disease is. Eight of the most common symptoms of multiple myeloma include:

Bone pain
Weight loss
Excessive thirst
Extreme fatigue
Brain fog
Nausea
Constipation
Frequent infections

You may also notice that you’re bleeding more easily than normal, or bruising frequently. The decrease in healthy plasma cells prevents production of adequate platelets in your blood. Platelets are a vital component of blood clotting, which is why their absence makes you bleed more easily.

You may experience all of these symptoms or only a few. It depends on how much bone marrow is affected by the cancerous plasma cells and in which parts of your body.

When to seek treatment

It’s hard to believe, but you may not actually need treatment right away with multiple myeloma. For instance, if the disease is moving slowly and you don’t have many symptoms, our team simply recommends monitoring you to evaluate your condition.

If you’re exhibiting signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma, you should seek treatment from our team as soon as possible. At our facility, our team of oncology specialists evaluates your symptoms and uses diagnostic tools like lab testing or a bone marrow biopsy.

The team offers several treatments based on the severity of your disease. They may include chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. They also provide corticosteroids and stem cell therapy or bone marrow transplants to ease your symptoms and control multiple myeloma.

If you’re exhibiting signs of multiple myeloma, don’t hesitate to call our office in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-788-6461, or schedule an appointment online with one of our expert doctors today.

When you have cancer, immunotherapy is one of the cutting-edge treatment options you have. There are many different forms of immunotherapy, and each one works to find invasive cancer cells and destroy them. Each form of immunotherapy can help different types of cancer.

At Hunterdon Oncology and Hematology, our expert team of five oncologists and hematologists offers state-of-the-art treatments for just about every form of cancer. The team is proud to provide immunotherapy as an option for many of our cancer patients who are looking for hope during their fight with cancer.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a modern technology that uses your immune system to fight off certain types of cancer and cancer cells. It can either boost the overall health of your immune system or help it work more efficiently.

Immunotherapy has been used to treat various types of cancer. The team at Hunterdon Oncology and Hematology use this form of therapy to treat cancers such as:

Lymphoma
Liver cancer
Stomach cancer
Cervical cancer
Bladder cancer

It’s also used for head and neck cancers, along with colon cancer and prostate cancer. While immunotherapy is a very versatile treatment, it’s not for everyone. Our team helps you determine if this is a viable treatment option for your specific condition.

What are the different types of immunotherapy?

There are many forms of immunotherapy, each of which works differently to enhance your immune system’s ability to seek out and destroy cancer cells. The forms of immunotherapy our team offers include:

T-cell transfer therapy

This form of immunotherapy helps your T-cells find and kill cancer cells more easily. Our doctors extract powerful immune cells that are attached to your tumor or cancer cells. They then take them to the lab, and find the strongest T-cells. The team multiplies these cells in the lab, and injects them back into the tumor to destroy it.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies are made by your immune system to find and destroy antigens, or invaders in your body. Monoclonal antibodies are made in a lab, specifically for the antigens that are attached to cancer cells. Once they attach to the cancer antigens, your immune system can find and destroy those cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoints are in place to keep your immune system from attacking healthy cells when fighting off an invader. However, cancer cells sometimes turn these checkpoints on where they shouldn’t be, allowing the cells to spread.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are treatments that turn off some of your immune system’s checkpoints, which allows it to seek out the cancer cells and destroy them.

Treatment vaccines

Cancer vaccines are similar to the other vaccines you receive for things like the flu or tetanus, which helps prevent these illnesses. Treatment vaccines use proteins from cancer cells or dead cancer cells to trigger an immune response from your body.

Immune system modulators

This form of immunotherapy basically gives your immune system a large boost. This works, because a strong immune system works better to fight off invaders, such as cancer cells. Examples of immune system modulators or interleukins and interferons.

Each form of immunotherapy works differently on your body to fight off tumors or cancer cells. The specific type of immunotherapy you need depends on your overall health, the type of cancer you have, and what other treatments you’ve tried.

Is everyone a candidate for immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a modern treatment option for those needing new hope in their cancer treatment. However, it’s not made for every case of cancer. You may be considered for immunotherapy if you have:

Advanced cancer
Exhausted other treatment options
Non-small cell lung cancer
Biomarkers positive for PD-L1
High tumor mutational burden
High microsatellite instability

There are a lot of up-and-coming cancer treatments, many of which our team offers to you. If you’re struggling with cancer, the team at Hunterdon Oncology and Hematology provides expert immunotherapy consults to determine what the best course of treatment is for your type and stage of cancer.

If you’d like to learn more about how immunotherapy can help you, don’t hesitate to call our office in Flemington, New Jersey at 908-788-6461, or schedule an appointment online with one of our expert doctors today.

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HHO News

Where Music and Medicine Unite: HHO Supports PSO’s 2023-2024 Season to Inspire and Heal

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology Proudly Sponsors the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 Gala and 2023-2024 Season

Music: Healing the Soul, Where Medicine Cannot Reach

A Shared Commitment to Community

Join Us in Celebrating Music & Healing

Recognized Excellence Close to Home: HHO Physicians Named NJ Top Docs for 2023

10 Must-Know Facts About Cervical Cancer

10 Must-Know Facts About Cervical Cancer

Recognizing Leadership in Cancer Care: Dr. Kenneth Blankstein and Dr. Myron Bednar Honored Again as Jersey Choice Top Doctors for 2022

Honoring Excellence in Oncology: Hunterdon Hematology Oncology Physicians Named NJ Top Docs for 2023

Excellence Continues: Drs. Blankstein and Bednar Awarded Jersey Choice Top Doctors for 2022

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology Physicians Named Jersey Choice Top Doctors for 2022

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology Physicians Awarded NJ Top Docs for 2023

8 Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

What is multiple myeloma?

8 common symptoms of multiple myeloma

When to seek treatment

Understanding the Different Types of Immunotherapy

What is immunotherapy?

What are the different types of immunotherapy?

T-cell transfer therapy

Monoclonal antibodies

Immune checkpoint inhibitors

Treatment vaccines

Immune system modulators

Is everyone a candidate for immunotherapy?

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