Podcast appearances and mentions of dana farber

When it comes to breakthroughs in medical research, the future is closer than you think. Willy was joined by one of the most influential voices in oncology, Dr. Ben Ebert, President and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. They explored Dana-Farber's strategy for navigating threats to medical funding and research, competition and collaboration in the medical field, how Dana-Farber attracts world-class talent, cutting-edge new technologies (including blood biopsies), the transformative potential of AI in early detection and accelerating breakthroughs, Dr. Ebert's hope for the next five years, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Good Vibe Tribe : A Shark Infested Fundraiser For Dana Farber! full 268 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:43:12 +0000 1cc44Wm4EDRsF9mpX1qlZoR69JbzsFGf latest,wwbx,society & culture Karson & Kennedy latest,wwbx,society & culture The Good Vibe Tribe : A Shark Infested Fundraiser For Dana Farber! Karson & Kennedy are honest and open about the most intimate details of their personal lives. The show is fast paced and will have you laughing until it hurts one minute and then wiping tears away from your eyes the next. Some of K&K’s most popular features are Can’t Beat Kennedy, What Did Barrett Say, and The Dirty on the 30! 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Society & Culture False https://player.amperwavepo

In this episode, Dr. Tejas Jayakrishnan discusses the rising incidence of young onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and the potential environmental factors contributing to this trend. The conversation delves into the importance of screening protocols, the challenges faced in early detection, and the role of education in increasing awareness and understanding of cancer risks. Dr. Jayakrishnan emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in patient care, particularly for younger patients, and highlights ongoing research efforts aimed at improving outcomes in this demographic.About Our Guest:Dr. Thejus Jayakrishnan is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Originally from India, he completed his medical training in New Delhi and continued his journey through residency in Pittsburgh and oncology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.Dr. Jayakrishnan's research explores why some people develop cancers like colorectal cancers at a younger age. He studies how metabolism, gut bacteria, and genetics contribute to these patterns, with the goal of developing better tools for screening and treatment.In the clinic, he treats patients with all types of gastrointestinal cancers and works closely with Dana-Farber's Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center. His focus is on translating scientific discoveries into meaningful improvements in care through clinical trials. Outside of work, he's an avid cyclist, outdoor enthusiast, and lover of books and movies.Resources & Links:This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI research study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30578103/ - ‘Impact of including quantitative information in a decision aid for colorectal cancer screening: A randomized controlled trial'Chapter Codes:00:00 - Understanding Young Onset Colorectal Cancer10:03 - Screening Protocols and Challenges19:50 - The Role of Education in Cancer Awareness30:04 - Future Directions in Colorectal Cancer ResearchConnect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.Disclaimer:All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. 

In this episode of the On the Runs podcast, the hosts and guests discuss their experiences with marathon training, fundraising for various causes, and the personal stories that motivate them to run. The conversation highlights the challenges of training in different weather conditions, the importance of community support, and the emotional connections that drive their fundraising efforts for organizations like Dana-Farber and the Special Olympics. The guests share their personal journeys, including overcoming health challenges and the impact of family on their running goals. This conversation explores the personal journeys of several runners preparing for the Boston Marathon, highlighting their challenges, triumphs, and the importance of community support. The discussion delves into the emotional aspects of fundraising for causes close to their hearts, the camaraderie found in training, and the shared experiences that come with marathon running. As they look ahead to future races and goals, the runners express their excitement and determination to make a positive impact through their efforts.Chapters00:00 The Intro04:56 Rayna Burke - Stride for Stride23:43 Dan Foley and the Skinny Pig Fund48:08 Tam Turse - Fearless 26101:05:38 Didde Kjærsig - The Boston Bulldogs01:24:15 Ruth Anne McManus - Spaulding Rehab01:45:28 Sam Chaney - Special Olympics Massachusetts  01:57:47 Meg Downey - Team MGH02:15:33 The OutroEric's NYC Marathon Fundraiser - Team FORCE, a dynamic organization that supports the hereditary cancer community Erika's Chicago Marathon Fundraiser - for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of her brother, Nick Strava GroupLinktree - Find everything hereInstagram - Follow us on the gram YouTube - Subscribe to our channel Patreon - Support usThreadsEmail us at OnTheRunsPod@gmail.com

Listen to ASCO's Journal of Clinical Oncology Art of Oncology article, "I Hope So Too” by Dr. Richard Leiter from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The article is followed by an interview with Leiter and host Dr. Mikkael Sekeres. Leiter shares that even in the most difficult moments, clinicians can find space to hope with patients and their families. TRANSCRIPT  Narrator: I Hope So Too, by Richard E. Leiter, MD, MA  “You're always the negative one,” Carlos' mother said through our hospital's Spanish interpreter. “You want him to die.” Carlos was 21 years old. A few years earlier he had been diagnosed with AML and had undergone an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. He was cured. But now, he lay in our hospital's bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit, his body attacked by the very treatment that had given him a new life. He had disseminated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in his liver, his lungs, his gut, and, most markedly, his skin. The BMT team had consulted us to help with Carlos' pain. GVHD skin lesions covered his body. They were raw and weeping. Although the consult was ostensibly for pain, the subtext could not have been clearer. Carlos was dying, and the primary team needed help navigating the situation. As his liver and kidney function declined, the need to address goals of care with Carlos' mother felt like it was growing more urgent by the hour. Difficult cases, like a young person dying, transform an inpatient unit. Rather than the usual hum of nurses, patient care associates, pharmacy technicians, and unit managers going about their daily work, the floor becomes enveloped in tension. Daily rhythms jump a half step ahead of the beat; conversations among close colleagues fall out of tune. “Thank goodness you're here,” nurse after nurse told my attending and me, the weight of Carlos' case hanging from their shoulders and tugging at the already puffy skin below their eyes. I was a newly minted palliative care fellow, just over a month into my training. I was developing quickly, but as can happen with too many of us, my confidence sat a few steps beyond my skills. I thought I had a firm grasp of palliative care communication skills and was eager to use them. I asked for feedback from my attendings and genuinely worked to incorporate it into my practice. At the same time, I silently bristled when they took charge of a conversation in a patient's room. Over the ensuing week, my attending and I leaned in. We spent hours at Carlos' bedside. If I squinted, I could have convinced myself that Carlos' pain was better. Every day, however, felt worse. We were not making any progress with Carlos' mother, who mostly sat silently in a corner of his room. Aside from occasionally moaning, Carlos did not speak. We learned little, if anything, about him as a person, what he enjoyed, what he feared. We treated him, and we barely knew him. Each morning, I would dutifully update my attending about the overnight events. “Creatinine is up. Bili is up.” She would shake her head in sadness. “Doesn't she get that he's dying?” one of the nurses asked us. “I feel like I'm torturing him. He's jaundiced and going into renal failure. I'm worried we're going to need to send him to the ICU. But even that won't help him. Doesn't she understand?”  We convened a family meeting. It was a gorgeous August afternoon, but the old BMT unit had no windows. We sat in a cramped, dark gray family meeting room. Huddled beside Carlos' mother was everyone on the care team including the BMT attending, nurse, social worker, chaplain, and Spanish interpreter. We explained that his kidneys and liver were failing and that we worried time was short. Carlos' mother had heard it all before, from his clinicians on rounds every day, from the nursing staff tenderly caring for him at his bedside, and from us. “He's going to get better,” she told us. “I don't understand why this is happening to him. He's going to recover. He was cured of his leukemia. I have hope that his kidneys and liver are going to get better.” “I hope they get better,” I told her. I should have stopped there. Instead, in my eagerness to show my attending, and myself, I could navigate the conversation on my own, I mistakenly kept going. “But none of us think they will.” It was after this comment that she looked me right in the eyes and told me I wanted Carlos to die. I knew, even then, that she was right. In that moment, I did want Carlos to die. I could not sit with all the suffering—his, his mother's, and his care team's. I needed her to adopt our narrative—that we had done all we could to help Carlos live, and now, we would do all we could to help him die comfortably. I needed his mother to tell me she understood, to accept what was going on. I failed to recognize what now seems so clear. Of course, his mother understood what was happening. She saw it. But how could we have asked her to accept what is fundamentally unacceptable? To comprehend the incomprehensible?  At its best, serious illness communication not only empathetically shares news, be it good or bad, but also allows patients and families adequate time to adjust to it. For some, this adjustment happens quickly, and in a single conversation, they can digest difficult news and move to planning the next steps in care for themselves or their loved ones. For most, they need more time to process, and we are able to advance the discussion over the course of multiple visits. My attending led the conversations from then on. She worked with the BMT attending, and they compassionately kept Carlos out of the intensive care unit. He died a few days later, late in the evening. I never saw his mother again. I could not have prevented Carlos' death. None of us could have. None of us could have spared his mother from the grief that will stay with her for the rest of her life. Over those days, though, I could have made things just a little bit less difficult for her. I could have protected her from the overcommunication that plagues our inpatient units when patients and families make decisions different from those we would make for ourselves and our loved ones. I could have acted as her guide rather than as her cross-examiner. I could have hoped that Carlos stopped suffering and, genuinely, hoped he got better although I knew it was next to impossible. Because hope is a generous collaborator, it can coexist with rising creatinines, failing livers, and fears about intubation. Even in our most difficult moments as clinicians, we can find space to hope with our patients, if we look for it. Now—years later, when I talk to a terrified, grieving family member, I recall Carlos' mother's eyes piercing mine. When they tell me they hope their loved one gets better, I know how to respond. “I hope so too.” And I do. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Hello and welcome to JCO's Cancer Stories: The Art of Oncology, which features essays and personal reflections from authors exploring their experience in the oncology field. I'm your host, Mikkael Sekeres. I'm professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Hematology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Miami. Today I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Ricky Leiter from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In this episode, we will be discussing his Art of Oncology article, “I Hope So, Too.” Our guest's disclosures will be linked in the transcript. Ricky, welcome to our podcast and thank you so much for joining us. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Thanks so much for having me. I'm really excited to be here. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Ricky, I absolutely adored your essay. It really explored, I think, a combination of the vulnerability we have when we're trying to take care of a patient who's dying and the interesting badlands we're placed in when we're also a trainee and aren't quite sure of our own skills and how to approach difficult situations. But before we dive into the meat of this, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from and where did you do your training? Dr. Ricky Leiter: Sure, yeah. Thanks so much. So I grew up in Toronto, Canada, and then moved down to the States for college. I was actually a history major, so I never thought I was going to go into medicine. And long story short, here I am. I did a Post-Bac, did a year of research, and ended up at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine for med school, where I did a joint degree in medical humanities and bioethics. And that really shaped my path towards palliative care because I found this field where I said, “You know, wow, I can use these skills I'm learning in my Master's at the bedside with patients thinking about life and death and serious illness and what does that all mean in the broader context of society.” So, moved from Chicago to New York for residency, where I did residency and chief residency in internal medicine at New York Presbyterian Cornell, and then came up to the Harvard Interprofessional Palliative Care Program, where I did a clinical fellowship, then a research fellowship with Dana-Farber, and have been on faculty here since. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Fantastic. Any thoughts about moving back to Canada? Dr. Ricky Leiter: We talk about it every now and then. I'm really happy here. My family's really happy here. We love life in Boston, so we're certainly here for the time being. Definitely. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: And the weather's so similar. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Yeah, I'm used to the cold. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: I apparently did not move to Miami. I'm curious, this may be an unfair question, as you have a really broad background in humanities and ethics. Are there one or two books that you read where you think, “Gee, I'm still applying these principles,” or, “This really still resonates with me in my day to day care of patients who have cancer diagnosis”? Dr. Ricky Leiter: Oh, wow, that is a great question. There are probably too many to list. I think one is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, which I didn't read in my training, I read afterwards. And I think he's such a beautiful writer. The story is so poignant, and I just think Paul Kalanithi's insights into what it means to be living with a serious illness and then ultimately dying from cancer as a young man, as someone in medicine, has really left an imprint on me. Also, Arthur Kleinman. The Illness Narratives, I think, is such a big one, too. And similarly, Arthur Frank's work. I mean, just thinking about narrative and patient stories and how that impacts our clinical care, and also us as clinicians. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: And I suspect us as writers also. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Absolutely. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: We imprint on the books that were influential to us. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Certainly. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: So how about your story as a writer? How long have you been writing narrative pieces? Is this something you came to later in your career, or did you catch the bug early as an undergrad or even younger? Dr. Ricky Leiter: So I caught it early, and then it went dormant for a little while and came back. As a history major, as someone who is humanities minded, I loved writing my papers in college. Like, I was one of those nerds who got, like, really, really excited about the history term paper I was writing. You know, it was difficult, but I was doing it, particularly at the last minute. But I really loved the writing process. Going through my medical training, I didn't have as much time as I wanted, and so writing was sort of on the back burner. And then actually in my research fellowship, we had a writing seminar, our department, and one of the sessions was on writing Op-eds and perspective pieces. And we had a free write session and I wrote something sort of related to my research at the time I was thinking about, and Joanne Wolfe, who was helping to lead the session, pediatric palliative care physician, she said, “You know, this is really great. Like, where are you going to publish this?” And I said, “Joanne, what do you mean? I just wrote this in this session as an exercise.” She said, “No, you should publish this.” And I did. And then the bug came right back and I thought, “Wow, this is something that I really enjoy and I can actually make a difference with it. You know, getting a message out, allowing people to think a little bit differently or more deeply about clinical cases, both in the lay press and in medical publications.: So I've essentially been doing it since and it's become a larger and larger part of my career. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: That's absolutely wonderful, Ricky. Where is it that you publish then, outside of Art of Oncology? Dr. Ricky Leiter: So I've had a couple of pieces in the New York Times, which was really exciting. Some in STAT News on their opinion section called First Opinion, and had a few pieces in the New England Journal as well, and in the Palliative Care Literature, the Journal of Palliative Medicine. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Outstanding. And about palliative care issues and end of life issues, I assume? Dr. Ricky Leiter: Sort of all of the above. Palliative care, serious illness, being in medical training, I wrote a fair bit about what it was like to be on the front lines of the pandemic. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Yeah, that was a traumatic period of time, I think, for a lot of us. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Absolutely. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: I'm curious about your writing process. What triggers a story and how do you face the dreaded blank page? Dr. Ricky Leiter: So it's hard to pin down exactly what triggers a story for me. I think sometimes I'm in a room and for whatever reason, there's a moment in the room and I say, “You know what? There's a story here. There's something about what's going on right now that I want to write.” And oftentimes I don't know what it is until I start writing. Maybe it's a moment or a scene and I start writing like, “What am I trying to say here? What's the message? And sometimes there isn't a deeper message. The story itself is so poignant or beautiful that I want to tell that story. Other times it's using that story. And the way I think about my writing is using small moments to ask bigger questions in medicine. So, like, what does it mean to have a good death? You know, one piece I wrote was I was thinking about that as I struggled to give someone what I hoped would be a good death, that I was thinking more broadly, what does this mean as we're thinking about the concept of a good death? Another piece I wrote was about a patient I cared for doing kidney palliative care. And she was such a character. We adored her so much and she was challenging and she would admit that. This was someone I wanted to write about. And I talked to her about it and she was honored to have her story told. Unfortunately, it came out shortly after her death. But she was such a vibrant personality. I said, “There's something here that I want to write about.” In terms of the blank page, I think it's overcoming that fear of writing and procrastination and all of that. I think I have a specific writing playlist that I put on that helps me, that I've listened to so many times. You know, no words, but I know the music and it really helps me get in the zone. And then I start writing. And I think it's one of those things where sometimes I'm like, “Oh, I really don't like how this is sounding, but I'm going to push through anyways.” as Anne Lamott's blank first draft, just to get something out there and then I can play with it and work with it. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Great. I love the association you have with music and getting those creative juices flowing and picking ‘le mot juste' in getting things down on a page. It's also fascinating how we sometimes forget the true privilege that we have as healthcare providers in the people we meet, the cross section of humanity and the personalities who can trigger these wonderful stories. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Absolutely. Absolutely. It's such a privilege and I think it often will go in unexpected directions and can really impact, for me certainly, my practice of medicine and how I approach the next patients or even patients years down the road. You remember those patients and those stories. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Right. You write with such obvious love and respect for your patients. You also write about that tenuous phase of our careers when we're not yet attendings but have finished residency and have demonstrated a modicum of competence. You know, I used to say that fellowship is really the worst of all worlds, right? As an attending, you have responsibility, but you don't have to do as much of the grunt work. As a resident, you do the grunt work, but you don't really have the responsibility. And in fellowship, you've got it all. You've got to do the grunt work, and you have the responsibility. Can you tie those two concepts together, though? How does our relationship to our patients change over the course of our careers? Dr. Ricky Leiter: Early on, if you think about the imprinting of patients as you go down the road, so many of the patients who have imprinted on me were the ones earlier in my career, before I was more formed as a clinician because of experiences like the one I wrote about in “I Hope so Too,” where the skills are forming, and sometimes where it's smooth sailing, and sometimes we're muddling through. And those cases where we feel like we're muddling through or things don't go as we hope, those are the ones that really leave an impact. And I think it's those little moments that sort of nudge your career and your skill set in different ways. I think the patients now, they still leave a mark on me, but I think it's in different ways. And I think oftentimes it's less about my skills. Although my skills are still very much developing, even, you know, almost a decade out, they impact me differently than they once did. I feel more confident in what I'm doing, and it's more about my relationship to this situation rather than the situation's impact on my skills. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Got it. Got it. It's interesting. I once wrote a piece with Tim Gilligan, who also spent some time at Dana Farber and is a communications expert, about how there's this kind of dualism in how we're trained. We're trained with communications courses and how to talk to patients, and it almost does the opposite. It kind of raises the flag that, “Wait a second, maybe I've been talking to people the wrong way.” And as you get more mature in your career, I almost feel as if you revert back to the way you were before medical school, when you just talked to people like they were people and didn't have a special voice for patients. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Yeah, I think that's right. And I think in palliative care, we spend so much time thinking about the communication. And this was the most challenging piece about fellowship because then- and our fellowship directors told this to us, and now we teach it to our fellows. You know that you come in, the people who choose to go into palliative care, have a love of communication, have some degree of skill coming in, and then what happens is we break those skills down and teach them a new skill set. So it gets clunkier before it gets better. And the time I was writing about in this piece was August of my fellowship year, exactly when that process was happening, where I'm trying to incorporate the new skills, I had my old way of doing things, and it's just not always aligning. And I think you're right that as the skills become embedded, as you go on throughout your career, where it feels much more natural, and then you do really connect with people as people still using the skills and the techniques that we've learned in our communication courses, but they become part of who you are as a clinician. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Nicely put. Your story is particularly poignant because the patient you described was dying from the very treatment that cured his leukemia. It's this, I'm going to use the term badlands again. It's this terrible badlands we sometimes find ourselves where, yes, the treatment has been successful, but at the cost of a human life. Do you think that as healthcare providers, we react differently when a patient is sick, from side effects to our recommendations, as opposed to sick from their disease? Dr. Ricky Leiter: I think we probably do. It's hard because I think every patient in every case pulls at us in different directions. And this case was Carlos, who I called him, it was such a challenging situation for so many reasons. He was young. He really couldn't communicate with us. We were talking to his mom. Like, there were so many layers to this. But I think you're right. that underlying this, there's a sense of “We did everything we could beautifully, to cure him of his disease, and now he's dying of that, and what does that mean for us as clinicians, physicians. That becomes really hard and hard to sit with and hold as we're going back every day. And I say that as the palliative care consultant. So I can only imagine for the oncology team caring for him, who had taken him through this, what that felt like. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Well, you describe, again, beautifully in the piece, how the nursing staff would approach you and were so relieved that you were there. And it was, you know, you got the sense- I mean, obviously, it's tragic because it's a young person who died, but you almost got the sense there was this guilt among the providers, right? Not only is it a young person dying, but dying from graft versus host disease, not from leukemia. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Absolutely. There was guilt because of what he was dying of, because of how he was dying that he was so uncomfortable and it took us so long to get his pain under control and we really couldn't get him that balance of pain control and alertness that we always strive for was pretty much impossible from the beginning. And so it was layer upon layer of distress and guilt and sadness and grief that we could just feel every day as we stepped onto the floor. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Yeah. I don't know if you've ever read- there's a biography of Henry Kaplan, who was considered the father of radiation therapy, where there was this incredible moment during his career when he presented at the AACR Annual Meeting the first cures for cancers, right? No one believed it. It was amazing, actually curing cancer. And then a couple years later, people started dribbling into his clinic with cancers because of the radiation therapy he gave, and he actually went into a clinical depression as a result of it. So it can affect providers at such a deep level. And I think there's this undiscussed guilt that permeates the staff when that happens. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Absolutely, absolutely. It's right there under the surface. And we rarely give ourselves the space to talk about it, right? To really sit down and say, how are we approaching this situation? How do we feel about it? And to sit with each other and acknowledge that this is horrible. It's a horrible situation. And we feel guilty and we feel sad and we feel grief about this. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: It's been just terrific getting to know you and to read your piece, Ricky Leiternd, a we really appreciate your writing. Keep doing what you do. Dr. Ricky Leiter: Oh, thank you so much. It's a privilege to get the piece out there and particularly in JCO and to be here with you. So I really appreciate it. Dr. Mikkael Sekeres: Until next time, thank you for listening to JCO's Cancer Stories: The Art of Oncology. Don't forget to give us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can find all of ASCO's shows at asco.org/podcasts.   The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement.   Like, share and subscribe so you never miss an episode and leave a rating or review.  Guest Bio: Dr. Ricky Leiter is from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Sunday, tune into NESN for the Jimmy Fund Dana-Farber Spring Training Takeover, featuring the Braves vs. Red Sox game, a special broadcast that highlights the incredible work being done to support cancer patients and research. In this powerful episode, we dive into a conversation about the intersection of baseball, cancer research, and patient experiences. Joining the show are Dr. Ben Schlechter, a medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who discusses the challenges of treating colorectal cancer and the importance of early screenings, especially for younger individuals. We also hear from Eric Donovan, a courageous survivor of Ewing sarcoma, who shares his memories of receiving treatment at the Jimmy Fund Clinic and how the Red Sox Spring Training trip provided hope and joy during his battle. Finally, Lisa Scherber, Director of Patient and Family Programs at Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic, and Brock Holt, former Red Sox player and Co-Chair of the Jimmy Fund, talk about the emotional impact of these trips on both the patients and staff, as well as the lasting bond between the Red Sox and the Dana-Farber community. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with incredible stories of resilience and hope, all on 310 To Left, presented by your New England Ford Dealers and hosted by Tom Caron. GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/   Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. John Sweetenham and Dr. James Foran discuss the evolving treatment landscape in acute myeloid leukemia, including new targeted therapies, advances in immunotherapy, and the current role for allogeneic transplantation. TRANSCRIPT Dr. John Sweetenham: Hello, I'm Dr. John Sweetenham, the host of the ASCO Daily News Podcast. There has been steady progress in the therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in recent years, largely based on an increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms which underlie the disease. On today's episode, we'll be discussing the evolving treatment landscape in AML. We'll explore risk group stratification, new targeted therapies, advances in immunotherapy for AML, and also a little about the current role for allogenic transplantation in this disease.  I'm delighted to welcome Dr. James Foran to this discussion. Dr. Foran is a professor of medicine and chair of the Myeloid Malignancies and Blood and Marrow Transplant Disease Group at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. He's based in Jacksonville, Florida.  Our full disclosures are available in the transcript of this episode.  James, it's great to have you join us on the podcast today, and thanks so much for being here. Dr. James Foran: I'm delighted and thank you for the invitation. Thank you very much. Dr. John Sweetenham: Sure, James, let's get right into it. So, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AML has resulted not only in new methods for risk stratification in this disease, which have added refinement to cytogenetics, but also has resulted in the development of many new targeted agents. Understanding that this is a complex area of investigation, and our time is somewhat limited, can you give us a high-level update on the current state of the art in terms of how risk factors are being used for treatment selection now? Dr. James Foran: Absolutely. I think in the past, you know, we had things broken down pretty simply into make a diagnosis based on morphology, do cytogenetics, break patients into the groups of those who were more likely to benefit from therapy – so-called favorable risk – those where the intensive therapies were less likely to work – so-called poor adverse risk, and then this large intermediate group that really had variable outcomes, some better, some worse. And for a long time, the progress was in just identifying new subtle cytogenetic risk groups. And then, late 1990s, we began to understand that FLT3 mutations or NRAS mutations may be more adverse than others that came along. In the first part of this millennium, in the, you know, 2000-2010 range, a lot of work was being done to understand better or worse risk factors with single genes. The ability to do multiplex PCR, and then more recently NGS platforms, have allowed us to really look at many genes and identify many mutations in patients. At the beginning that was used just to sort of refine – who did a little better, who did a little worse with intensive therapy – helped us decide who may benefit more from an allogeneic transplanter for whom that would not be necessary.  But the good news is that really, we're now starting to target those mutations. One of the first molecularly targeted treatments in leukemia was FLT3 mutations, where we knew they were adverse. Then along came targeted treatments. I was involved in some of those early studies looking at sunitinib, sorafenib, more recently midostaurin, now quizartinib, FDA approved, and gilteritinib in the relapse refractory setting.  So we're moving into a state where we're not just refining prognosis, we're identifying targets. You know, it's been slow progress, but definite incremental progress in terms of outcomes by looking for FLT3 mutations, then looking for IDH mutations, and more recently, mutations involving NPM1 or rearrangement of what we used to call the MLL gene, now the lysine methyltransferase 2A or KMT2A rearrangement, where we now have targets. And it's not just for refinement of prognosis, but now we're identifying therapeutic targets for patients and ways to even look for measurable residual disease which is impacting our care. Dr. John Sweetenham: That's great, James. And I'm going to expand on that theme just a little bit and perhaps ask you to elaborate a little bit more on how the introduction of these new therapies have specifically impacted frontline therapy. And a couple of ancillary questions maybe to go along with that: First of all, is ‘7+3' a standard therapy for anybody in 2025? And maybe secondly, you know, could you comment also maybe briefly on older patients with AML and how you think maybe the treatment landscape is changing for them compared with, say, 5 or 10 years ago? Dr. James Foran: I'll start with the therapy and then work my way back. So we've had ‘7+3' cytarabine daunorubicin or cytarabine anthracycline since 1976, and we're still using it as the backbone of our intensive therapy. There is still an important role for it, particularly in younger or fitter patients, and particularly for those with intermediate or favorable risk genetic groups or cytogenetic risk groups just because we achieve high rates of remission. Our 30-day induction mortality rates are lower now than they were 10 and 20 years ago. Our supportive care is better. And we still have a busy inpatient hospital service here at Mayo Florida and my colleagues in Rochester and Arizona as well giving intensive therapy. So that remains the backbone of curative therapy for younger adults. We are trying to be a little more discriminating about who we administer that to. We are trying to add targeted agents. We know from, now, two different randomized trials that the addition of a FLT3 inhibitor, either midostaurin or more recently quizartinib, has a survival advantage in patients with a FLT3 mutation, or for quizartinib, a FLT3/ITD mutation. And so yes, ‘7+3' remains important.  Off protocol for somebody who just comes in with acute leukemia in a 40-year-old or 30-year-old or even early 60s and fit, we would still be considering ‘7+3' therapy and then waiting for an expedited gene mutation panel and an expedited cytogenetics panel to come back to help us discriminate is that a patient for whom we should be giving a FLT3 inhibitor? I think there's a little more nuance about when we do a day 14 bone marrow, do they really matter as much anymore? I still do them. Some of my colleagues find them less important. But we're still giving intensive therapy. We're still giving high-dose ARA-C consolidation for younger patients who achieve complete remission.  In older adults, it's a different story. You know, it was only in the early part of the 2000s – 2004, 2007 range – where we really got buy-in from randomized studies that low-dose therapy was better than no therapy. There was a lot of nihilism before then about therapy for older adults, especially over age 75. We know that low-dose ARA-C is better than nothing. It looked like azacitidine was better than ARA-C or at least equivalent or slightly better. But with the advent of venetoclax it was a game changer. I ran a national randomized study of intensive therapy in AML. It was the last national randomized study of intensive therapy in older patients right before venetoclax got approved. And we were very excited about our results, and we thought we had some really interesting clinical results. And suddenly that's a little bit obsolete in patients over 70 and particularly over age 75 because of the high remission rates with azacytidine venetoclax or hypomethylating agents, so-called HMAs and venetoclax and the survival advantage. Now, it's not a home run for everybody. We quote 60% to 70% remission rates, but it's a little different based on your cytogenetics and your mutation profile. You have to continue on therapy so it's continuous treatment. It's not with curative intent, although there are some people with long-term remission in it. And the median survival went from 10 months to 15 months. So home run? No, but definitely improved remissions, meaningful for patients off transfusions and better survival. So right now it's hard to find an older adult who you wouldn't give azacitidine and venetoclax or something similar, decitabine, for instance, and venetoclax, unless somebody really was moribund or had very poor performance status or some reason not to. And so ‘7+3' is still relevant in younger adults. We're trying to get better results with ‘7+3' by adding targeted agents and azacitine and venetoclax in older adults.  I think the area of controversy, I guess there are two of them, is what to do in that overlap age between 60 and 75. Should people in that age still get intensive therapy, which we've used for years – the VIALE-A trial of aza-venetoclax was age 75 plus – or with cardiac comorbidities? And I think if you're 68 or 72, many of us are starting to bias towards aza-venetoclax as generally being better tolerated, generally being more outpatient, generally being slow and steady way to get a remission. And it doesn't stop you from going to transplant for somebody who might still be a candidate.  The other area of controversy is somebody under 60 who has adverse cytogenetics where we don't do very well with ‘7+3,' we still give it and we might do just as well with decitabine venetoclax. A lot of us feel that there's equipoise in the 60 to 75 group where we really can ask a question of a randomized study. Retrospective studies might suggest that intensive therapy is a little better, but there are now a couple of randomized studies happening saying, “Can we replace ‘7+3' in that intermediate age with aza-venetoclax?” And for younger adults similarly, we're looking to see how we apply that technology. Those are the areas where we're really trying to investigate what's optimal for patients and that's going to require randomized trials. Dr. John Sweetenham: Oh, that's great, thank you. And I'll just extend that question a little bit more, particularly with respect to the new targeted therapies. How much are they impacting the treatment of these patients in the relapse and refractory setting now? Dr. James Foran: Oh, they're definitely impacting it. When I trained and probably when you trained, AML was still a medical emergency. But that was the thing that you admitted to the hospital immediately, you started therapy immediately. The rule was always that's the one thing that brings the fellow and the consultant in at night to see that new patient on a Friday or Saturday. Now, we'll still admit a patient for monitoring, but we try not to start therapy for the first three or five or seven days if they're stable, until we get those genetics and those genomics back, because it helps us discriminate what therapy to pursue. And certainly, with FLT3 mutations, especially FLT3/ITD mutations, we're adding FLT3 inhibitors and we're seeing a survival advantage. Now, on the surface, that survival advantage is in the range of 7% or 10%. But if you then pursue an allogeneic transplant in first remission, you're taking disease where we used to see 30%, 40% long-term survival, maybe less, and you're pushing that to 60%, 70% in some studies. And so we're now taking a disease that– I don't want to get off topic and talk about Ph+ ALL. But that's a disease where we're actually a little excited. We have a target now, and it used to be something really adverse and now we can do a lot for it and a lot about it.  The other mutations, it's a little more subtle. Now, who knew until 2010 that a mutation in a sugar metabolism gene, in isocitrate dehydrogenase, or IDH was going to be so important, or even that it existed. We know that IDH1 and IDH2 mutations are still a minority of AML, certainly less than 10% to 15%, maybe overall. But we're able to target those with specific IDH1 and IDH2 inhibitors. We get single-agent responses. There are now two approved IDH1 inhibitors on the market. We don't yet have the randomized data that adding those to intensive therapy is better, but we're getting a very strong hint that it might be better in older adults who have an IDH mutation, maybe adding those is helpful and maybe adding those to low-intensity therapy is helpful. Those studies are ongoing, and we're also trying with low-intensity treatments to add these agents and get higher remission rates, deeper remissions, longer remissions. I think a lot of work has to be done to delineate the safety of that and the long-term efficacy. But we're getting hints it's better, so I think it is impacting.  The other area it's impacting is when you pick up adverse mutations and those have crept into our classification systems like an ASXL1 mutation or RUNX1 mutation for instance, or some of the secondary AML mutations like BCOR and others, where that's helping us discriminate intermediate-risk patients who we think aren't going to do as well and really helping us select a group who's more likely to get benefit from allogeneic transplant or for whom at least our cure rates without allo transplant are low. And so I think it's impacting a lot. Dr. John Sweetenham: Great. And I'm going to pick up now, if I may, on a couple of things that you've just mentioned and continue the theme of the relapsed and refractory setting. We've started to see some reports which have looked at the role of immune strategies for patients with AML, in particular CAR T or NK cells. Can you comment a little on this and let us know whether you think either these two strategies or other immune strategies are likely to have a significant role in AML in the future? Dr. James Foran: They are, but I think we're still a step behind finding the right target or the right way to do it. If you think of allogeneic transplantation as the definitive immune therapy, and we know for adverse AML we can improve survival rates and cure rates with an allotransplant, then we know inherently that immune therapy matters. And so how do we do what they've done in large cell lymphoma or in CD19 targeting for B cell malignancies? How do we bring that to acute myeloid leukemia? There have been a number of efforts. There have been at least 50 trials looking at different targets. CD33, CD123, CD7, others, CLL-1. So, there have been a number of different trials looking at how to bind a CAR T or a CAR T construct that can be active. And we have hints of efficacy. There was kind of a provocative paper in the New England Journal of Medicine a year ago in April of last year from a Chinese group that looked at a CD7-based CAR T and it was 10 patients, but they used CD7 positive acute leukemia, AML or ALL and had a CD7-targeted CAR T and they actually incorporated that with a haploidentical transplant and they had really high remission rates. People tolerated it quite well. It was provocative. It hasn't yet been reproduced on a larger scale, but the strong hints that the strategy is going to work.  Now, CD33 is a little tricky to have a CAR T when CD33 is expressed on normal hematopoietic cells. CD123 likewise. That's been something where there's, I think, still promise, but we've struggled to find the trials that make that work. Right now, there's a lot of interest in leveraging NK cells and looking, for a couple of reasons, but NK cells are attractive and NK cell markers might be attractive targets. NK cells might have similar degrees of immune efficacy. It's speculative, but they are likely to have less cytokine release syndrome and less neurotoxicity than you see with CAR T. And so it's kind of attractive to leverage that. We have had some ongoing trials looking at it with bispecifics and there certainly are trials looking at it with CAR NK-based strategies. One of the antigens that people looked at is the NK group 2D. NK group 2D or NKG2D is overexpressed in AML and its ligands overexpressed. And so that's a particular potential target. So, John, it's happening and we're looking for the hints of efficacy that could then drive a pivotal trial to get something approved.  One of the other areas is not restricting yourself just to a single antigen. For instance, there is a compound that's looking at a multi-tumor-associated antigen-specific T-cell therapy, looking at multiple antigens in AML that could be overexpressed. And there were some hints of activity and efficacy and actually a new trial looking at a so-called multi-tumor associated antigen-specific T cell therapy. So without getting into specific conflicts of interest or trials, I do think that's an exciting area and an evolving area, but still an investigational area. I'll stop there and say that we're excited about it. A lot of work's going there, but I'm not quite sure which direction the field's going to pivot to there. I think that's going to take us some time to sort out. Dr. John Sweetenham: Yeah, absolutely. But as you say, exciting area and I guess continue to watch this space for now.  So you've mentioned allogeneic stem cell transplants two or three times during this discussion. Recognizing that we don't have an imatinib for AML, which has kind of pushed transplant a long way further back in the treatment algorithm, can you comment a little on, you know, whether you think the role of stem cell transplantation is changing in AML or whether it remains pretty much as it was maybe 10 years ago? Dr. James Foran: By the way, I love that you use imatinib as an introduction because that was 6 TKIs ago, and it tells you the evolution in CML and you know, now we're looking at myristoyl pocket as a target, and so on. That's a great way to sort of show you the evolution of the field.  Allogeneic transplant, it remains a core treatment for AML, and I think we're getting much smarter and much better about learning how to use it. And I'm just going to introduce the topic of measurable residual disease to tell you about that. So I am a little bit of a believer. Part of my job is I support our allogeneic transplant program, although my focus is acute myeloid leukemia, and I've trained in transplant and done it for years and did a transplant fellowship and all that. I'm much more interested in finding people who don't need a transplant than people who do. So I'm sort of looking for where can we move away from it. But it still has a core role. I'll sidestep and tell you there was an MDS trial that looked at intermediate or high-risk MDS and the role of allogeneic transplant that shows that you about double your survival. It was a BMT CTN trial published several years ago that showed you about double your three-year survival if you can find a donor within three months and get to a transplant within six months. And so it just tells you the value of allotransplant and myeloid malignancy in general. In AML we continue to use it for adverse risk disease – TP53 is its own category, I can talk about that separately – but adverse risk AML otherwise, or for patients who don't achieve a really good remission. And I still teach our fellows that an allotransplant decreases your risk of relapse by about 50%. That's still true, but you have to have a group of patients who are at high enough risk of relapse to merit the non-relapse mortality and the chronic graft versus host disease that comes with it. Now, our outcomes with transplant are better because we're better at preventing graft versus host disease with the newer strategies such as post-transplant cyclophosphamide. There are now new FDA-approved drugs for acute and chronic graft versus host disease, ruxolitinib, belumosudil, axatilimab now. So we have better ways of treating it, but we still want to be discriminating about who should get it.  And it's not just a single-minded one-size-fits-all. We learned from the MORPHO study that was published in the JCO last year that if you have FLIT3-positive AML, FLIT3/IDT-positive AML, where we would have said from retrospective studies that your post-transplant survival is 60% give or take, as opposed to 15% or 20% without it, that we can discriminate who should or shouldn't get a transplant. Now that trial was a little bit nuanced because it did not meet its primary endpoint, but it had an embedded randomization based upon MRD status and they used a very sensitive test of measurable residual disease. They used a commercial assay by Invivoscribe that could look at the presence of a FLT3/ITD in the level of 10 to the minus 5th or 10 to the minus 6th. And if you were MRD-negative and you went through a transplant, you didn't seem to get an advantage versus not. That was of maintenance with gilteritinib, I'll just sort of put that on there. But it's telling us more about who should get a transplant and who shouldn't and who should get maintenance after transplant and who shouldn't.  A really compelling study a year ago from I don't know what to call the British group now, we used to call them the MRC and then the NCRI. I'm not quite sure what to call their studies at the moment. But Dr. Jad Othman did a retrospective study a year ago that looked at patients who had NPM1 mutation, the most common mutation AML, and looked to see if you were MRD positive or MRD negative, what the impact of a transplant was. And if you're MRD negative there was not an advantage of a transplant, whereas if you're MRD positive there was. And when they stratified that by having a FLT3 mutation that cracked. If you had a FLT3 mutation at diagnosis but your NPM1 was negative in remission, it was hard to show an advantage of a transplant. So I think we're getting much more discriminating about who should or should not get a transplant by MRD testing for NPM1 and that includes the patients who have a concomitant FLT3 mutation. And we're really trying to learn more and more. Do we really need to be doing transplants in those who are MRD-negative? If you have adverse risk genetics and you're MRD-negative, I'll really need good data to tell me not to do a transplant, but I suspect bit by bit, we'll get that data. And we're looking to see if that's really the case there, too. So measurable residual disease testing is helping us discriminate, but there is still a core role of allogeneic transplant. And to reassure you, compared to, I think your allotransplant days were some time ago if I'm right. Dr. John Sweetenham: Yes. Dr. James Foran: Yeah. Well, compared to when you were doing transplants, they're better now and better for patients now. And we get people through graft versus host disease better, and we prevent it better. Dr. John Sweetenham: That's a great answer, James. Thanks for that. It really does help to put it in context, and I think it also leads us on very nicely into what's going to be my final question for you today and perhaps the trickiest, in a way. I think that everything you've told us today really emphasizes the fact that the complexity of AML treatment has increased, primarily because of an improved understanding of the molecular landscape of the disease. And it's a complicated area now. So do you have any thoughts on what type of clinical environment patients with AML should be evaluated and treated in in 2025? Dr. James Foran: Yeah, I want to give you a kind of a cautious answer to that because, you know, I'm a leukemia doctor. I work at a leukemia center and it's what we focus on. And we really pride ourselves on our outcomes and our diagnostics and our clinical trials and so on. I am very aware that the very best oncologists in America work in private practice and work in community practice or in networks, not necessarily at an academic site. And I also know they have a much harder job than I have. They have to know lung cancer, which is molecularly as complicated now as leukemia, and they have to know about breast cancer and things that I don't even know how to spell anymore. So it's not a question of competence or knowledge. It's a question of infrastructure. I'll also put a little caveat saying that I have been taught by Rich Stone at Dana-Farber, where I did a fellowship a long time ago, and believe Rich is right, that I see different patients than the community oncologists see with AML, they're seeing different people. But with that caveat, I think the first thing is you really want to make sure you've got access to excellence, specialized hematopathology, that you can get expedited cytogenetics and NGS testing results back. There was a new drug, approved just a few months ago, actually, for relapsed AML with a KMT2A rearrangement, revumenib. We didn't talk about the menin inhibitors. I'll mention them in just a second. That's a huge area of expansion and growth for us. But they're not found on NGS platforms. And normal cytogenetics might miss a KMT2A-rearrangement. And we're actually going back to FISH panels, believe it or not, on AML, to try to identify who has a KMT2A-rearrangement. And so you really want to make sure you can access the diagnostic platforms for that.  I think the National Referral Labs do an excellent job. Not always a really fast job, but an excellent job. At my institution, I get NGS results back within three days or four days. We just have an expedited platform. Not everybody has that. So that's the key, is you have to be able to make the diagnosis, trust the pathologist, get expedited results. And then it's the question of trying to access the targeted medications because a lot of them are not carried in hospital on formulary or take time to go through an insurance approval process. So that's its own little headache, getting venetoclax, getting gilteritinib, getting an IDH1 inhibitor in first line, if that's what you're going for. And so I think that requires some infrastructure. We have case managers and nurses who really expedite that and help us with it, but that's a lot of work. The other piece of the puzzle is that we're still with AML in the first month and maybe even the second month. We make everybody worse before we make them better. And you have to have really good blood bank support. I can give an outpatient platelet transfusion or red cell transfusion seven days a week. We're just built for that. That's harder to do if you're in a community hospital and you have to be collaborating with a local blood bank. And that's not always dead easy for somebody in practice. So with those caveats, I do find that my colleagues in community practice do a really good job making the diagnosis, starting people on therapy, asking for help. I think the real thing is to be able to have a regional leukemia center that you can collaborate with, connect with, text, call to make sure that you're finding the right patients who need the next level of diagnostics, clinical trial, transplant consults, to really get the best results.  There was some data at ASH a couple of years ago that looked at – the American Society of Hematology and ASCOs had similar reports – that looked at how do we do in academic centers versus community practice for keeping people on therapy. And on average, people were more likely to get six cycles of therapy instead of three cycles of therapy with azacitidine venetoclax at an academic center. Now, maybe it's different patients and maybe they had different cytogenetics and so on, but I think you have to be patient, I think you have to collaborate. But you can treat those patients in the community as long as you've got the infrastructure in place. And we've learned with virtual medicine, with Zoom and other platforms that we can deliver virtual care more effectively with the pandemic and beyond. So I think we're trying to offer virtual consults or virtual support for patients so they can stay in their home, stay in their community, stay with their oncologists, but still get access to excellent diagnostics and supportive care and transplant consults, and so on. I hope that's a reasonable answer to that question. It's a bit of a nuanced answer, which is, I think there's an important role of a leukemia center, and I think there's a really fundamental role of keeping somebody in the community they live in, and how we collaborate is the key to that. And we've spent a lot of time and effort working with the oncologists in our community to try to accomplish that.  John, I want to say two other things. I didn't mention in the molecular platforms that NPM1 mutations, we can now target those on clinical trials with menin inhibitors. We know that NPM1 signals through the Hoxa9/Meis1 pathway. We know that similar pathways are important in KMT2A rearrangements. We know that there are some other rare leukemias like those with NUP98 rearrangement. We can target those with menin inhibitors. The first menin inhibitor, revuminib, was approved by the FDA for KMT2A. We have others going to the FDA later this year for NPM1. There are now pivotal trials and advanced expanded phase 1/2 studies that are showing 30% response rates. And we're looking to see can we add those into the first-line therapy. So, we're finding more targets.  I'll say one last thing about molecular medicine. I know I'm a little off topic here, but I always told patients that getting AML was kind of like being struck by lightning. It's not something you did. Now, obviously, there are risk factors for AML, smoking or obesity or certain farm environments, or radioactive exposures and so on. But bit by bit, we're starting to learn about who's predisposed to AML genetically. We've identified really just in the last five or eight years that DDX41 mutations can be germline half the time. And you always think germline mutations are going to cause AML in a younger patient, but the median age is 60 to 70 just like other AMLs. They actually might do pretty well once they get AML. We've reported that in several papers. And so we're trying to understand who that has a RUNX1 mutation needs germline testing, who with a DDX41 needs germline testing. And we're trying to actually come up with a cleaner pathway for germline testing in patients to really understand predisposition, to help with donor selection, to help with family counseling. So I think those are other areas where a leukemia center can contribute for somebody in who's community practice to understand genomic or genetic complexity in these patients. And we're starting to develop the databases that support that. Dr. John Sweetenham: Yeah, great. Thanks, James. I loved your answer about the clinical environment too. And I know from a patient-centric perspective that I know that patients would certainly appreciate the fact that we're in a situation now where the folks taking care of them will make every effort to keep them close to home if they possibly can.  I want to thank you, James, for an incredible review of a very complex subject and I think you did a great job. I think we all will have learned a lot. And thanks again for being willing to share your insights with us today on the ASCO Daily News Podcast. Dr. James Foran: John, it's my pleasure. And as you know, I'll do anything for a latte, so no problem at all. Dr. John Sweetenham: Okay. I owe you one, so thank you for that.  And thank you to our listeners for your time today. You'll find links to the studies we've discussed today in the transcript of this episode. And finally, if you value the insights that you hear on the ASCO Daily News Podcast, please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Find out more about today's speakers:  Dr. John Sweetenham  Dr. James Foran Follow ASCO on social media: @ASCO on Twitter ASCO on Bluesky ASCO on Facebook  ASCO on LinkedIn  Disclosures:    Dr. John Sweetenham:    No relationships to disclose Dr. James Foran: Stock and Other Ownership Interests: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Consulting or Advisory Role: Peerview, CTI BioPharma Corp, Remix Therapeutics, Cardinal Health, Medscape, Syndax, Autolus Therapeutics Research Funding (Inst.): Chordia Therapeutics, Abbvie, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Kura Oncology, Sellas Life Sciences, Novartis, Roivant, Celgene/Bristol-Myers Squibb, Astellas Pharma, SERVIER Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Peerview

Welcome to Monday Night Talk podcast for February 17, 2025! Guests and topics for this podcast includes the State House Report with State Representative Joan Meschino. Marathon runner Mike Griffiths & Alex Bezanson, who works with the Boston Bruins Alumni, stop by to share details on an upcoming fundraiser to help Mike raise money to run the Boston Marathon in the spring for Dana Farber. NY Times Bestselling author Casey Sherman and actor Gary Tanguay, known for roles in Don't Look Up, Knives Out and Gone Baby Gone, stop by to promote an upcoming show at the historic Wilbur Theatre, “A Nightmare with Casey Sherman” that will feature a star studded cast. Finally, Private investigator Mark Chaupetta shares insight into his line of work and some of the cases he's worked on. Do you have a topic for a future show or info on an upcoming community event? Email us at mondaynighttalk@gmail.com If you're a fan of the show and enjoy our segments, you can either download your favorite segment from this site or subscribe to our podcasts through iTunes & Spotify today!  Monday Night Talk with Kevin Tocci, Copyright © 2025.

In this Three Breakthroughs episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins and Lucas Pasch explore three transformative advancements shaping the future. First, they break down the AI arms race, where tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are pouring tens of billions into AI infrastructure, fueling competition and raising questions about market concentration and innovation. Next, they examine the unbundling of social media, with platforms like BlueSky gaining traction by offering decentralized, user-controlled experiences that challenge Big Tech's dominance. Finally, they dive into a groundbreaking cancer vaccine trial from Dana-Farber, where personalized immunotherapy has delivered astonishing results—zero recurrences in advanced kidney cancer patients after three years. These breakthroughs are redefining industries and opening new possibilities for technology, medicine, and digital interaction. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on where these shifts are headed next!To Learn More:Alumni Ventures (AV)AV LinkedInAV Deep Tech FundTech OptimistLegal Disclosure:https://av-funds.com/tech-optimist-disclosuresCreators & Guests Mike Collins - Host Lucas Pasch - Guest

How do the 2025 Red Sox stack up against the rest of the AL East? That's the question Tom Caron kicks off this week's episode of 310 To Left, diving deep into what fans can expect from the Sox in the upcoming season. With new acquisitions and fresh talent on the roster, Tom and guests break down the team's strengths, weaknesses, and what's still needed to stay competitive in a tough division. Brock Holt, Garrett Whitlock, and Dr. Ben Ebert talk about the incredible relationship between the Red Sox, Dana Farber, and the Jimmy Fund. They reflect on how the team's efforts have impacted cancer research and how players stay involved in these important initiatives. The trio discusses how the Red Sox continue to support the Jimmy Fund, highlighting personal stories from players like Brock and Garrett, and their dedication to helping others. Liam Hendriks checks in on his personal health as he prepares for 2025. He also shares his thoughts on the revamped pitching staff, including new additions like Garrett Crochet, Aroldis Chapman, and Walker Buehler, and what those moves mean for the bullpen. Director Greg Whitley takes us behind the scenes of The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox, a new Netflix documentary that documents the 2024 season. Greg talks about the challenges and rewards of creating an 8-hour deep dive into a season with so many highs and lows. Boston Globe's Alex Speier weighs in on the 2025 season, discussing the Red Sox's chances in the AL East and the latest buzz around potential trade targets like Alex Bregman. Plus, why a right-handed power bat could be the key to the team's success in the upcoming year, and his excitement about the Netflix documentary. Don't miss this packed episode of 310 To Left, where we dive deep into the future of the Red Sox and hear from some of the key players shaping the team's next chapter. Tune in now and get ready for an exciting 2025 season! GET NESN 360: https://nesn.com/download-the-nesn-app/   Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NESN Twitter: https://twitter.com/NESN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESN/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nesn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nesn Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nesn/ 00:00 – Intro 01:20 – Brock Holt and Dr. Ben Ebert Interview 07:57 – Brock Holt, Garrett Whitlock, and Dr. Ben Ebert Interview 20:19 – Liam Hendriks Interview 27:54 – Greg Whitley Interview with Alex Speier 39:14 – Alex Speier Interview 49:49 – Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today on Your Partner In Success Radio, Carly Fauth, is a fitness instructor, movement mentor, and founder of FitFunCarly, a virtual fitness program that helps people get fit in just 15 minutes a day. A lifelong advocate for mental health through fitness, Carly's passion for wellness deepened when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in February 2024. As a survivor, she now uses her journey to inspire others to unlock their own extraordinary personal strength and overcome life's obstacles. Inspired by a friend's podcast and her own desire to manage anxiety, Carly launched "Chemo Coffee Talk" directly from her infusion chair at Dana Farber. In October 2024, Carly published her book "Pray for the Bear: An Ordinary Person's Guide to Unlocking Extraordinary Personal Strength" The title was Inspired by Kobe Bryant's quote, "If you see me in a fight with a bear, pray for the bear.Connect with Carly: Website | Podcast | Buy the Book We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!Stay ConnectedWebsite: Your Partner In Success RadioEmail: mail@yourofficeontheweb.com

Colorectal cancer is striking young adults at an alarming rate, with a surge in metastatic (Stage 4) cases that defies expectations. Why is this happening, and what can young adults do to protect themselves? In this urgent and eye-opening episode, Dr. Kimmie Ng, a world-renowned expert and Director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, breaks down the latest research, the hidden risks driving this crisis, and the critical warning signs everyone should recognize. Discover actionable steps to reduce your risk, navigate treatment options, and advocate for early detection. Don't miss this essential conversation—it could save a life. This episode is brought to you by Takeda. For more information and resources check out the links below:  Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/gastrointestinal/programs/young-onset-colorectal-cancer   Clinical Trials and Research at Dana-Farber's Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center: https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/treatment/gastrointestinal/programs/young-onset-colorectal-cancer/clinical-trials-research   Count Me In/Colorectal Cancer: https://joincountmein.org/colorectal   A Qualitative Study on Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer: https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2024/11/study-highlights-unique-needs-of-young-adults-with-colorectal-cancer/

In this inspiring episode of Game Over: c*ncer, we sit down with Dr. Joelle Straehla, a CKc-funded young investigator who is revolutionizing pediatric brain cancer treatment with cutting-edge nanoparticle drug delivery systems.Dr. Straehla, a self-proclaimed “nerd” who combines her passion for science, medicine, and engineering, shares her incredible journey — from her days at Dana-Farber and MIT to her new role at Seattle Children's Hospital.We discuss: -Her path to becoming a physician-scientist. -How nanoparticles are changing how we treat pediatric brain cancer. -The importance of celebrating small wins on the long road to finding a cure. -Mentoring the next generation of researchers and building a community of hope.Dr. Straehla's story is a reminder that finding a cure isn't a singular success — it's about progress, innovation, and collaboration every step of the way.Learn how you can support groundbreaking research and be part of the fight: cannonballkidscancer.orgConnect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon-516b50b8/Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/Learn more about the Cannonball Kids cancer Foundation: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/Game Over: c*ncer. Together, we transform fear into courage.Don't forget to like, share, and leave a review to help us reach more listeners! Tune in now and join us in turning fear into courage.

Today on Beating Cancer Daily, Saranne is joined by Kristen Dahlgren to explore the groundbreaking topic of cancer vaccines and their immense potential to change the world of oncology. They discuss the importance of raising awareness, the role of public health efforts, and strategic funding to accelerate cancer vaccine research. Kristen shares her insights into the current landscape of cancer vaccine trials, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to make these vaccines a reality. Kristen Dahlgren, a former NBC correspondent, has channeled her media expertise into raising awareness for cancer vaccine initiatives. She has been a fervent advocate since her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2019 and is deeply involved in forming coalitions that unify top cancer researchers across the globe. Kristen works with prestigious institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering and Dana Farber, pushing forward the development of vaccines for various types of cancer, including one for melanoma, expected by 2025. "The Cancer Vaccine Coalition is about bringing together diverse expertise to accelerate vaccine research." – Kristen Dahlgren Today on Beating Cancer Daily: ·     Exploring the potential of cancer vaccines to transform cancer treatment and prevention·     The importance of public health efforts and strategic funding to speed up cancer vaccine research·     Kristen Dahlgren's journey from a media correspondent to a cancer vaccine advocate·     The role of the Cancer Vaccine Coalition in unifying top cancer researchers·     The significance of diverse and inclusive clinical trials for cancer vaccine development·     Developments in the creation of a potential melanoma vaccine by 2025·     How humor can be utilized to promote cancer vaccination efforts·     Kristen Dahlgren's advocacy for cancer vaccine collaboration across prestigious institutions Resources Mentioned: ComedyCures Foundationhttps://www.ComedyCures.org   Cancer Vaccine Coalitionhttps://cancervaccinecoalition.org/ Guest Contact Information: Kristen Dahlgren: LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-dahlgren  The #1 Rated Cancer Survivor Podcast by FeedSpot and Ranked the Top 5 Best Cancer Podcast by CancerCare News, Beating Cancer Daily is listened to in more than 91 countries on six continents and has over 300 original daily episodes hosted by stage IV survivor Saranne Rothberg!   To learn more about Host Saranne Rothberg and The ComedyCures Foundation:https://www.comedycures.org/ To write to Saranne or a guest:https://www.comedycures.org/contact-8 To record a message to Saranne or a guest:https://www.speakpipe.com/BCD_Comments_Suggestions To sign up for the free Health Builder Series live on Zoom with Saranne and Jacqui, go to The ComedyCures Foundation's homepage:https://www.comedycures.org/ Please support the creation of more original episodes of Beating Cancer Daily and other free ComedyCures Foundation programs with a tax-deductible contribution:http://bit.ly/ComedyCuresDonate THANK YOU! Please tell a friend who we may help, and please support us with a beautiful review. Have a blessed day! Saranne 

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer; only about 1% to 5% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are inflammatory. This type of breast cancer tends to be diagnosed in younger women and has very different symptoms than other types of breast cancer; it can be mistaken for an infection. Dr. Filipa Lynce, director of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, explains what you need to know about inflammatory breast cancer. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Lynce explain: the signs and symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer how inflammatory breast cancer is diagnosed how inflammatory breast cancer is treated

Joining me for a second time on this podcast, Kristina and I reconnect to have an important conversation about breast cancer awareness and early detection. We discuss her early diagnosis of the BRCA1 gene mutation and the steps she took knowing her chances of getting breast and/or ovarian cancer. Kristina also shares how and when other women can be tested. When we spoke the last time she was on the podcast, she shared the story along with her two sisters (one of which was also diagnosed with the gene mutation). The 3 have bonded together to not only bring awareness but to support one another through their surgeries.   One of the things they've bonded over is running marathons!  They also support and run along side eachother and have just returned from running Berlin! Through this journey Kristina says she has found her voice, thinking at one time that it was possible that cancer might end her life...instead she is out educating, supporting and raising funds for research!     Mom Runs Marathon to Cope With Double Mastectomy, Hysterectomy (today.com)   2024 Run Any Race: Mrs. Kristina Coccoluto's Fundraising Page - Run for Dana-Farber (jimmyfund.org)  

  Dr. Meyerhardt is the Chief Clinical Officer for Dana-Farber and Co-Director of the Colon and Rectal Cancer Center as a medical oncologist specializing in cancers in the GI tract. He is also the Douglas Gray Woodruff Chair in Colorectal Cancer Research and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.       Dr. Meyerhardt received his MD from Yale School of Medicine in 1997. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, followed by a medical oncology fellowship at DFCI. He joined the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber in 2002.

      Anne Gross, PhD, RN, FAAN, is senior vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer. Dr. Gross is responsible for adult and pediatric nursing practice across all sites of care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, and the Center for Clinical and Professional Development. She also oversees a variety of other clinical services, patient and family programs, and Volunteer Services.       Since joining Dana-Farber in 2002, she has led implementations of a primary nursing care model and a residency training program for newly licensed nurses, and secured funding for programs and research to support inclusion, diversity and equity, positive practice environments, and self-care and renewal programs. She also is involved in committees, boards, and initiatives nationally and internationally and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.       Dana-Farber continues to grow, and Nursing and Patient Care Services is continually evolving to meet the increasing need for our services with an inclusive and welcoming environment. Dana-Farber recently opened the International Patient Center in the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. At our regional campuses, collaborative efforts among clinical teams led to increased enrollment in clinical trials and the first regional campus-specific trial. In Patient Care Services, there was a notable rise in requests for interpreter services and support through the patient-volunteer One-to-One Program.       These initiatives, and many others, have contributed to Dana-Farber's Magnet culture, resulting in the organization's fifth consecutive designation in 2024. Out of an estimated 6,200 hospitals and health systems nationwide, fewer than 1% have achieved a total of five Magnet designations. Dana-Farber's Inpatient Hospital also recently received two awards from Press Ganey for excellence in patient experience.       Nursing and Patient Care Services offers many educational and career development opportunities for current staff and future hires to advance their careers and ensure a highly skilled workforce.       Anne is touched by the stories she hears every day of the amazing work of our nurses and patient care services staff who often go above and beyond. Some examples include:• Staff at our Milford campus who recently organized and celebrated a high school graduation with a party for a patient.•       Our Brighton campus recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary of caring for patients.       Adults with cancer experience a significantly higher level of anxiety compared with the general population and so a group led by nurses launched a project to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using medical-grade weighted blankets to reduce patient anxiety. They found that patients felt much less anxious using the weighted blankets, and now these are available in almost every infusion area across the institute. ·   This year, the Institute celebrates 25 years of our all-volunteer adult and pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs).

John Warner, 57, renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), Boston and Vero Beach, FL, with Toni Choueiri, MD, Director Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber.

Paul Mossberg, 58, esophageal cancer, Brookline, with Melissa Levin MSW, LICSW, Senior Clinical Social Worker and Programmatic Specialist for the Neuro-Inclusive Oncology Care and Empowerment Program, Dana-Farber.

Nine years ago, Joel was diagnosed with prostate cancer at his annual wellness exam while living in Connecticut; his best friend was his urologist at the time. He began making regular visits to Boston to get treated at Dana-Farber. For 42 days, after work, Joel would drive to Dana-Farber to get radiation treatments, then drive back home. Eventually, his PSA levels started to rise. Working with Dr. Mark Pomerantz, Joel started a hormone drug regimen that worked for a while, until it eventually stopped being effective.  Joel Davidson, 79, prostate cancer, Naples, FL, Mark Pomerantz, MD, Clinical Director for the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber 

Gloria Aronson, 78, acute lymphocytic leukemia, North Easton  In June 2018, Gloria was playing golf when she realized something was wrong. Her primary care doctor was alarmed when Gloria asked to bump up her physical and arranged for an immediate appointment and blood tests, which revealed she had Acute lymphocytic leukemia.  Referred to Dana-Farber by her son, a physician, Gloria began a grueling chemotherapy regimen, sometimes undergoing treatment for 21 hours a day. Undeterred, she requested a stationary bike for her room and continued to walk - even while attached to IV poles. Her determination paid off, and after becoming cancer-free, Gloria underwent a stem cell transplant in December 2018, with a donor from California. But her journey didn't end there. A few years later during a winter vacation in Florida, doctors discovered her cancer returned. This time, she underwent Dana-Farber's innovative CAR T therapy and was once again deemed cancer-free. Throughout her cancer journey, Gloria remained active and engaged, chatting with nurses about fashion—she owned a women's boutique—and embracing healthy habits.Now back to walking, exercising, and teaching aerobics, Gloria strives to complete10,000 steps a day. · A passionate advocate and mentor, Gloria belongs to a transplant Zoom group and dedicates her time to supporting other patients. Her motto, "be strong and positive," has become a guiding light for many who reach out to her for encouragement. 

In September 2020, amid downsizing to a forever home with her husband, Barbara Ackerman, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.  After experiencing persistent back pain, a chiropractor suggested an x-ray, leading her to consult her doctor. She knew she wanted to be treated at Dana-Farber due to its reputation, and Dr. Janne, a specialist in EGFR, was highly recommended. Doctors found tumors not only in her lung, but bones, liver, and spine as well. Despite her diagnosis, she is now on her fifth line of treatment and second clinical trial, feeling wonderful and experiencing no side effects. After an infection in her lungs from the first clinical trial she was on, she began a second Phase 1 trial, where she takes four pills every morning and now, is feeling even better than before. She is grateful to Dr. Janne and the ongoing research, and is optimistic about future treatments, considering these as bonus years.  Barbara lives in Plymouth with her husband and enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two grandchildren, often attending their sporting events. She stays active by walking three miles daily, practicing yoga, and golfing—a family affair. Since her diagnosis, she has taken up watercolor painting and recently vacationed in Italy and Spain. Every year, she enjoys spending time in Brewster and Chatham. 

Craig Bunnell, MD, MPH, MBA, is the Morse Family Chief Medical Officer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School-affiliated teaching hospital. In this role, Dr. Bunnell oversees adult and pediatric clinical services at Dana-Farber. Under his leadership, the Institute has become a leader in implementing technology to enhance patient flow, operational efficiency, and patient access.  Dr. Bunnell is also a breast medical oncologist at Dana-Farber and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He has been the principal investigator of several institutional and multicenter clinical trials and serves on several editorial boards.  Dr. Bunnell received his MD from Harvard Medical School, MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health, MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He completed his medical training at Brigham and Women's Hospital where he also served as Chief Medical Resident.  Dr. Bunnell has more than 120 original publications focused on innovative breast cancer treatments and improvements in the safety, quality, and efficiency of cancer care delivery.  He holds, or has held, leadership positions at the National Comprehensive Cancer Centers, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Association of American Cancer Institutes, Massachusetts Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Cancer Society.

Kevin Haigis, PhD, Cancer Biology, Chief Scientific Officer, Dana-Farber  Kevin M. Haigis, PhD, joined Dana-Farber as Chief Scientific Officer in 2020. Prior to assuming this role, Dr. Haigis was Director of Cancer Genetics at Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center. Dr. Haigis received his PhD in genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and did post-doctoral work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he was a Robert Black Fellow of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Dr. Haigis has a long-standing interest in intestinal biology and the molecular pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. His laboratory combines computational and informatic approaches with experimental approaches in genetically engineered mice to study the relationship among Ras oncogene signaling, colorectal cancer, and inflammation.

Jenn Perry, 57, breast cancer and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Chicopee Jenn Perry discovered her breast cancer like many women do: finding a lump. She had a biopsy which confirmed a tumor. But Jenn is not like most breast cancer patients and survivors. Jenn has an inherited genetic syndrome known as Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS). When Jenn was treated for breast cancer, she didn't know what LFS was. She just knew there were a number of relatives in her family who had cancer, including her mother who lost her life to breast cancer. She underwent genetic testing to see if her cancer was caused by genetics and she learned that it was. Jenn felt she would get the best care at Dana-Farber, especially being pre-disposed to multiple different cancers from LFS. Dana-Farber is home to one of the only LFS Centers in the country. The knowledge that her cancer was caused by an inherited condition, while empowering in some ways, gave rise to a more difficult question – could her daughters also have LFS and should they undergo genetic testing. When the timing was right, both her daughters underwent genetic testing revealing that they both have LFS. Her oldest daughter Samantha was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Jenn does not let breast cancer slow her down and takes a glass half-full approachto life. Her passion is competitive show jumping in the equestrian world. Jenn also serves as president of the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association, an organization dedicated to a world without genetic cancers. Jenn is married to her best friend and love of her life, Bert, and has two wonderful daughters, Samantha, 30 and Lexi, 21. 

Phaedra Ferrini, 24, metastatic paraganglioma, Boston, with Kimberly Perez, MD, Co-Director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Gastrointestinal Clinical Trials Program, Senior Physician, Dana-Farber, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.· Phaedra was 14 years old and sitting in her high school nurse's office. The nurse noticed her pupils were dilated different sizes and called Phaedra's mom, recommending she get checked out by a doctor. At the hospital, it was discovered that they had a benign tumor, which was promptly resected. Scans a few years later at 17 indicated that there were no signs of the cancer coming back. · Then, in the summer of 2022, she began to feel pain in the side of her skull, like it was bruised. The spot was persistent, and she knew something was wrong. More scans indicated that the cancer had metastasized in that spot and the tumor had grown back. Phaedra underwent a laminectomy and a spinal fusion because the cancer was growing close to her spinal cord. A laminectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the vertebral bone. They also received radiation and nine rounds of oral chemotherapy. · Nowadays, she's on a short break from chemotherapy and will continue to come in every three months for scans and labs. Phaedra's partner, Gina, helps take care of her at home alongside their two other supportive friends. Her mother is also a huge part of her support system. An aspiring actor and performer, Phaedra loves comedy and has started performing at the Improv Asylum. They also love to read, journal and hang out with their 12-year-old black cat, Wesley. 

Lia Paulina Cruz Rivera, 7, infantile myofibromatosis, Woonsocket, RI, with Julibeth (Julie-Beth, mom), Jose (stepdad), Angelica (sister, 2), and Jose (brother, 5 months)  In January 2018, at 8 months old while living in Puerto Rico, Lia suddenly lost movement and sensation from her hips down. She began treatment in Puerto Rico, but their experience wasn't the best, and one of the doctors told Lia's mom that her tumor was very rare. Her mom conducted research and learned that Dana-Farber was one of the best places to be treated. Lia is in a clinical trial for the second time. Oral medication twice a day, the same medicine/treatment she used from 2018 -2020. · Julibeth has no words that can describe what Lia has been through, but Lia is always excited when she knows she's having an appointment, she feels safe, she feels happy, and for the entire family seeing her like that make them happy. The Jimmy FundClinic is her special place, around people that love, care and always want what is best for her and her family. · Lia loves to draw, paint, dance, play pretend, Bluey, and unicorns. · Lia will be saying “Play Ball” at tonight's game.  

Nicole Olivera: ● 7 Years worked for Flynn Applebee's ● General Manager of Westfield, MA Applebee's ● Store raised $3100 for Jimmy Fund ● In 2000, my grandmother was diagnosed with lymphoma. She was treated at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton and at some point the Hematology-Oncology Department at Dana Farber took over. She received chemotherapy and radiation and at the end of her treatment she was in remission. She was 68 years old - due to the treatment she received and the dedication of the Dana Farber team she lived to be 91.

Hear from Jenn Perry, 57, breast cancer and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Chicopee  Phaedra Ferrini, 24, metastatic paraganglioma, Boston, with Kimberly Perez , MD, Co-Director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Gastrointestinal Clinical Trials Program, Senior Physician, Dana-Farber, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School  Lia Paulina Cruz Rivera, 7, infantile myofibromatosis, Woonsocket, RI, with Julibeth (mom) and Nicole Olivera of Applebee's

Robb Bruce, 53, renal cell carcinoma and sarcoidosis, Raynham, and Brad McGregor, MD, Director of Clinical Research for the Lank Center of Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber · Before cancer touched Robb, it impacted his family when both his mother and father were diagnosed with the disease. In 2013, Robb's mother was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma and treated at Dana-Farber, by Dr. Philippe Armand, before passing gracefully in 2017. Three months later, Robb's father was diagnosed with bladder cancer and began treatment with Dr. Brad McGregor at Dana-Farber as well. · Recently, when a large mass was discovered on Robb's kidney, he knew he wanted to receive treatment from the same doctor who cared for his father. Before coming in to see Dr. McGregor, Robb was told that initial CT scans of his abdominal and chest area showed signs of possible metastasis from the kidney to his upper respiratory system. Robb met with Dr. McGregor who felt Robb was showing signs of sarcoidosis, not metastasis. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease causing the immune system to overreact and sarcoid-like reactions associated with kidney cancer are rare. · Based on Dr. McGregor's evaluation, a thoracic surgeon removed some of the lymph nodes from Robb's upper-chest area, which confirmed he had sarcoidosis and not metastatic disease. · A separate biopsy confirmed that Robb had Stage 3 Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma, so his right kidney was removed. Robb is now waiting to begin immunotherapy and potentially join a clinical trial. · In his free time, Robb loves to golf, listen to music, play guitar and spend time on the lake in New Hampshire with his family. He's supported by his wife, Jennifer, and his 3 children, Ethan, Lily and Grace who are all currently college students. 

Hear from Barbara Ackerman, 72, lung cancer, Plymouth, with Pasi Jänne, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President for Translational Medicine, Dana-Farber Craig Bunnell, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Dana-Farber Kevin Haigis, PhD, Cancer Biology, Chief Scientific Officer, Dana-Farber  

Emelie Brosnihan, 7, bilateral Wilms tumor, Natick, with Kate (mom), Dave (dad)·       During the summer in 2022, Emelie was swimming with her siblings, Olivia and Liam. When they came inside for lunch, Emelie screamed and cried from pain. Her family took her to the local emergency room where it was confirmed she had masses on her kidneys. The family went to Boston where Emelie was diagnosed with Bilateral Wilms Tumors, a form of kidney cancer. Within 24 hours, Emelie had a port put in and began her first round of chemotherapy.·       Starting August 2022, Emelie underwent 12 weeks of chemotherapy to shrink the tumors on her kidneys, leaving her with half of her right kidney and two-thirds of her left. Emelie's last round of chemotherapy was in February 2023. She visited the Jimmy Fund Clinic on a monthly basis for blood work, and prescription renewal until end of May 2023, when she graduated to quarterly visits and scans.·       Emelie enjoys swimming, playing with her brother and sister, and all kinds of crafts. This past summer, Emelie was a patient partner with Homegoods and HomeSense and designed artwork for their annual bag campaign to raise money for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber. Her bag designs included an underwater scene with fish and turtles, and a panda bear eating a watermelon. Emelie is going to enter second grade in the fall.

·       Kristen Van de Geer was living in Alaska, where her husband was stationed in the Coast Guard, and was experiencing stomach pains. As a teenager, she was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, but with a family history of colon cancer and her mother's passing in 2017 from gallbladder cancer, she wanted to be sure that nothing else was wrong. For 5 years, she was given different reasons for her stomach pains but never referred for the colonoscopy.  Eventually, Kristin got her gallbladder removed. ·       In 2022 a doctor agreed to perform a colonoscopy too. A single “wonky polyp” was discovered which led to a rectal cancer diagnosis in early 2023. ·       Now living in Massachusetts, Kristen followed a chemotherapy treatment plan and had two surgeries: one to remove the polyp and one for a resection. Kristen's focus on seeking and embracing joy during treatment helped her through the most difficult times. She is grateful for the unwavering support of her husband, her sisters, and extended friends and family who showed up for her - and still show up - in the most beautiful ways.·       For the past 8 months, she has been out of treatment and feeling better. Kristen's diagnosis encouraged her three sisters to seek screenings as well. One sister was able to catch an advanced polyp that doctors estimated was within months of turning cancerous. Through genetic testing, which her sister Juliette received first, it was discovered that three of them have a genetic mutation that makes them more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer. Kristen feels grateful for the genetic testing options provided at Dana-Farber, both to her and her sisters. Kristen loves crocheting stuffed animals, like highland cows and mermaids and advocates for screening awareness to anyone who will listen 

Brandon Milton, RN, BSN, OCN, Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber   Brandon had wanted to be an oncology nurse since age 8, when his father was diagnosed with lung cancer. His father, a Vietnam veteran went into remission following surgery and chemotherapy treatments in 2004 but relapsed when Brandon was a high school senior.   An oncology nurse for five years, Brandon has worked at Dana-Farber—Merrimack Valley for a year and a half. Brandon, the only male infusion nurse at that campus, takes great pride in responses on numerous patient satisfaction surveys praising his caring nature and efforts to advocate for his patients while comforting and supporting them throughout treatment.

Robert Hale, Donor       Rob currently serves on Copley's investment committee and as an entrepreneur in residence assisting the development of Copley's portfolio companies. Rob founded Granite Telecommunications in 2002 and has grown the company into one of the largest privately held telecommunications services companies in the U.S., with revenues exceeding $1.5 billion.       Rob is the founder and board chair of Fox Rock Capital, a single-family office based in Boston, founding owner of FoxRock Properties, a commercial real estate firm, and is co-owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics and Boston Cannons of the Premier Lacrosse League.       Rob lives in the Boston area with his wife and three children. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham & Women's Hospital, the South Shore YMCA, and the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund.       Robert Hale Sr., Rob Jr.'s father, was a patient at Dana-Farber and died in 2008 from pancreatic cancer.       Rob and his family are philanthropic leaders in the Boston area. Rob's mother, Judy Hale, is a Dana-Farber Trustee. In November 2023, the Hale Family were awarded the Sidney Farber Medical Research Award in recognition of the Hale Family's outstanding contributions and service to the Insititute for many decades.

HOUR 1 - Live from Fenway for the 22nd annual Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon! Rob Hale joins and says he'll match donations if we raise $775,000!!! Curtis praises Dana-Farber and the constant advancement of cancer care

HOUR 3 - Wiggy doesn't understand why Maye isn't getting reps with the 1's Dr. Christopher Lathan from Dana-Farber joins the show Red Sox Front Office Report with Sam Kennedy

Barrett J. Rollins, MD, PhD, received his doctoral degree in 1979 and medical degree in 1980 from Case Western Reserve University and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Hospital, Boston. He then performed clinical and research fellowships in medical oncology at Dana-Farber and joined the Institute's faculty in 1986. Dr. Rollins served as Dana-Farber's Chief Scientific Officer from 2004-2019; he is currently Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a senior advisor to Dana-Farber's President and CEO.

Christopher Lathan, MD, MS, MPH, Chief Clinical Access and Equity Officer and Founding Director Cancer Care Equity Program, Dana-Farber   Christopher Lathan, MD, MS, MPH, is the Chief Clinical Access and Equity Officer and Founding Director, Cancer Care Equity Program at Dana-Farber. He is also a clinical oncologist focused on lung cancer.   His research interests focus on leading system wide efforts to broaden access to cancer care for historically marginalized groups to reduce disparities and improved health outcomes.   The Cancer Care Equity Program is a clinical outreach program that aids in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Dr. Lathan's work   addresses the health disparities he's witnessed first-hand, including interactions his family members have had with inequitable health practices.   His primary interests are centered on the effects of race, class, and access to care in cancer outcomes, and racial disparities in lung cancer treatment, differences in access to precision medicine by race and social class and equitable distribution of new treatment across historically marginalized populations. Dr. Lathan works to bridge the gap between disparities research and the realities of patient care by developing interventions to increase access to high quality care, developed in part through community engagement.

Hour 3 - Gresh and Fauria sit down with more guests who share their stories as patients, nurses, and doctors of Dana-Farber. Bruins forward Pavel Zacha also joins the show to discuss the Jimmy Fund and more. 

Ashley Wells, an oncology nurse in Dana-Farber's Inpatient Hospital for 20 years, joins the show. Ashley discusses her professional experience as a nurse at Dana-Farber and her personal experience with parents receiving treatment from Dana-Farber. Her mother's breast cancer was misdiagnosed at another hospital in 2017 before being successfully treated at Dana-Farber. In 2021, her father was treated at Dana-Farber for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is now in remission.

Shirley Joseph, a breast cancer patient at Dana-Farber joins Gresh and Fauria alongside her husband, Mike, and  Kristen Donoghue a Registered Nurse at Dana-Farber. Kristen says her best days at work are when she “throws myself into my patients' lives” and helps them to redirect focus on their family, friends, and ambitions—not their cancer. Shirley and Kirsten discuss the relationship they have developed since meeting at Dana-Farber and Shirley's battled with breast cancer.  Shirley came to Dana-Farber for treatment and has been undergoing chemotherapy and surgery throughout this year. Shirley is raising awareness of IBC by creating video content on social media. She didn't let her cancer stop her from opening the hair salon, “Locs By Us,” which opened last month. Shirley was also perform the National Anthem ahead of tonight's Red Sox game. 

Mary Cortes and Dr. Pozo-Kaderman join Gresh and Fauria to discuss Dana Farber's Young Adult Program (YAP). The aim of YAP is to o   Ease the emotional burden of living and coping with cancer o   Empower young adults to become active participants in their cancer treatment o   Provide emotional and social support in the form of educational workshops, conferences, opportunities to network with other young adults with cancer, and clinical mental health services  Mary was diagnosed with lymphoma in May 2023. Mary sought consultation at two other hospitals before deciding to proceed with her care at Dana-Farber. Mary's treatment included a port placement for a six-month course of chemotherapy.  Mary is a nursing student and surgical assistant at a Cranio-Maxillofacial surgeon's office in Medford. Dr. Pozo-Kaderman is a senior psychologist and the Director of the Young Adult Program (YAP) and Director of Interprofessional Education in the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute with a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School.

Erika Lowenthal, a Neurologic Music Therapist, and Emily Kleschinsky, a Certified Child Life Specialist, join Gresh and Fauria to discuss their work with the Jimmy Fund Clinic and Dana-Farber. Erika works alongside the Jimmy Fund Clinic's incredible Child Life Specialists to create support plans to help patients during medical procedures, provide one-on-one sessions throughout the clinic and host a bi-weekly music therapy group online called Jimmy Jams for younger children.   Emily works with patients to developmentally-appropriately prepare them for things like port accesses and blood draws, helping them create coping plans, and accompanying them to procedures. Emily plans crafts for the kids to do while they are at the clinic, spends a lot of time doing one-on-one play, and does her best to make sure that the kids have the opportunity to express themselves and be kids while in care.

Hour 1 - Gresh and Fauria kickoff their first hour of the Jimmy Fund sitting down with nurses, doctors, and patients of Dana-Farber. The hour wraps up with an interview with Bruins CEO, Charlie Jacobs. 

The parents of Antonie "Toni" Smith; Tracey and Ryan sit down with Gresh and Fauria to discuss their three year old daughter's acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosis in February and the treatment Toni is currently receiving treatment from Dana-Farber.

Hour 4 - Gresh and Fauria wrap up their first day of the 2024 Jimmy Fund with more interviews and stories from patients, nurses, and doctors at Dana-Farber. 

Matt Waning's cancer journey began in 2021, at the age of 34, when he wasdiagnosed with testicular cancer. The aggressive nature of his illness led to surgery that removed a tumor the size of a watermelon, along with his left testicle and kidney, as the tumor had reached his aorta. Following surgery, he underwent two months of preventive chemotherapy known as VIP treatment and celebrated being in remission by August 2021. However, the VIP treatment came with a rare side effect—a potential risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Unfortunately, in January 2023, Matt was diagnosed with AML as a result of the chemotherapy he had previously received. Matt is an avid Boston sports fan, with a particular passion for the Bruins. Musicis another love of his, offering solace and joy throughout his journey. As the oldest of three siblings, he shares a special bond with his family, including his dog Mogley, named after the main character from "The Jungle Book." Dr. Stone is currently the Director of the Adult Acute Leukemia Program atDana-Farber Cancer Institute, serves on the Medical Oncology Board of the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is vice chair of the Leukemia Core Committee for the national cooperative trials group Cancer and Leukemia Group B. As the Senior Leukemia Protocol Research Nurse Practitioner at Dana-FarberCancer Institute, Ilene Galinsky practices autonomously and in collaboration withphysicians and other members of the multidisciplinary team in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myelofibrosis, and other bone marrow failure diseases.

"If I have to wash and return your Tupperware, I am now super stressed. I am so worried about the Tupperware." Let the Boston Marathon episodes begin! First up: a panel I moderated at the Oofos pop-up on Boylston Street called "Project Pink: Recover with Purpose." This panel was about running, about cancer, about hard stuff, and about resilience. We heard from Anne Keane, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, and was about to run her third Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. Dr. Nancy Lin, the associate chief of breast oncology at Dana-Farber, talked about whether runners are the best or worst patients, and talked about where fundraising dollars actually go. Maureen Key, the senior manager of performance design at Exos, talked about the importance of recovery and mindfulness. And Christine St. Pierre, who has been doing the Pan-Mass Challenge for 18 years now as the captain of Team Duncan, was on hand to convince all of us that we can — and should — do whatever we set our minds to. Thank you to Oofos for having us, and for the longtime partnership and commitment to raising funds for breast cancer research.  SPONSOR:  UCAN: Click here to get a FREE UCAN energy bar sample pack (you'll just pay the cost of shipping), and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!