Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Podcasts

Dr Bill Nelson talks with Dr Ashani Weeraratna about her work in melanoma research, the progress that has been made in treating patients with melanoma, and the importance of federal research funding in finding advancements in treatment for this disease.

Dr Bill Nelson talks to Dr Drew Pardoll about the field of cancer immunology. They explain how cancer cells use 'checkpoints' to turn off immune response and how research efforts at Johns Hopkins to block these checkpoints and re-engage the immune system continue to benefit patients.

Dr Bill Nelson talks with Dr Christine Pratilas, the new Director of Pediatric Oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, about the care of children with sarcoma and the importance of research funding in discovering new treatments for childhood cancers.

Dr Bill Nelson talks with Dr Christian Meyer about being named the Johns Hopkins Hospital Physician of the Year and treating patients with sarcoma. Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3XFAt2R 

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Robert Coppes from The University Medical Center Groningen, Dr David Jaffray from MD Anderson Cancer Center and Dr Helen McNair from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Institute of Cancer Research to look ahead to the future of radiation oncology as they discuss how to improve decision making, incorporating artificial intelligence, adapt to new training methods, improve safety and sustainability and much more for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Bill Nelson and Dr Vasan Yegnasubramanian review the latest developments in artificial intelligence that are improving cancer treatment. They highlight how radiology and pathology are at the forefront of this technology and explore areas where using AI and data analysis can open more avenues to improving care.

Dr Bill Nelson and Dr Eugene Shenderov discuss the Johns Hopkins Prostate Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic. They provide an overview, including who participates in reviewing a patient's diagnosis, the schedule of their initial visit and how the team develops a treatment plan. Learn more about the Prostate Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic here.

In this Cancer Matters podcast, Dr Bill Nelson speaks with Dr Nina Wagner-Johnston about the treatment of lymphoma and the newly opened Cellular Therapy Program at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington DC.  Lymphoma is a blood cancer of the immune system. There are many types of lymphomas with a broad range of aggressiveness and clinical behaviors but they are also among the most treatable. Learn more about the different types of lymphomas here. The Cellular Therapy Program at Sibley Memorial Hospital makes bone marrow transplants more readily available in the Washington DC region allowing patients to remain closer to home while receiving treatment.

In this edition of the On Target podcast, Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Kristin Redmond about treating brain and spinal tumors and her research on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Dr Redmond discusses some ongoing clinical trials using SBRT, a highly precise form of radiation therapy used to treat tumors in while minimizing damage to surrounding areas, that are exploring optimal doses and treatment techniques to improve patient outcomes. They also highlight the benefits of collaboration in multidisciplinary care at Johns Hopkins, where experts from radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgery, radiology and other fields work together to provide the best possible care for patients with complex cases, including rare tumors. Dr Redmond also touches on the innovative use of circulating tumor DNA to detect tumor recurrence early and her research on the neuropsychological effects of radiation on the brain.

Dr Akila Viswanathan begins a special series focusing on women in radiation oncology at Johns Hopkins in this edition of the On Target podcast. Today she speaks with Dr Ana Kiess about treating patients with prostate cancer and head and neck cancers, her research on the integration of radiopharmaceutical therapies, and the unique challenges women face in academic medicine while balancing leadership roles, research, and clinical responsibilities. Radiopharmaceuticals are a specialized group of drugs containing radioisotopes that emit radiation. They are used primarily in nuclear medicine and oncology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These treatments deliver targeted radiation doses directly to tumors, damaging the cancer cells' DNA and preventing their growth and spread. Dr Kiess highlights the ongoing clinical trials and advancements in radiopharmaceutical therapies, which are opening new possibilities for cancer treatment, especially in cases of prostate cancer. The discussion also emphasizes the collaborative environment at Johns Hopkins, where specialists from multiple disciplines work together to advance the field. Dr Kiess explains how this collaborative approach enhances research and patient care, allowing for the development of innovative treatment protocols that can more effectively target cancers.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In this episode of the Cancer Matters podcast, Dr Bill Nelson, Director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, speaks with Dr John Fetting and Dr Antonio Wolff about the breast cancer program at Johns Hopkins and the Fetting Fund for Breast Cancer Prevention. The Fetting Fund was inspired by the breast cancer journey of one of Dr Fetting's patients, Leslie Ries, and supports research to better understand breast cancer risk factors and develop effective prevention strategies. The goal is to empower women to make informed decisions about their health and reduce their chances of ever facing a breast cancer diagnosis. This conversation explores some of the causes of breast cancer, like genetic mutations, the challenges physicians face in identifying those at an elevated risk, personalized prevention approaches that balance the benefits of medication with potential side effects, and the role of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, in lowering the risk of breast cancer. Visit the Fetting Fund for Breast Cancer Prevention to learn more about the research projects currently underway and what steps you can take to lower your risk.

In this Cancer Matters podcast, Dr Bill Nelson, Director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, talks with Beth Blakey and Samantha Schrager from the Cancer Hope Network about their mission providing mentorship to cancer patients, the families of patients and caregivers, and a new partnership with Johns Hopkins. Cancer Hope Network is a peer mentorship program that provides one-on-one support for adults impacted by cancer. They connect cancer patients and caregivers with mentors who have been through similar experiences. These mentors offer guidance and understanding to those currently navigating cancer treatment, ensuring that no one goes through the journey alone. Cancer Hope Network has grown from a local initiative to a national network of around 500 trained mentors. These mentors are volunteers who have completed treatment or have served as caregivers. They represent a wide range of cancer types and life experiences, allowing for personalized matches between mentors and those seeking support. Earlier this Summer, the Cancer Hope Network and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center launched a new partnership, called the M.A.P.S. program (Mentorship and Peer Support for Patients and Caregivers). This initiative is designed to recruit mentors from within the Johns Hopkins community to provide support to newly diagnosed patients and their families. To get matched with a mentor, become a mentor or learn more about the M.A.P.S program ➡️ cancerhopenetwork.org/skcccjh/

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In this Cancer Matters podcast, Dr Bill Nelson, the Director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, speaks to Dr Rick Jones and Dr Robert Brodsky about treating sickle cell anemia, an inherited disorder where mutations in the globin gene cause the red blood cells to take on a sickle shape, leading to severe pain and organ damage. They discuss and compare the types of bone marrow transplants currently used to treat the disease and highlight the significant improvements in reducing complications, such as graft-versus-host disease and graft rejection.

In this On Target podcast, Dr Akila Viswanathan, Director of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, speaks with Dr. Deborah Citrin from the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research and Dr. Zachary Morris from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health for an issue of Seminars in Radiation Oncology focusing on personalized dose. The discussion explores advancements in radiation therapy, including how modern technology and biology are being used to tailor radiotherapy doses to individual patients. Dr Citrin highlights the potential of integrating genomics, imaging, and biomarkers to achieve personalized treatment, while Dr Morris examines disease-specific biomarkers and their application in clinical practice. This episode covers key topics such as using gene expression signatures to predict radiation response, leveraging imaging for adaptive therapy, and how molecular markers are helping to refine treatment decisions. They also explore the promise of circulating tumor DNA as a tool for guiding radiation dosage and the complexities of combining radiation with immunotherapy.

Dr Akila Viswanathan talks with Dr Robert Griffin from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Dr Chandan Guha from Montefiore Einstein about a recent edition of Seminars in Radiation Oncology on innovations in physics, biology and clinical translation of spatially fractionated and FLASH radiotherapy.

Dr Bill Nelson talks with Dr Matthias Holdhoff about the treatment of brain cancer and a significant FDA approval of a new drug treatment for a type of brain cancer, called low-grade glioma. The drug, called vorasidenib, is a targeted cancer therapy that works by inhibiting the activity of a mutated gene called IDH, slowing the growth of the cancer. Read more here 

Dr Bill Nelson speaks with Robin Hopkins, the author of What Happens Now?, and Dr Tom Smith about how we can help children comprehend a cancer diagnosis in a loved one and encourage an open dialogue about their feelings and emotions. Download What Happens Now? for free

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Charles Thomas from the Dartmouth Cancer Center and Dr Ethan Ludmir from the MD Anderson Cancer Center about the design, execution and implementation of clinical trials for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Akila Viswanathan talks with Dr Daniel Low, Vice Chair of Medical Physics Research and Innovation at UCLA Health, about MR Guided Radiation Therapy for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Akila Viswanathan talks to Dr David Kirsch from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network about treating soft tissue sarcomas for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Bill Nelson talks to Dr Ken Kinzler, cancer researcher and Co-Director of Ludwig Cancer Research at Johns Hopkins, about his work in cancer genetics, the creation of screening tests for early detection and the future of personalized medicine.

Dr Bill Nelson talks to Terri Conneran, the founder of KRAS Kickers, about the discovery of biomarkers, targeted treatments and her advocacy for patients across all cancer types.

Dr Bill Nelson talks with Dr Clayton Yates about the evolution of his research into the genetics of ancestry.

Dr Bill Nelson talks to Dr Rick Jones and Michael McCormick about their new book Rogue Cells: A Conversation on the Myths and Mysteries of Cancer. The book offers a blend of science and humor to help make the complexities of a cancer diagnosis more accessible to patients and their care partners. Learn more about the book here.

Dr Bill Nelson speaks with Christy Wyskiel, the Executive Director of Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, about the journey scientific discoveries take on their way to becoming life-saving treatments and the role JHTV plays in commercializing medical innovations.

Dr Ashwani Rajput speaks with Dr Gordon Gao from the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business about Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence and using technology to improve outcomes for patients.

Dr Ashwani Rajput speaks with Laurie Singer, a member of the Kimmel Cancer Center's Advisory Board and advocate for patients and their caregivers, about the role of caregiving and the necessities they provide throughout the cancer journey.  

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Carmen Kut about the expanded neuro-oncology and central nervous system cancer treatment options available to patients from Johns Hopkins in the Greater Washington DC Area.

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Jesse Aronowitz, Emeritus Historian of the American Brachytherapy Society, about the history of the use of brachytherapy to treat cancer and the contributions of two early pioneers in the field from Johns Hopkins, Howard Kelly and Hugh Hampton Young.

In this podcast looking back at the last 50 years of the Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Dr Bill Nelson and Dr Julie Brahmer examine the breakthroughs made by some of our leaders in lung cancer care and research and review the evolution of treatment over decades that is leading to longer and more durable survival in patients.  

Dr Bill Nelson and Dr Alison Klein discuss her work investigating the gene mutations that create a family history of pancreatic cancer.

Dr Bill Nelson speaks with Eben Block, a colorectal cancer survivor and co-organizer of Cycling to End Cancer, a fundraiser to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Center of Excellence at Johns Hopkins. To learn more, donate or start riding, click here.

Dr Bill Nelson speaks with Dr David Sidransky about his contribution to launching the field of DNA detection research.

Dr Bill Nelson talks to Dr Ken Pienta about his efforts to define cancer. Read the article Dr Pienta co-authored here.

Dr Ashwani Rajput talks with Dr Solmaz Sahebjam about the treatment of tumors in the brain and along the spine.

Dr Bill Nelson and Dr Ashi Weeraratna look back at her experiences as a cancer researcher and forward to where research at Johns Hopkins is heading.

Dr Ashwani Rajput speaks with radiologist Dr Pouneh Razavi about the importance of mammography in the early detection of breast cancer, the process of breast imaging, and the multidisciplinary approach to a breast cancer diagnosis at Johns Hopkins in the Greater Washington DC Area.

Dr Bill Nelson talks with Dr Chi Dang about his research into oncogenes and they reflect on the spirit of discovery through research that has been fostered at Johns Hopkins. 

Dr Ashwani Rajput speaks with Maureen Umeh, a reporter and anchor for FOX 5 in Washington DC, about her career in news, serving as a voice for immigrant communities, and tackling health disparities in the nation's capital. 

Dr Bill Nelson and Dr Cole Sterling discuss the latest treatment options available for patients with lymphoma.

Dr Akila Viswanathan talks with Dr Robert Ivkov about his research using nanoparticles to target tumors and boost immune response.

Dr Akila Viswanathan and Dr Tracy Balboni from Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center discuss the latest developments in palliative care for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Bill Nelson talks with Dr Stephen Baylin about his work in cancer epigenetics and his long tenure spanning the history of our Cancer Center.

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Fred Bunz about his work creating viruses that can be used to boost the immune response to cancer.

Dr Akila Viswanathan and Medical Physicist Dr Weihua Mao discuss how physicists assist radiation oncologists in designing treatment plans for patients.

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Timur Mitin from Oregon Health and Science University about bladder cancer for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Ashwani Rajput and Dr Mark Markowski, the Director of Genitourinary Oncology in the Washington DC Region, discuss the multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer and the treatment of genitourinary cancers in men.

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Noam VanderWalde from the West Cancer Center and Research Institute and Dr Ben Movsas from the Henry Ford Cancer Institute about the personalization of cancer care for older adults for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Ke Sheng from the University of California San Francisco and Dr CL Brouwer from the University of Groningen about the emergence of artificial intelligence for Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

Dr Bill Nelson and Dr John Groopman review some of the first leaders who played a key role in the emergence of public health and cancer prevention.

Five-time Paralympian and 29-time medalist, Jessica Long joins Dr Bill Nelson to discuss her long career as a swimmer and Swim Across America Baltimore's upcoming Open Water Swim and Pool Swim later this summer that raise money for cancer research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. To sign up, volunteer or donate, visit swimacrossamerica.org.