Project Oncology®

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Sairah Ahmed, MD CAR T-cell therapies have helped transform the treatment of aggressive lymphomas, but could they also change the game for slower-growing, harder-to-treat diseases like marginal zone lymphoma? Based on new data from the TRANSCEND FL study, liso-cel achieved a 95 percent overall response rate and sustained 24-month progression-free survival in relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma. Here with Dr. Charles Turck to share the key efficacy and safety findings is Dr. Sairah Ahmed, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma and CAR T Program Director at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Samuel Yamshon, MD The treatment landscape for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is rapidly evolving due to the growing integration of bispecific antibodies into second-line care. While these agents offer promising, targeted options—not only for patients ineligible for CAR T-cell therapy, but also as complementary strategies in combination with chemoimmunotherapy—they raise important questions around sequencing, durability, and patient selection. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to explore the real-world implications of this evolving approach is Dr. Samuel Yamshon, Director of the Cellular Therapy Service and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.

Guest: Paola Marignani, PhD, EMBA Single-cell RNA sequencing is transforming our understanding of tumor heterogeneity in primary lung cancers by offering insights far beyond traditional bulk sequencing. In this program, Dr. Paola Marignani explores how advanced machine learning enables faster, more precise profiling of genetic diversity, predictive modeling for recurrence and drug resistance, and personalized treatment strategies. Dr. Marignani is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Novia Scotia, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer.

Guest: John Cho, MD, PhD, FRCPC Surgery for mesothelioma after radiation therapy (SMART) offers new hope for patients with resectable epithelioid mesothelioma by reversing the traditional treatment sequence. Hear from Dr. John Cho as he discusses the rationale behind this decade-long clinical advancement, which he spoke about at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Dr. Cho is a radiation oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto.

Guest: John Cho, MD, PhD, FRCPC While early findings using the SMART protocol for mesothelioma have been encouraging, replication has proven challenging due to steep surgical learning curves, complexities in planning, and skepticism. Dr. John Cho explores why adoption has been limited and what's next for this approach, which he discussed at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer. Dr. Cho is a radiation oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto.

Host: Ryan Quigley The World Health Organization's new Integrated Lung Health Resolution is the first to explicitly include lung cancer within a global lung health framework. In this AudioAbstract, ReachMD's Ryan Quigley explains what this means for screening, early diagnosis, care pathways, and equitable access to treatment.

Guest: Jennifer Caudle, DO Host: Patrick McGill, MD Current cancer screening guidelines cover just five cancers—breast, lung, colon, prostate, and cervical—leaving many aggressive cancers undetected until later stages. But multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing is reshaping the landscape with blood-based analyses of cell-free DNA and methylation patterns to identify potential cancers earlier than traditional imaging. Designed for the general population over age 50, MCED testing complements rather than replaces standard screenings, helping detect cancers at stages when treatment is most effective. Joining Dr. Jennifer Caudle to share practical strategies for integrating MCED into clinical workflows, addressing misconceptions, and streamlining follow-up protocols is Dr. Patrick McGill, board-certified family physician and Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer at Community Health Network in Indianapolis.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Evandro Bezerra, MD As CAR T-cell therapy advances, so does the complexity of adverse event monitoring. Due to evolving insights into acute toxicities, infections, cytopenias, and secondary malignancies, both inpatient and outpatient care models are adapting to meet new standards. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss practical strategies and emerging tools for managing post-CAR T toxicities across the continuum of care is Dr. Evandro Bezerra, Clinical Assistant Professor at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus.

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP Guest: Marie Wood, MD Traditional cancer screening has always focused on individual organs, but now, multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are changing that paradigm. By analyzing multiple biomarkers through a single blood draw, MCED testing can detect signals from a variety of cancers—many of which currently lack effective screening tools. These multi-biomarker approaches not only outperform single-marker tests, but also demonstrate scientific rigor and clinical utility. Still, challenges remain, including false positives and integration with standard screening protocols. Joining Dr. Brian McDonough to explore the rationale for using a multi-biomarker approach to MCED testing is Dr. Marie Wood, Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Hereditary Cancer Program at the CU Cancer Center.

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP Guest: Mylynda Massart, MD, PhD Given its ability to identify universal cancer signals across multiple tumor types, multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing is emerging as a promising tool to complement traditional, single-cancer screening methods. Joining Dr. Brian McDonough to share practical strategies for introducing MCED testing into clinical workflows and enhancing patient engagement is Dr. Mylynda Massart. Not only is she an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, but she's also the Founder and Medical Director of the Primary Care Precision Medicine Clinic and Associate Director of Clinical Services for the Institute for Precision Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Forat Lutfi, MD Guest: Nilanjan Ghosh, MD, PhD For patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma, timely access to CAR T-cell therapy can be life-saving, but communication gaps between referring physicians and CAR T centers can lead to delays or missed opportunities. Fortunately, practical strategies like building strong referral networks, improving direct communication, and aligning on shared care responsibilities can streamline access and improve outcomes. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share their insights on how we can bridge these communication gaps are Drs. Forat Lutfi and Nilanjan Ghosh. Dr. Lutfi is an Assistant Professor of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics at University of Kansas Medical Center, and Dr. Ghosh is a Professor of Cancer Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Host: Ryan Quigley Guest: Hallie Blevins, PhD. Guest: Marlene Mimi Maeusli, PhD. With one in three eligible Americans still unscreened for colorectal cancer (CRC), there's an urgent need for noninvasive and affordable alternatives to colonoscopy. A 2025 study published in ACS Sensors introduces a novel aptamer-based colorimetric assay that targets Parvimonas micra—a gut microbe linked to CRC. To learn more, Mr. Ryan Quigley speaks with Drs. Hallie Blevins and Mimi Maeusli about how this technology works, what sets it apart from current testing methods, and why it could play a role in improving early CRC detection. Reference: Feng S, Zhang P, Chen H, et al. Au@Fe3O4 nanoparticle-based colorimetric aptasensor for noninvasive screening of colorectal cancer via detection of Parvimonas micra. ACS Sens. 2025;10(2):1053-1062.

Host: Matt Birnholz, MD Guest: Jim Foote, MBA Functional precision medicine is reshaping oncology by integrating real-time drug testing, genomic data, and artificial intelligence to guide individualized treatment. Dr. Matt Birnholz sits down with Jim Foote, CEO of First Ascent Biomedical, to explore how this approach delivers clinically actionable insights for relapsed and resistant cancer and empowers oncologists with faster, more targeted decision making.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Sairah Ahmed, MD The treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma has significantly shifted, with CAR T-cell therapies now offering curative potential in the second-line setting. But these advances also raise important questions, like how to identify the right candidates and navigate logistical barriers to ensure timely, equitable access. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to explore these critical considerations is Dr. Saira Ahmed, Associate Professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma and the CAR T Program Director in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Sairah Ahmed, MD The treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma has significantly shifted, with CAR T-cell therapies now offering curative potential in the second-line setting. But these advances also raise important questions, like how to identify the right candidates and navigate logistical barriers to ensure timely, equitable access. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to explore these critical considerations is Dr. Saira Ahmed, Associate Professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma and the CAR T Program Director in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Hope S. Rugo, MD, FASCO Not only is PI3Kα the most common mutation seen in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, but it's also associated with endocrine therapy resistance and more aggressive cancer growth. Given its prevalence and impact on outcomes, it's important to know how and when to test for this mutation and how emerging targeted therapies might change our approach in clinical practice. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share her insights on PI3Kα testing and targeted therapies for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer is Dr. Hope Rugo, Director of the Women's Cancers Program, Division Chief of Breast Medical Oncology and Professor of the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Neil M. Iyengar, MD Due to their wild-type inhibition, first-generation PIK3CA inhibitors for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer were limited by significant toxicities, including hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea. But now, mutation-specific PIK3CA inhibitors could help improve tolerability and adherence as well as simplify dosing strategies—all while maintaining efficacy. To learn more about the efficacy and safety of current and emerging PIK3CA-targeted therapies, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Neil Iyengar, Co-Director of the Breast Oncology Program and Director of Cancer Survivorship Service at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Neil M. Iyengar, MD Guest: Komal Jhaveri, MD, FACP The second-line treatment of HR+/HER2-advanced breast cancer has evolved in recent years, particularly with the rise of biomarker-driven strategies targeting PI3Kα and other mutations. But given these advances, there's a lot we need to think about when selecting therapy, like the differences between selective and non-selective inhibitors, toxicity profiles, and shared decision-making. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share their insights on those key considerations and how we can personalize care for patients with PI3Kα-mutated HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer are Drs. Komal Jhaveri and Neil Iyengar. Dr. Jhaveri is the section head for the Endocrine Therapy Research Program in the Breast Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Dr. Iyengar is the Co-Director of the Breast Oncology Program at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

Guest: Brian Slomovitz, MD Our treatment approach for patients with endometrial cancer is evolving, with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and biomarker-driven therapies showing promise. Dr. Brian Slomovitz highlights future directions that could redefine treatment pathways for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. Dr. Slomovitz is the Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Co-Chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center as well as a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Florida International University in Miami.

Guest: Brian Slomovitz, MD Our treatment approach for patients with endometrial cancer is evolving, with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and biomarker-driven therapies showing promise. Dr. Brian Slomovitz highlights future directions that could redefine treatment pathways for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. Dr. Slomovitz is the Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Co-Chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center as well as a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Florida International University in Miami.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Neil M. Iyengar, MD Guest: Komal Jhaveri, MD, FACP The second-line treatment of HR+/HER2-advanced breast cancer has evolved in recent years, particularly with the rise of biomarker-driven strategies targeting PI3Kα and other mutations. But given these advances, there's a lot we need to think about when selecting therapy, like the differences between selective and non-selective inhibitors, toxicity profiles, and shared decision-making. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share their insights on those key considerations and how we can personalize care for patients with PI3Kα-mutated HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer are Drs. Komal Jhaveri and Neil Iyengar. Dr. Jhaveri is the section head for the Endocrine Therapy Research Program in the Breast Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Dr. Iyengar is the Co-Director of the Breast Oncology Program at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Neil M. Iyengar, MD Due to their wild-type inhibition, first-generation PIK3CA inhibitors for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer were limited by significant toxicities, including hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea. But now, mutation-specific PIK3CA inhibitors could help improve tolerability and adherence as well as simplify dosing strategies—all while maintaining efficacy. To learn more about the efficacy and safety of current and emerging PIK3CA-targeted therapies, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Neil Iyengar, Co-Director of the Breast Oncology Program and Director of Cancer Survivorship Service at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Hope S. Rugo, MD, FASCO Not only is PI3Kα the most common mutation seen in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, but it's also associated with endocrine therapy resistance and more aggressive cancer growth. Given its prevalence and impact on outcomes, it's important to know how and when to test for this mutation and how emerging targeted therapies might change our approach in clinical practice. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share her insights on PI3Kα testing and targeted therapies for HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer is Dr. Hope Rugo, Director of the Women's Cancers Program, Division Chief of Breast Medical Oncology and Professor of the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP Despite FDA approvals and growing clinical integration, CAR T-cell therapies remain clouded by misconceptions, some of which could impact clinical decision-making and delay appropriate referrals. To help set the record straight on CAR T-cell therapy, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Matthew Lunning about the realities of patient selection, safety, and access. Dr. Lunning is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP Despite FDA approvals and growing clinical integration, CAR T-cell therapies remain clouded by misconceptions, some of which could impact clinical decision-making and delay appropriate referrals. To help set the record straight on CAR T-cell therapy, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Matthew Lunning about the realities of patient selection, safety, and access. Dr. Lunning is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Guest: Abiodun Ologunowa Pediatric sickle cell disease treatment, particularly the use of hydroxyurea, NSAIDs, and opioids, has evolved in response to clinical guidelines and regulatory shifts, but gaps still remain in how children receive essential medications. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss these national prescribing trends, disparities in care, and the implications of evolving treatment guidelines for this population is Dr. Abiodun Ologunowa. Dr. Ologunowa is a doctoral candidate and research assistant in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Guest: Abiodun Ologunowa Pediatric sickle cell disease treatment, particularly the use of hydroxyurea, NSAIDs, and opioids, has evolved in response to clinical guidelines and regulatory shifts, but gaps still remain in how children receive essential medications. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss these national prescribing trends, disparities in care, and the implications of evolving treatment guidelines for this population is Dr. Abiodun Ologunowa. Dr. Ologunowa is a doctoral candidate and research assistant in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Guest: Abiodun Ologunowa Pediatric sickle cell disease treatment, particularly the use of hydroxyurea, NSAIDs, and opioids, has evolved in response to clinical guidelines and regulatory shifts, but gaps still remain in how children receive essential medications. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss these national prescribing trends, disparities in care, and the implications of evolving treatment guidelines for this population is Dr. Abiodun Ologunowa. Dr. Ologunowa is a doctoral candidate and research assistant in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Manali Kamdar, MD Although CAR T-cell therapies have transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies, a major logistical and socioeconomic barrier remains: patients are typically required to stay near a certified treatment center for at least 4 weeks after infusion to manage potential adverse events. So to help improve patient access, a recent study explored exactly when toxicities occur and whether post-infusion monitoring could be shortened without compromising safety. And based on the findings, it's time to rethink the 4-week monitoring window. To learn more about the study's results and what they mean for patient monitoring, safety, and broader outcomes, tune in to hear Dr. Charles Turck speak with Dr. Manali Kamdar, who authored a poster on this topic that was presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Manali Kamdar, MD Although CAR T-cell therapies have transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies, a major logistical and socioeconomic barrier remains: patients are typically required to stay near a certified treatment center for at least 4 weeks after infusion to manage potential adverse events. So to help improve patient access, a recent study explored exactly when toxicities occur and whether post-infusion monitoring could be shortened without compromising safety. And based on the findings, it's time to rethink the 4-week monitoring window. To learn more about the study's results and what they mean for patient monitoring, safety, and broader outcomes, tune in to hear Dr. Charles Turck speak with Dr. Manali Kamdar, who authored a poster on this topic that was presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Guest: Yogindra Persuad Despite the promise of curative therapies for sickle cell disease, access and cost barriers highlight the ongoing need for disease-modifying treatments like hydroxyurea. Tune in to hear Dr. Yogindra Persuad, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, discuss a multimodal approach to care, emphasizing research on oral agents and broader symptom management beyond pain.

Guest: Yogindra Persuad Despite the promise of curative therapies for sickle cell disease, access and cost barriers highlight the ongoing need for disease-modifying treatments like hydroxyurea. Tune in to hear Dr. Yogindra Persuad, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, discuss a multimodal approach to care, emphasizing research on oral agents and broader symptom management beyond pain.

Guest: Parul Rai Cardiopulmonary complications are a leading cause of early mortality in adults with sickle cell disease, with evidence showing that cardiac injury may begin as early as childhood. However, despite the severity of these issues, there are currently no uniform guidelines for asymptomatic cardiac screening in this population. Join Dr. Parul Rai, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to learn about current research, early detection strategies, and the need for more sensitive diagnostic markers to prevent severe cardiac outcomes in patients with sickle cell disease.

Guest: Parul Rai Cardiopulmonary complications are a leading cause of early mortality in adults with sickle cell disease, with evidence showing that cardiac injury may begin as early as childhood. However, despite the severity of these issues, there are currently no uniform guidelines for asymptomatic cardiac screening in this population. Join Dr. Parul Rai, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to learn about current research, early detection strategies, and the need for more sensitive diagnostic markers to prevent severe cardiac outcomes in patients with sickle cell disease.

Guest: Yogindra Persuad For decades, hydroxyurea has been the cornerstone therapy for sickle cell disease, but new disease-modifying therapies, curative strategies, and gene therapies are expanding options for patients. While these advancing approaches come with some risks, they can help offer symptom relief, reduce complications, and give patients more choices when it comes to managing their sickle cell disease. Hear Dr. Yogindra Persuad, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, walk through the history of sickle cell disease treatment and discuss the benefits and risks of these developing therapies.

Guest: Nidhi Bhatt Effective transition from pediatric to adult care should begin as early as age twelve for patients with sickle cell disease, incorporating factors like education, self-advocacy skills, and support from transition care coordinators. Tune in to hear Dr. Nidhi Bhatt, who works in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, discuss how involving patients and families early on helps identify barriers and improve long-term outcomes.

Guest: Parul Rai Hydroxyurea and chronic transfusions remain cornerstone therapies in managing sickle cell disease, with proven benefits in reducing stroke risk and improving anemia. However, considerations remain, including their impact on cardiac health. Learn about these long-standing therapies and best practices for using them to manage sickle cell disease with Dr. Parul Rai. Dr. Rai is a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Guest: Nidhi Bhatt Effective transition from pediatric to adult care should begin as early as age twelve for patients with sickle cell disease, incorporating factors like education, self-advocacy skills, and support from transition care coordinators. Tune in to hear Dr. Nidhi Bhatt, who works in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, discuss how involving patients and families early on helps identify barriers and improve long-term outcomes.

Guest: Yogindra Persuad For decades, hydroxyurea has been the cornerstone therapy for sickle cell disease, but new disease-modifying therapies, curative strategies, and gene therapies are expanding options for patients. While these advancing approaches come with some risks, they can help offer symptom relief, reduce complications, and give patients more choices when it comes to managing their sickle cell disease. Hear Dr. Yogindra Persuad, a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, walk through the history of sickle cell disease treatment and discuss the benefits and risks of these developing therapies.

Guest: Parul Rai Hydroxyurea and chronic transfusions remain cornerstone therapies in managing sickle cell disease, with proven benefits in reducing stroke risk and improving anemia. However, considerations remain, including their impact on cardiac health. Learn about these long-standing therapies and best practices for using them to manage sickle cell disease with Dr. Parul Rai. Dr. Rai is a physician in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP Despite FDA approvals and growing clinical integration, CAR T-cell therapies remain clouded by misconceptions, some of which could impact clinical decision-making and delay appropriate referrals. To help set the record straight on CAR T-cell therapy, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Matthew Lunning about the realities of patient selection, safety, and access. Dr. Lunning is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP Despite FDA approvals and growing clinical integration, CAR T-cell therapies remain clouded by misconceptions, some of which could impact clinical decision-making and delay appropriate referrals. To help set the record straight on CAR T-cell therapy, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Matthew Lunning about the realities of patient selection, safety, and access. Dr. Lunning is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.