In this episode of Refuah & Psak, Rabbi Brody speaks with Dr. Moshe Ornstein, a genito-urinary oncologist and author of Cancer in Halakha, about cancer and its treatments. Dr. Ornstein explains what cancer is, clarifies the difference between localized and metastatic disease, and reviews treatment options from surgery and radiation to immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

Dr. Ornstein highlights the importance of distinguishing between curative and palliative goals, noting that “palliative” often means long-term management rather than giving up hope. The conversation also delves into how rabbis and families can support patients with both medical realities as well as spiritual and emotional support.