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In this episode of the Oncology Brothers podcast, we dived deep into the groundbreaking RASolute 302 study on pancreatic cancer, featuring special guest Dr. Brian Wolpin, a leading oncologist from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. We discussed: The significance of RAS mutations in pancreatic cancer, which affect over 90% of patients. The trial design and key findings of the RASolute 302 study, highlighting the impressive doubling of overall survival from 6.6 months to 13.2 months with the new drug, Daraxonrasib. The mechanism of action of Daraxonrasib as a RAS-on inhibitor and its unique properties compared to other RAS inhibitors. Common side effects associated with the drug, including rash, diarrhea, and stomatitis, and strategies for managing these in clinical practice. The importance of biomarker testing and the implications for treatment in all pancreatic cancer patients. Listen us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31BXhY9FM4gPWG10WgE11o Follow us on social media: X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/oncbrothers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncbrothers Website: https://oncbrothers.com/ Tune in to learn how this new therapy could change the landscape of treatment for pancreatic cancer patients. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more updates on the latest in cancer research and treatment! #PancreaticCancer, #Daraxonrasib, #ASCO2026, #RASmutation, #OncologyBrothers
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and the fourth most common cancer affecting women. One of its most important warning signs – abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting – is something many women experience and may dismiss. While survival rates exceed 95%, both overall incidence and mortality rates are rising. In this episode, we speak with Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about the symptoms of endometrial cancer, the role family history plays in risk, and the lifestyle habits that may help lower your chances of developing the disease. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Ursula A. Matulonis, MD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this Part 1 of 2 ASCO 2026 Highlights episodes, hosts Dr. Narjust Florez and Dr. Stephen Liu are joined by Dr. Alice Shaw and Dr. Jonathan Goldman to review some of the most impactful targeted therapy data presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting. The discussion explores the practice-changing LIBRETTO-432 trial in early-stage RET-positive NSCLC, long-term outcomes with lorlatinib in ALK-positive disease, emerging data for neladalkib, and promising results for sunvozertinib in EGFR exon 20 insertion–positive NSCLC, highlighting how these findings may influence treatment decisions across disease stages. Guests: Dr. Alice Shaw. is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chair of Medical Oncology, and a thoracic oncologist at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She is widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, having led landmark clinical trials that established crizotinib, ceritinib, and lorlatinib as standards of care. Dr. Jonathan W. Goldman is a Professor of Medicine and thoracic oncologist at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where he serves as a principal investigator in the Phase I drug development program. Dr. Goldman has been at the forefront of early-phase oncology trials across multiple tumor types, with a particular focus on novel therapeutics in lung cancer, and he was the presenting author of Libretto 432 at the plenary session at the 2026 ASCO
At the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting poster session, we asked four scientists to discuss their research. Listen to the episode to hear: Peter Stanfield, of the University of Wisconsin, explains his research on cancer screening rates in transgender and gender-diverse people. Nico Gotera, of the University of Texas Health Science Center, explains research on GLP-1 medicines and rates of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Anna Tanasijevic, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains research on how much cancer survivors exercise. Xianghui Zou, of NYU Langone Health, explains research on the timing of immunotherapy infusions for people with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
At the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, director of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, presented early results from the Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) study. The findings showed that among women with early-stage breast cancer, losing weight led to better physical and mental health, and also helped ease fatigue. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Ligibel explain: the design of the BWEL study why the women in the study had to have hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative or triple-negative breast cancer the next steps for the study
From Evidence to Action: Incorporating Disability Inclusion in Medical Training and Practice (ICAM 2026) Session Description The ICAM Series | Recorded Live at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) What does it take to move disability inclusion from research and policy into everyday medical training and practice? Recorded live at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) in Ottawa, Canada, this special episode of the Docs With Disabilities Podcast brings together an extraordinary panel of physician leaders, educators, and advocates working to transform disability inclusion across undergraduate medical education, residency training, and clinical practice. Together, the panel explores how institutions can move beyond awareness and compliance toward meaningful, sustainable change. Drawing from scholarship, systems leadership, and lived experience, they discuss the realities of accommodation implementation, the importance of centralized and trusted systems, faculty training, universal design, and the role of culture in shaping whether disability inclusion succeeds or stalls. This conversation asks difficult—but necessary—questions: How do we create systems that are consistent and humane? How do we support learners and physicians across transitions and career stages? And how do we build medical environments where disability is expected, planned for, and valued? Rich with practical insight and grounded in real-world experience, this live ICAM session highlights a field at an important turning point—one where we increasingly have the evidence, the tools, and the responsibility to act. Whether you are a learner, educator, physician, administrator, or institutional leader, this episode offers concrete ideas and inspiration for advancing disability inclusion within your own environment. Keywords: UGME, PGME, Disability, Learner, Trainee, Medical Education, Policies, Processes, Ableism, Culture, ICAM, AFMC, Docs With Disabilities. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18hNrBcylnDfSuT6hJB-RwFMpIBVzEPY21Qf4y0mU0WY/edit?usp=sharing Co-Moderators Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA Dr. Meeks is a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, IL and holds an appt as an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. She is the founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative and host of the DWDI Podcast. Lynn Ashdown, MD, MMEd Lynn Ashdown is a patient experience expert who advocates for patients to be included as stakeholders in all levels of healthcare. She has a medical degree, and was close to finishing her residency in family medicine when she began, and continues to navigate, a complex journey as a full-time patient. She has a masters degree in medical education, and presents, participates in research, and is a senior patient partner consulting with various organizations like the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. She's involved in curriculum reform focusing on patient partnerships and is a disability educator within medicine. Lynn is a disability advocate, drawing from her experiences as a patient and person living with multiple disabilities. She's a board member of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities and is involved with policy and legislative changes to combat ableism and inequities for people living with disabilities. She co-authored Canada's first position statement on the importance of disability inclusion in medical education, and received the 2024 CMA Dr. Ashok Muzumdar Memorial Award for Physicians with Disabilities. Pam Liao, MD, MEd, FRCPC Dr. Liao is the Inaugural Interim Associate Dean Accessibility and Disability Health at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. Here, she previously served as the Disability Health Lead and Special Advisor to the Dean at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. In her work, she leads efforts to embed critical disability perspectives and anti-ableist practices into medical education. Drawing from her personal experience navigating medical training with a disability, she has dedicated her career to dismantling systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in medicine. Her work includes groundbreaking research—such as the first analysis of accommodations policies in Canadian undergraduate medical programs—and advocacy efforts like the widely recognized "#docswithdisabilities" social media campaign, which brings attention to the underrepresentation of disabled individuals in healthcare and drives meaningful change. She advocated for the establishment of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Disability Inclusion Network and currently serves as its inaugural Co-Chair. Her advocacy earned her a place on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities, where she continues to serve. Dr. Liao earned her medical degree from the University of British Columbia and completed her residency in Family and Community Medicine and a fellowship in Palliative Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and practices clinically in long-term care and rehabilitation settings. Her contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the OMA Section of Palliative Medicine – Award of Excellence. Jill Rudkowski, MD, FRCPC Dr. Jill Rudkowski is an Associate Professor of Medicine in Department of Medicine (Critical Care) at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She has practised as a critical care physician for over 20 years and is an educator, researcher, and educational leader. She obtained her MD from the University of Calgary. She trained in Internal Medicine, Respirology, and Critical Care at McGill University after which she completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship with Dr. Barrett Rollins at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University. She served as Head of Service for the Medical Stepdown Unit and then the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton for over 10 years. Dr. Rudkowski has been involved as a co-investigator on numerous patient-focused clinical studies, and these collaborations focus on improving outcomes for survivors of critical illness and the impact on their caregivers. She has designed and delivered curriculum through sessions and workshops on the concept of team compassion in critical care and its role in effective communication. Dr. Rudkowski has held several educational leadership roles within the McMaster University DeGroote School of Medicine including the Chair of Clerkship and the Director of Student Advising. She is currently the Postgraduate Medicine (PGME) Accommodation Advisor within Resident Affairs and the PGME Resident Assessment Faculty Lead. Dr. Rudkowski has been involved in writing and implementing policy and guidelines around accessing accommodations as well as designing and delivering curriculum aimed at faculty, learners, and administrators through virtual and in person sessions and workshops. Dr. Rudkowski has had the privilege of collaborating nationally and internationally around disability policy in medical education. She was a member of the Disability Policy Toolkit Committee, Multimedia Resource Hub for Disability Inclusion in Graduate Medical Education on "Learn at ACGME" supported by the 2024 Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Catalyst Award for Transformation in Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Rudkowski is currently a member of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Network. She lives with a chronic disability and is passionate about ensuring that all medical learners and practitioners with disability experience belonging and accessibility in the clinical learning and practice environments. Camille Munro MD CCFP (PC) Dr. Camille Munro is a palliative medicine physician in the Department of Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa. Originally from Chester, Nova Scotia, she received her Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie University in 1991 and completed her rotating internship at Royal Columbian Hospital, University of British Columbia. After practicing family medicine in Ottawa for 18 years while raising her children, she returned to the academic setting, driven by a longstanding commitment to compassionate, whole patient-centred care for those facing a serious illness. In 2018, Dr. Munro was appointed Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Medicine where she led initiatives to foster a more inclusive and equitable academic and clinical environment. Her work included the development and implementation of the first formal accommodations policy for physicians with disabilities at a Canadian academic hospital. She remains a strong advocate for physicians with disabilities and for creating environments free from discrimination and inequity. Here work is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and representation; values she brings to her clinical care, teaching, mentorship and leadership. In recognition of her contributions, she received the 2022 Faculty Member Award of Excellence for Leadership in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. Samantha Lavitt, MD Dr. Samantha Lavitt (she/her) is the first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Curricular Lead in undergraduate medical education at the University of Ottawa, which sits on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin people. In this role, she designs educational content including topics such as gender equity, sexual orientation and gender diversity, language rights, and disability, integrating these topics throughout the clinical curriculum in a format that connects students with community teachers with lived experience. Trained as a family physician and dedicated to resilience through sustainable practice development, Dr. Lavitt also offers coaching and peer support to family physicians on advocacy, disability, and well-being through the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP). She established the first peer support group for physicians with chronic illness and/or disabilities at the OCFP in 2024 and continues to co-lead this group monthly. While she finds working with individual physicians and small groups deeply rewarding, this intervention is not enough to dismantle the system of barriers that disabled physicians face in our medical culture, so Dr. Lavitt brings her professional and lived experience as a disabled physician to advocacy initiatives at her academic institution, provincial, and national levels with involvement in peer support projects, webinars, and conference appearances. Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks. Audio editor: Next Day Podcast Digital Media: Lisa Meeks Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EXw4F1pt5J-O6Y0k-WksDC71RCA6aTFSCOkz-lqJiyc/edit?usp=sharing
8:05PM: The 43rd annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl to support lifesaving cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Tuesday, June 2 through Thursday, June 4 from 12 to 8 p.m. at a new location - 88 Seaport Boulevard in Boston’s Seaport District. Guest: Caitlin Fink - Vice President of the Jimmy Fund 8:15PM: Massachusetts rideshare drivers become first in U.S. to unionize. Guest: Mike Deehan – Axios Boston Reporter 8:30PM: The latest Boston Red Sox sports news. Guest: Dan Watkins – WBZ NewsRadio Anchor 8:45PM: Every year 2 million kids are bitten by a dog, with 1 million being a family pet that often kids either squeeze or don't know how to interact with…Local children’s book author wrote a new book, “Pet Safety with Lola & Sophie” to help children learn safe, positive interactions with pets while also encouraging kindness and empathy toward animals. Guest: Christine Devane – Children’s Book Author & former teacher, Mom of 3 and advocate of rescue dogsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Discovery to Delivery: Charting Progress in Gynecologic Oncology, hosted by Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, brings expert insights into the most recent breakthroughs, evolving standards, and emerging therapies across gynecologic cancers. Dr Matulonis is chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Brock-Wilson Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts.In this episode, Dr Matulonis was joined by Meghan E. Shea, MD, an attending medical oncologist and ambulatory medical director and disease program leader for medical oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Together, they explored the current landscape of cervical cancer, from the urgent need for expanded vaccination and screening to the evolving role of immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) across disease settings.Dr Shea opened by addressing the epidemiology of cervical cancer, noting that despite decades of progress, rates are now plateauing and rising among women under 50 years of age. She identified 3 interrelated drivers of this trend: declining rates of routine gynecologic screening, inconsistent uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and persistent high-risk HPV infections, particularly HPV 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cases. The conversation then turned to the effect of immunotherapy on cervical cancer treatment. Dr Shea traced the evolution of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) from its initial 2018 approval as a single agent in recurrent/metastatic disease to its more recent integration into the frontline setting. The phase 3 KEYNOTE-A18 trial (NCT04221945) demonstrated that adding pembrolizumab to standard weekly cisplatin-based chemoradiation significantly improved outcomes for patients with locally advanced disease. Although responses to immunotherapy, when they occur, are often durable, Dr Shea acknowledged that response rates remain lower than anticipated for a virally driven malignancy, underscoring the need for novel combinations and a deeper understanding of resistance mechanisms. Drs Matulonis and Shea both agreed that immunotherapy combined with ADCs represents one of the most compelling directions for the field, with phase 2 data for sacituzumab tirumotecan plus pembrolizumab generating interest ahead of anticipated phase 3 results.On the ADC front, Dr Shea reviewed the 2 agents in this class that are currently FDA-approved for cervical cancer. Tisotumab vedotin-tftv (Tivdak) offers the advantage of biomarker-independent use, though its requirement for ophthalmologic monitoring at every treatment visit creates real-world access challenges outside major academic centers. Trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu), approved in the HER2 immunohistochemistry 3+ setting based in part on the results of the phase 2 DESTINY-PanTumor02 trial (NCT04482309), has generated robust response rates but is most likely to benefit patients with adenocarcinoma. Dr Shea also highlighted additional targets under investigation, including Trop-2, Nectin-4, and B7-H4, with multiple phase 3 trials ongoing in both the frontline and recurrent settings.The discussion closed with a look at the locally advanced disease landscape, where the NRG Oncology cooperative group is conducting a phase 3 trial to evaluate whether integrating the neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel regimen from the INTERLACE trial (NCT01566240) with the pembrolizumab-based regimen from KEYNOTE-A18 can further improve outcomes and reduce the morbidity associated with brachytherapy. Dr Shea expressed optimism about this question, citing preliminary experience suggesting that neoadjuvant chemotherapy may reduce the need for invasive radiation techniques.
Today, Peggy Burkhard talks with Dr. Amar Kelkar of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute about the medical side of survivorship after bone marrow, stem cell, or CAR-T transplant. The conversation begins with the important shift from the urgent “save my life” phase to the longer “protect my health” phase. Dr. Kelkar explains that this transition often starts around the 100-day mark, though timing varies by transplant center, geographical region and patient needs. A major theme is the need to restart routine care that may have been paused during transplant. Dental care, dermatology, ophthalmology, and primary care all become important again. Dental visits are especially important because oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can cause dry mouth, irritation, cavities, and other problems. Skin checks matter because transplant can increase the risk of skin cancers. Dr. Kelkar stresses annual dermatology visits, sun protection, SPF 50 or higher, protective clothing, and smart decisions about sun exposure. Fatigue is another central topic. Dr. Kelkar describes post-transplant fatigue as different from normal tiredness. It can feel deep, physical, and mental, and it may last for months or even years. He encourages patients to pace themselves, listen to their bodies, and build activity back slowly. Returning to work also needs to be individualized. Some patients work remotely during treatment, while others may need extended disability or a gradual return. The episode also covers immune recovery and repeat vaccinations. Dr. Kelkar explains that after transplant, the immune system has been reset, and many childhood vaccines need to be repeated. Most programs begin revaccination around six, nine, or 12 months, depending on immune suppression and other factors. He reassures listeners that many patients have fewer vaccine symptoms early on because their immune systems are still rebuilding. Dr. Kelkar also reviews long-term screening and prevention. Survivors need routine cancer screenings, including mammograms, colonoscopies, lung cancer screening when appropriate, skin exams, and monitoring for thyroid or other changes. Metabolic health is also important. Steroids can affect blood sugar, transplant can change body composition, and quick weight loss often includes muscle loss. Nutrition support and exercise programs can help, and Peggy notes that Blood Cancer United offers nutrition services for patients and caregivers. Blood Cancer United's nutrition program provides free one-on-one consultations with oncology dietitians by phone or email. Bone health, hormone changes, sexual health, and early aging are also discussed. Dr. Kelkar explains that steroids, menopause, testosterone changes, vitamin D deficiency, and time indoors can affect bones. Many centers use DEXA scans and vitamin D supplementation. He also encourages patients to bring up sexual health concerns, including menopause symptoms, low testosterone, pain with intercourse, ulcers, or fear about resuming intimacy. The episode closes with practical advice for everyday life. Food restrictions often loosen around 100 days, but patients should reintroduce foods slowly and carefully. Raw foods, alcohol, tobacco, and inhaled smoke should generally be avoided, especially during the first year. Dr. Kelkar also emphasizes mental health support, counseling, and honest conversations with the medical team. Survivorship is a bumpy road, but the goal is to help patients regain control and thrive. Blood Cancer United Nutrition Offerings: https://bloodcancerunited.org/blood-cancer-care/adults/food-nutrition Thanks to this season's sponsors, Incyte and Sanofi. (00:00) Intro (01:16) Moving from acute treatment to survivorship (02:17) Dental, dermatology, ophthalmology, and routine care (05:45) Fatigue after transplant versus normal tiredness (08:35) Pacing yourself and avoiding setbacks (10:26) Returning to work after transplant (12:24) Resetting the immune system and repeat vaccinations (16:07) Secondary malignancy prevention and cancer screenings (18:59) Sun protection and skin cancer prevention (20:23) Metabolic health, blood sugar, and weight management (23:58) Bone health, vitamin D, DEXA scans, and early aging (29:32) Sexual health and hormonal changes (32:43) Everyday living after transplant (36:07) Psychological and cognitive hurdles in survivorship (38:16) Pulmonary function tests and liver monitoring (40:42) Closing thoughts National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK. Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In today's episode, we spoke with Jacob Sands, MD. Dr Sands is the associate chief of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Oncology Medical Director of the International Patient Center, and physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. In our exclusive interview, Dr Sands discussed the rapidly evolving treatment landscape for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), emphasizing both the progress made with immunotherapy and the ongoing challenges associated with this aggressive disease. He noted that outcomes now vary widely, with some patients experiencing long-term durable disease control following checkpoint inhibitor therapy, while others continue to have limited benefit from currently available treatments.A major focus of the discussion centered on tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra), the DLL3-targeting bispecific T-cell engager approved for relapsed SCLC. Sands described tarlatamab as a “new paradigm” therapy, highlighting results from the phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial (NCT05740566) showing superiority in progression-free survival, overall survival, symptom improvement, and toxicity outcomes vs chemotherapy in the second-line setting. He also reviewed the evolution of DLL3 as a therapeutic target, explaining how earlier efforts with rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T) helped establish the foundation for newer, more effective DLL3-directed approaches. The conversation also explored the growing role of molecular subtyping in SCLC, including emerging data involving ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3 transcription factor subsets. Although Sands cautioned that these findings remain investigational, he noted that subtype-driven treatment selection may eventually help personalize therapy in SCLC.Sands also addressed real-world experience with tarlatamab, including higher observed rates of cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicities among patients who would not have qualified for clinical trials. Despite these risks, he emphasized that many heavily pretreated patients with poor performance status or brain metastases have still achieved meaningful and durable clinical benefit.Finally, the discussion covered recent updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, including the establishment of tarlatamab as a preferred second-line standard of care regardless of chemotherapy-free interval. Looking ahead, Sands highlighted the growing pipeline of investigational therapies in SCLC, including CAR T-cell therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, radioligand therapies, and additional T-cell engagers, stressing the importance of clinical trial referral and collaboration between academic and community oncology centers.
In this episode, part of a special collaboration between ACM ByteCast and the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)'s For Your Informatics podcast, Sabrina Hsueh and Li Zhou host Monica Bertagnolli, a surgical oncologist, physician-scientist, and President Elect of the National Academy of Medicine—the first woman to hold that position in NAM's history. Her previous positions include the Richard E. Wilson Professor of Surgery in surgical oncology at Harvard Medical School, a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a member of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment and Sarcoma Centers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, all in Boston, Massachusetts. In the past, she served as the 17th Director of the National Institutes of Health and the 16th Director National Cancer Institute (NCI), as well as President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. In the interview, Dr. Bertagnolli shares her unique journey from Princeton engineering to cancer surgery and national leadership. She emphasizes collaboration, system thinkings, and bringing an engineering mindset of "pilot, test, scale, and continuously improve" to AI in healthcare. She highlights her role in founding mCODE, an initiative to improve patient care through oncological data interoperability, and how NAM's six core commitments and ten guiding principles for responsible AI address issues of bias and equity. Dr. Bertagnolli also offers insights on the growing erosion of trust in science and medicine—and how to restore it.
This accredited continuing education program is supported by an educational grant from Blueprint Medicine. It provides timely and practical education on systemic mastocytosis (SM). To obtain CME credit, visit https://checkrare.com/learning/p-systemic-mastocytosis-recognition-diagnosis-and-clinical-management/SM is a rare, chronic disorder driven by aberrant mast cell accumulation across multiple organ systems. Although diagnostic criteria are well established, a recent natural history study found that the average time to diagnosis is nearly five years. This prolonged delay—largely due to limited awareness of SM and its early symptoms—often results in unnecessary disease progression and inappropriate treatment. To address this clinical gap, this activity, led by Daniel J. DeAngelo, MD, PhD, Chief, Division of Leukemia at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, MA, provides an overview of the early signs and symptoms of SM, outlines the appropriate diagnostic criteria and tools, and reinforces the importance of timely referral and testing for these patients to be properly managed. Led by a clinical expert with experience diagnosing and treating patients with SM, this 45-minute CME program will highlight early signs of SM, outline diagnostic criteria and tools, and reinforce the importance of timely referral/testing. Target AudienceThis activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians specializing in hematology, dermatology, gastroenterology, immunology, and family practice. Other members of the care team may also participate.Learning ObjectivesAfter participating in the activity, learners should be better able to:Describe the early symptoms of systemic mastocytosis and its clinical relevance.Apply best practices to diagnose systemic mastocytosis more efficiently.FacultyDaniel J. DeAngelo, MD, PhDChief, Division of LeukemiaDana-Farber Cancer Institute,Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MADisclosure StatementAccording to the disclosure policy of the Academy, all faculty, planning committee members, editors, managers and other individuals who are in a position to control content are required to disclose any relationships with any ineligible company(ies). The existence of these relationships is not viewed as implying bias or decreasing the value of the activity. Clinical content has been reviewed for fair balance and scientific objectivity, and all of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.Disclosure of relevant financial relationships are as follows:Faculty Educator/PlannerDr. DeAngelo discloses the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies:Consultant: Amgen, Autolos, Blueprint Medicines, Incyte, Jazz, Novartis, Pfizer, and Takeda Research Support: AbbVie, Glycomimetics, Novartis, and Blueprint MedicinesData Safety Monitoring Board: Daiichi-SankyoOther Planners for this activity have no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies.This activity will review off-label or investigational information.The opinions expressed in this educational activity are those of the faculty, and do not represent those of the Academy or CheckRare CE. This activity is intended as a supplement to existing knowledge, published information, and practice guidelines. Learners should appraise the information presented critically, and draw conclusions only after careful consideration of all available scientific information.Accreditation and Credit DesignationIn support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by American Academy of CME, Inc. and CheckRare CE. American Academy of CME, Inc. is Jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.PhysiciansAmerican Academy of CME, Inc., designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Other HCPsOther members of the care team will receive a certificate of participation.There are no fees to participate in the activity. Participants must review the activity information including the learning objectives and disclosure statements, as well as the content of the activity. To receive CME credit for your participation, please complete the pre and post-program assessments. Your certificate will be emailed to you within 30 days.PrivacyFor more information about the American Academy of CME privacy policy, please access http://www.academycme.org/privacy.htm For more information about CheckRare's privacy policy, please access https://checkrare.com/privacy/ContactFor any questions, please contact: CEServices@academycme.orgCopyright© 2026. This CME-certified activity is held as copyrighted © by American Academy of CME and CheckRare CE. Through this notice, the Academy and CheckRare CE grant permission of its use for educational purposes only. These materials may not be used, in whole or in part, for any commercial purposes without prior permission in writing from the copyright owner(s).
David Shulman, MD, joins us on OsteoBites to discuss the newly opened phase 1/2 study to evaluate LNTH-2403, a LRRC15-targeted radiopharmaceutical, in patients with relapsed/refractory osteosarcoma.For many years, LRRC15 has been known to be an important target in osteosarcoma. A prior study showed a strong signal of activity of an LRRC15-targeted therapy in osteosarcoma; however, the development of the agent was not pursued. There is now a novel LRRC15-targeting radiopharmaceutical that has entered clinical trials for patients with osteosarcoma, and Dr. Shulman will provide an overview of this newly opened trial.Dr. David Shulman is a Pediatric Oncologist and clinical/translational researcher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he also serves as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. As the Director of the DFCI AYA Sarcoma Program, he focuses his clinical practice on the specialized care of adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with sarcomas. His research program, which has received support from the NIH and Harvard Catalyst, is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches and the utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a clinical biomarker. He leads a national liquid biopsy study for patients with Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, known as the LEOPARD study.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Sarah Sammons, MD Despite advances in the treatment of HR-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, patients with PIK3CA-mutated disease who progress after a CDK4/6 inhibitor still face limited effective and tolerable treatment options.1 This unmet need has fueled interest in zovegalisib (formerly RLY-2608), a next generation, pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor designed to spare wild-type protein and potentially reduce class-related toxicities.2 Dr. Sarah Sammons joins Dr. Charles Turck to review key findings from the first-in-human ReDiscover trial of zovegalisib + fulvestrant that supported initiation of the Phase 3 ReDiscover-2 study3,4, which is currently enrolling. They also discuss ReDiscover-2 eligibility criteria, along with patient selection and screening considerations, using hypothetical case scenarios. Dr. Sammons is the Associate Director of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. References: Mishra R, Patel H, Alanazi S, Kilroy MK, Garrett JT. PI3K inhibitors in cancer: clinical implications and adverse effects. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7)doi:10.3390/ijms22073464 Varkaris A, Pazolli E, Gunaydin H, et al. Discovery and clinical proof-of-concept of RLY-2608, a first-in-class mutant-selective allosteric PI3Kα inhibitor that decouples antitumor activity from hyperinsulinemia. Cancer Discovery. 2024;14(2):240–257. doi:10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0944 ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT06982521. Accessed April 12, 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06982521 Rugo HS, Saura C, Jhaveri K, et al. Poster PS5-08-25: …
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Sarah Sammons, MD Despite advances in the treatment of HR-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, patients with PIK3CA-mutated disease who progress after a CDK4/6 inhibitor still face limited effective and tolerable treatment options.1 This unmet need has fueled interest in zovegalisib (formerly RLY-2608), a next generation, pan-mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor designed to spare wild-type protein and potentially reduce class-related toxicities.2 Dr. Sarah Sammons joins Dr. Charles Turck to review key findings from the first-in-human ReDiscover trial of zovegalisib + fulvestrant that supported initiation of the Phase 3 ReDiscover-2 study3,4, which is currently enrolling. They also discuss ReDiscover-2 eligibility criteria, along with patient selection and screening considerations, using hypothetical case scenarios. Dr. Sammons is the Associate Director of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. References: Mishra R, Patel H, Alanazi S, Kilroy MK, Garrett JT. PI3K inhibitors in cancer: clinical implications and adverse effects. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7)doi:10.3390/ijms22073464 Varkaris A, Pazolli E, Gunaydin H, et al. Discovery and clinical proof-of-concept of RLY-2608, a first-in-class mutant-selective allosteric PI3Kα inhibitor that decouples antitumor activity from hyperinsulinemia. Cancer Discovery. 2024;14(2):240–257. doi:10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0944 ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT06982521. Accessed April 12, 2026. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06982521 Rugo HS, Saura C, Jhaveri K, et al. Poster PS5-08-25: …
We spoke with Glynn Hawley, Director of Operations for the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), anout the 2026 event, aiming to raise $79 million for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The event on August 1-2 will feature 6,000 riders starting from Holy Cross in Worcester and Boston College in Wellesley.
Dr. Robert Soiffer took an interest in medicine at an early age when he played a physician in his first-grade play. Today, he is a leading physician, researcher, and teacher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in oncology. In this episode, Dr. Soiffer describes the incredible pace of change in the field of cancer research and treatment and the detection tools and cures that are right around the corner. He also reflects on how he maintains a positive and optimistic outlook despite the many times he's forced to deliver terrible news to patients and families. While he tries hard not to bring these tough times home with him, he also stresses the importance of keeping his humanity and treating his patients and their families as people, not just statistics. Chapters: 02:29 Dana-Farber's Special Mission Dr. Soiffer discusses what makes Dana-Farber Cancer Institute unique, emphasizing its focus on cancer patients and the common purpose among all staff. 05:50 Evolution of Cancer Treatment This segment details the seismic shift in cancer treatment over the past 40 years, from nonspecific chemotherapy to targeted therapies focusing on specific mutations. 10:25 Bone Marrow Transplants and Graft vs. Leukemia Dr. Soiffer delves into the history of bone marrow transplants, highlighting the Nobel Prize-winning work of E. Donald Thomas and the intriguing concept of graft versus leukemia effect. 15:02 The Role of Medical Education and Mentoring This chapter emphasizes the critical role of medical education and mentoring in shaping the future of medicine, drawing from Dr. Soiffer's experience as chief medical resident and mentor. He discusses the mutual learning process between experienced physicians and younger generations, and the importance of continuous learning. 19:50 Personal Impact of Oncology Work Dr. Soiffer reflects on the emotional challenges of his work, balancing optimism with realism and honesty while treating patients facing life-threatening situations. He discusses the difficulty of compartmentalizing emotions and the importance of maintaining humanity and connection with patients and their families, even when outcomes are not positive. 24:57 The Value of Clinical Trials This chapter explains the critical role of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment, from early-stage phase I trials to comparative studies. Dr. Soiffer describes patients participating in these trials as brave pioneers, highlighting how targeted, immune, and cellular therapies would not exist without their contributions. 28:39 Global Collaboration in Medicine Dr. Soiffer discusses the extensive global collaboration in medical and scientific fields, emphasizing the shared mission to develop therapies for suffering patients. 35:33 Future of Cancer Treatment and Prevention Looking ahead, Dr. Soiffer predicts less toxic and more precise cancer treatments with improved therapeutic ratios, focusing on overcoming resistance and early detection. He discusses the potential of preventing progression to full-blown malignancy through early intervention and the growing understanding of germline predispositions to cancer. 41:26 Conclusion and Call to Optimism The episode concludes with Bill Burke thanking Dr. Soiffer for his time and invaluable insights, highlighting the rapid pace of change and innovation in cancer research. He also expresses hope and optimism for the future of cancer care.
Welcome to OncLive On Air®! I'm your host today, Riley Kandel.OncLive On Air is a podcast from OncLive®, which provides oncology professionals with the resources and information they need to provide the best patient care. In both digital and print formats, OncLive covers every angle of oncology practice, from new technology to treatment advances to important regulatory decisions.During Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, OncLive® sat down with Peter Enzinger, MD, to discuss evolving standards and ongoing areas of uncertainty in the diagnosis and management of esophageal cancer. In the exclusive interview, Enzinger highlighted common diagnostic and staging pitfalls in newly diagnosed disease; outlined the evolving role of surgery, chemoradiation, and multidisciplinary care; and reviewed emerging targeted therapeutic strategies shaping treatment decisions in esophageal and gastroesophageal cancers. He also discussed ongoing clinical trials of interest, including studies evaluating zanidatamab-hrii (Ziihera), pembrolizumab (Keytruda)–based nonoperative approaches, and novel combinations incorporating Claudin 18.2–targeted therapy.Enzinger serves as director of the Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer, institute physician, and medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. _____That's all we have for today! Thank you for listening to this episode of OncLive On Air. Check back throughout the week for exclusive interviews with leading experts in the oncology field.For more updates in oncology, be sure to visit www.OncLive.com and sign up for our e-newsletters.OncLive is also on social media. On X and BlueSky, follow us at @OncLive. On Facebook, like us at OncLive, and follow our OncLive page on LinkedIn.If you liked today's episode of OncLive On Air, please consider subscribing to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many of your other favorite podcast platforms,* so you get a notification every time a new episode is posted. While you are there, please take a moment to rate us!Thanks again for listening to OncLive On Air.*OncLive On Air is available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, CastBox, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, RadioPublic, and TuneIn.
Welcome to the Oncology Brothers podcast! In this episode, we were joined by Dr. Jacob Sands, a thoracic medical oncologist from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, to discuss the current treatment algorithms for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Listen us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31BXhY9FM4gPWG10WgE11o Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oncology-brothers-practice-changing-cancer-discussions/id1653340966 Follow us on social media: • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/oncbrothers • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncbrothers • Website: https://oncbrothers.com/ We dived deep into the aggressive nature of SCLC and the meaningful advances in treatment over the past few years. Key topics included: • The role of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage SCLC. • Insights into the ADRIATIC study, which highlighted the efficacy of Durvalumab in limited-stage disease. • The debate surrounding prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) and its implications for patient care. • The latest findings from the IMforte study, showcasing the combination of Atezolizumab and Lurbinectedin as a new standard of care in extensive-stage SCLC. • The promising results of Tarlatamab in the second-line setting and its impact on overall survival. Join us as we explored these advancements and their potential to improve patient outcomes in the fight against small cell lung cancer. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and check out our other episodes for more insights into oncology! #SmallCellLungCancer, #SCLC, #ADRIATIC, , #IMforte, #OncologyBrothers
In today's episode, we spoke with Alissa Cooper, MD. Dr Cooper is a physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. In our exclusive interview, Dr Cooper discussed recent advances that have reshaped the treatment paradigm for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), particularly in the relapsed setting. She highlighted the FDA approval of tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra), a DLL3-targeting T-cell engager, as one of the most impactful developments in recent years. Despite this progress, Cooper emphasized that the frontline standard of care has remained largely unchanged, continuing to rely on platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy. She noted that, although ongoing clinical trials are exploring biomarker-driven strategies and novel combinations, a more personalized first-line approach has yet to be established.The conversation also explored real-world treatment sequencing and decision-making at the point of relapse. Cooper explained that, whenever feasible, oncologists aim to enroll patients in clinical trials or initiate treatment with tarlatamab. However, logistical barriers, including trial screening requirements and the need for monitored administration of T-cell engagers, can delay care. In cases of rapidly progressing disease, oncologists may instead turn to cytotoxic therapies such as lurbinectedin (Zepzelca) or use localized approaches like radiation to achieve faster disease control.The importance of multidisciplinary coordination was another key theme. Cooper underscored that SCLC management requires rapid collaboration among medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, and supportive care teams. Early involvement of palliative care is also critical, given the aggressive nature of the disease and high symptom burden.Additionally, she highlighted the essential role of oncology pharmacists, nursing teams, and structured patient education. Clear toxicity management protocols, dose-modification guidelines, and comprehensive patient education visits help ensure safe treatment delivery and empower patients to manage adverse effects.Looking ahead, Cooper described an “embarrassment of riches” in emerging therapies and targets under investigation. Beyond DLL3, novel approaches targeting markers such as SEZ6 and B7-H3, as well as next-generation antibody-drug conjugates and trispecific T-cell engagers, are showing early promise. However, key questions remain regarding biomarker selection, treatment sequencing, and real-world effectiveness, particularly for patients who would not meet clinical trial eligibility criteria.Finally, she emphasized that improving coordination between community and academic centers is essential to ensuring timely access to innovative therapies and clinical trials. Strengthening communication pathways and referral processes may help bridge gaps in care and improve outcomes for patients with this aggressive disease.
HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich GUESTS: Lecia Sequist, MD and Allison Chang, MD, Ph.D. We are building on our previous "All in the Family" episode, with Jaclyn Lo Piccolo, MD, Ph.D., Pasi Janne, MD, Ph.D., of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Jill Feldman from EGFR Resisters. To look deeper into how a family history of lung cancer might increase the risk for other members, we invited Drs. Lecia Sequist and Allison Chang from Mass General Hospital to discuss their latest research on risk factors and the role of family history in lung cancer. We examine the current array of diagnostic tools—from CT scans to germline genetic testing—and the mystery of why some family members are more vulnerable to environmental pollutants than others. Tune in to see how Drs. Sequist and Chang are using AI- driven CT analysis to identify risk in those with a family history of lung cancer and learn if you qualify to participate in their
From Discovery to Delivery: Charting Progress in Gynecologic Oncology, hosted by Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, brings expert insights into the most recent breakthroughs, evolving standards, and emerging therapies across gynecologic cancers. Dr Matulonis is chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Brock-Wilcon Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts. In this episode, Dr Matulonis was joined by Elizabeth H. Stover, MD, PhD, a physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Together, they explored the biology and therapeutic relevance of the RAS/MAP kinase pathway in gynecologic cancers. Dr Stover began by explaining that the RAS/MAP kinase pathway is a well-established oncogenic signaling cascade that regulates cancer cell proliferation, survival, and invasion. Advances in drug development are now making it possible to target multiple points along this pathway, including RAS itself, once considered “undruggable.”Drs Matulonis and Stover emphasized that RAS/MAP kinase pathway alterations are relatively common across gynecologic malignancies, occurring in at least 20% of cases overall. Certain disease subtypes have particularly high prevalence, including low-grade serous ovarian cancer, mucinous ovarian cancer, and subsets of endometrial and cervical cancers. Clinically, activation of this pathway is generally associated with more aggressive disease and reduced sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy, although nuances exist. The conversation also explored emerging therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Early developmental success with MEK inhibitors—such as trametinib (Mekinist), selumetinib (Koselugo), and binimetinib (Mektovi)—has translated to meaningful clinical benefit, particularly in low-grade serous ovarian cancer. More recently, combination approaches have shown promise, including the dual RAF/MEK inhibitor avutometinib paired with the FAK inhibitor defactinib (Avmapki Fakzynja Co-pack). This combination addresses adaptive resistance mechanisms and has generated improved response rates and disease control, leading to its May 2025 FDA approval in this setting.Looking ahead, Dr Stover highlighted the development of direct RAS inhibitors as one of the most exciting advances in oncology. Dr Stover concluded by outlining key areas of ongoing research, including understanding differential sensitivity across tumor subtypes, identifying mechanisms of resistance, and optimizing combination strategies.
In this episode, Chris and Shaun sit down with Andy Rotherham, co-founder of Bellwether Education Partners and a veteran of the Clinton White House. Andy has spent over 30 years at the intersection of education policy and social impact, but he's also a music enthusiast, a Red Sox fan, a Boston bar investor, a podcaster himself, and a man willing to run a 5k in a full Easter Bunny costume to surprise his daughter.We dive into the "no-fluff" reality of the American education system, discussing why school "averages" are often not helpful and how we can actually move the needle on equity. We also explore the "modern vice" landscape—from the gamification of sports betting to the pervasive influence of social media on youth.In this episode, we discuss:The McCaskill Update: A shout-out to previous guest John McCaskill on his new book, Dialing Your Leadership .The History of a "Planned Community": Growing up in Reston, Virginia, and how its "hippie experiment" origins shaped Andy's worldview .The Trillion-Dollar Industry: Why education spending is both too much and not enough, and the desperate need for honest performance audits .The "Omni Cause": The quantitative shift in how gambling, weed, and social media are impacting the next generation .A Personal "Why": Andy's commitment to the Pan-Mass Challenge and raising funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of his fathers .Speed Round: Andy's life mantra, "What's the worst that can happen?"Resources Mentioned:Bellwether Education PartnersEduwonk (Substack)Pan-Mass Challenge / Dana-FarberD.I.A.L. IN YOUR LEADERSHIP by John McCaskillThanks to our sponsor, Mental. Mental is a wellness app built specifically for men, offering a sanctuary from "toxic positivity" and generic advice. It provides personalized, affordable, and science-backed support through real-life coaching designed to help you navigate life's messiest challenges. If you've been thinking about doing something for your mental health, visit https://app.getmental.com/subscribe to get started.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more people find these important conversations!
Dr Paul G Richardson from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, discusses how CELMoDs function, available data with these agents and their possible future role in the treatment of multiple myeloma.CME information and select publications here.
As we take a brief hiatus from releasing new episodes, we wanted to revisit Tom's conversation with WellWithAll CEO and Co-Founder, Demond Martin, from back in December. Demond has an incredible story, and he's built a powerhouse of a company while going to great lengths to lift up his community. Enjoy! Show Notes: In this country, health outcomes are too often dictated by your ZIP code, but one company is working very hard to fix those inequities.Demond Martin, is the CEO and co-founder of WellWithAll, a health and wellness company dedicated to advancing health equity for underserved communities. Operating under ‘inclusive capitalism', WellWithAll reinvests 20% of its profits into health initiatives tailored to specific community needs, tackling health disparities, and ensuring a targeted approach to wellness.Before WellWithAll, Demond was a senior partner at Adage Capital Management, where he invested in the consumer sector for 21 years. Earlier in his career, he served in the Clinton administration, and he has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Berkeley College of Music, The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Obama Foundation. Today, we get into what WellWithAll does, how they're giving back to the community, and Demond's journey from a trailer in North Carolina to CEO of this incredible company.Highlights:Demond's background (2:21)Stories from the White House (3:50)Working at a hedge fund (5:58)Lessons about investing (8:32)The origins of WellWithAll (11:42)Health inequities (13:54)How WellWithAll has evolved (15:08)Getting in with large retailers (17:08)Sources of funding (18:57)The Obama Foundation (20:19)A career in politics? (21:00)Demond's mentors (22:14)27th ICR Conference (24:04))Links:Demond Martin LinkedInWellWithAll LinkedInWellWithAll WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.
Investor and philanthropist, Demond Martin, is Co-Founder and CEO ofWellWithAll, an innovative health and wellness company that pours 20% of itsprofits into health equity. Prior to becoming CEO of WellWithAll, Demond wasa senior partner at Adage Capital Management, where he invested in theconsumer sector for 21 years. Demond joined Adage after graduating fromHarvard Business School, and received his undergraduate degree inaccounting from UNC Charlotte. He subsequently worked as the assistant to President Clinton's White House Chief of Staff, Erskine Bowles. Demond and his wife Kia through their family foundation focus on erasing gaps created by racial and social injustice in the areas of education and healthcare. Demond serves on a number of non-profit boards including as a trustee at the Berklee College of Music, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Grammy Global Venture Board, and the Obama Foundation. On this episode of The Vault, we discuss Demond's new book, “Friends Of The Good” and how you can surround yourself with friendships and allies who help you to achieve mental wealth and material success. How to choose the right friends. How to choose the right fraternity. How to choose the right allies. How to become an advocate. How to support your longevity How to Cope with High Functioning Depression.Follow Demond T MartinDemond T Martin InstagramDemond T Martin WebsiteDemond T Martin BookDemond T Martin's Company WellWithALLFollow Dr. Judith Joseph: Instagram High Functioning Book TikTok Facebook Website Newsletter Sign-Up YouTube Anhedonia QuizDisclaimer: Consider your individual mental health needs with a licensed medicalprofessional. This content is not medical advice.
Marlise Luskin, MD With so many new advances in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), understanding today's treatment landscape can give patients a clearer, more hopeful outlook. In this episode, we speak with Marlise Luskin, MD of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, about what adults should know when facing a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Dr. Luskin helps listeners understand how ALL develops, how subtypes are identified, and why genetics play an important role in guiding treatment. She discusses current therapies including chemotherapy, targeted agents and immunotherapies including CAR T-cell therapy, as well as how care teams monitor progress and manage side effects. While ALL is a complex disease, patients and caregivers will hear clear explanations, practical information, and meaningful reasons to feel hopeful about the advances shaping ALL care today. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) fact sheet Allogeneic stem cell transplantation Clinical Trial Support Center ALL Children and Teens booklet Additional Blood Cancer United Support Resources: Information Specialists Financial support Online Chat Free Nutrition Consultations Free telephone/web patient programs Free booklets Support groups Caregiver support Caregiver Workbook Young Adult Resources Survivorship Workbook Advocacy and Public Policy Patient Community Mental Health Resources Episode supported by Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc. The post Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): The New Tools Shaping Tomorrow first appeared on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast.
From Discovery to Delivery: Charting Progress in Gynecologic Oncology, hosted by Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, brings expert insights into the most recent breakthroughs, evolving standards, and emerging therapies across gynecologic cancers. Dr Matulonis is chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Brock-Wilcon Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts.In this episode, Dr Matulonis sat down with guest Katharine M. Esselen, MD, MBA. Dr Esselen is an attending gynecologic oncologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Drs Matulonis and Esselen explored the growing effect of financial toxicity in gynecologic oncology, emphasizing how economic burden can influence access to care, treatment adherence, and patient outcomes. Dr Esselen, whose research focuses on patient-centered outcomes and value-based care, highlighted that financial toxicity extends beyond direct medical costs to include indirect burdens such as lost wages, childcare needs, transportation, and basic living expenses. To address these challenges, Dr Esselen and her colleagues developed a financial navigation program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This initiative includes systematic screening for financial concerns and dedicated support from a financial navigator who connects patients with resources such as insurance optimization, transportation assistance, and financial aid programs. Implementation of this program significantly increased identification of at-risk patients and improved access to supportive services.Importantly, Drs Matulonis and Esselen emphasized that financial toxicity is not only a quality-of-life issue but also a clinical one. Studies show that patients experiencing high financial burden are more likely to delay or forgo care and less likely to adhere to prescribed treatments, which may ultimately affect survival outcomes. Drs Matulonis and Esselen concluded the discussion by outlining the steps that can be taken to reduce financial burden on patients, underscoring the need for proactive screening, multidisciplinary support, and systemic change.
In this episode, part of a special collaboration between ACM ByteCast and the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA)'s For Your Informatics podcast, Sabrina Hsueh and Li Zhou host Monica Bertagnolli, a surgical oncologist, physician-scientist, and President Elect of the National Academy of Medicine—the first woman to hold that position in NAM's history. She previously served as the 17th Director of the National Institutes of Health and the 16th Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), as well as President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. In the past, she was the Richard E. Wilson Professor of Surgery in surgical oncology at Harvard Medical School, a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a member of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment and Sarcoma Centers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In the interview, Dr. Bertagnolli shares her unique journey from Princeton engineering to cancer surgery and national leadership. She emphasizes collaboration, system thinking, and bringing an engineering mindset of “pilot, test, scale, and continuously improve” to AI in healthcare. She highlights her role in founding mCODE, an initiative to improve patient care through oncological data interoperability, and how NAM's six core commitments and ten guiding principles for responsible AI address issues of bias and equity. Dr. Bertagnolli also offers insights on the growing erosion of trust in science and medicine—and how to restore it.
In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Corey Cutler, MD of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard University sits down with Nosha Farhadfar, MD, medical director of research for Sarah Cannon Research Institute's transplant and cellular therapy program at Methodist Healthcare, and Pooja Khandelwal, MD, an associate professor within the division of bone marrow transplantation at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, to discuss adult and pediatric treatment perspectives for cGVHD.Tune in for a conversation that covers:Adult and pediatric cGVHD treatment approaches,including frontline choices and the selection and effectiveness of medications.Expert practice experiences for use in cGVHD treatment.New therapeutics the experts are looking forward to in cGVHD treatment. This episode was made possible thanks to a grant from Incyte.
In today's episode, we spoke with Julia Rotow, MD, and Martin Dietrich, MD, PhD. Dr Rotow is the clinical director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology and director of clinical research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr Dietrich is a medical oncologist with The US Oncology Network Cancer Care Centers of Brevard and an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando.In our exclusive interview, Drs Rotow and Dietrich discussed the significance of the accelerated FDA approval of zongertinib (Hernexeos) for patients with HER2 TKD–mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They highlighted how this approval addresses a longstanding unmet need in a patient population that historically relied on chemotherapy-based approaches.They noted that the introduction of zongertinib into the frontline setting represents a meaningful shift toward upfront biomarker-driven care, aligning HER2-positive disease with other oncogene-driven lung cancers where targeted therapies are used upfront.The discussion also focused on efficacy findings from the pivotal phase 1b Beamion LUNG-1 trial (NCT04886804). In previously untreated patients with HER2 TKD mutations, zongertinib generated an objective response rate of 76% (95% CI, 65%-85%). The treatment also showed encouraging durability, with 64% of responders having a duration of response (DOR) lasting at least 6 months and 44% of responders having a DOR lasting at least 12 months. Regarding safety, Rotow and Dietrich explained that zongertinib was designed as a HER2-selective inhibitor, potentially minimizing off-target EGFR-related toxicities. The most common adverse effects included low-grade diarrhea, rash, and liver enzyme elevations, with interstitial lung disease occurring infrequently. Notably, no significant signal for cardiac toxicity was observed, distinguishing zongertinib from some other HER2-directed therapies. Finally, the experts underscored the importance of comprehensive biomarker testing to identify HER2 alterations and ensure that patients can benefit from these expanding targeted treatment options.
Dr Paul G Richardson from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, discusses how CELMoDs function, available data with these agents and their possible future role in the treatment of multiple myeloma.CME information and select publications here.
In this episode of Oncology on The Go, created in collaboration with the American Psychosocial Oncology Society, Daniel C. McFarland, DO, and Ilana M. Braun, MD, dove into the complexities of cannabis use within the oncology landscape. They explored the tension between rising public popularity and the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny in symptom management.Key Discussion Points: The 2024 ASCO Guidelines: Braun highlighted the first-of-its-kind clinical guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which acknowledge medicinal utility for chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting (as an adjunct), and non-cancer pain. Routes of Administration: McFarland and Braun compared oral, combusted, and vaporized methods, noting that while oncologists favor oral routes, they are subject to "first-pass metabolism," which can delay relief. Safety and Clinical Concerns: There are potential negative impacts on outcomes for patients using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Risks may impact patients with a personal or family history of psychosis when using THC-predominant products. There are possible dangers linked to e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) from informally sourced products. Addressing "Cancer-Directed" Claims: The pair addressed the misconception that cannabis treats the cancer itself, noting that ASCO explicitly discourages using it as a replacement for conventional treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. The Future of Research: The discussion concluded with the potential impact of reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III, which could reduce red tape and enable high-quality comparative efficacy trials for sleep, anxiety, and depression. The conversation emphasized a "harm reduction" approach, urging oncologists to provide stigma-free, evidence-based education while respecting patient autonomy.McFarland is the director of the Psycho-Oncology Program at Wilmot Cancer Center and a medical oncologist who specializes in head, neck, and lung cancer, in addition to being the psycho-oncology editorial advisory board member for the journal ONCOLOGY. Braun is an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. ReferenceBraun IM, Bohlke K, Abrams DI, et al. Cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with cancer: ASCO guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(13):1575-1593. doi:10.1200/JCO.23.02596
I sit down with Hanna Lombardi, lynch syndrome patient at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, mom of 3, who is also running the Boston Marathon to raise Lyncgh Syndreome awareness. Come for the Lynch Syndrome story, enjoy a donut or two, and stay for the guest appearance. Then go for a jog.
We're so thrilled to welcome back the legendary Dave McGillivray, who has served as the Boston Marathon race director since 2001. Dave breaks down the key changes to this year's race, offering clarity into what runners can expect with six waves, rather than four, and how to adjust accordingly. Dave also offers course insight and guidance, along with how he's training for his 54th consecutive Boston Marathon, which he will run with his three children and astronaut Sunita Williams. As taper begins and nerves set in, Dave shares thoughtful words of encouragement to help runners stay patient, confident, and ready to embrace race day. More about Dave: Dave is the founder and president of DMSE Sports, Inc., a full-service event-management organization. McGillivray has directed or consulted on more than 1,400 events throughout the world including the Boston Marathon, the Beach to Beacon 10K, the ASICS Falmouth Road Race, the Mount Washington Road Race, the Olympic Marathon trials, and the Olympic Games.Dave is also the founder of the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation, which seeks to inspire and empower youth to increase physical activity, expand literacy, and build community and self-esteem through running, reading, and acts of kindness. Dave has completed 173 marathons, including 53 consecutive Boston Marathons. In 1978, he completed an 80-day trek across the United States, running the 3,452 miles from Medford, Ore., to Medford, Mass. to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Dave is on Instagram @dmsedave. Join us for our shakeout run in Boston on Sunday, 4/19 at 8:30 at a new location—338 Newbury Street in front of Trident Booksellers.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Interested in hiring a coach? Email us at julieandlisa@runfartherandfaster.com or head over to our website.Please follow, share and review our show!
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Jon and Jenn Wall—co-founders of Zach's Bridge and parents whose journey has inspired a mission of connection, advocacy, and support for families navigating pediatric cancer.Jon, President of Zach's Bridge, brings both personal experience and professional expertise to his work. As a member of the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Co-Leader of the Dadcology support group, he is deeply committed to supporting fathers through the challenges of caregiving. With a career spanning leadership roles in companies like Adobe, Bullhorn, and PrismHR, Jon offers a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and purpose.Jenn, Executive Director of Zach's Bridge, is a Licensed Certified Social Worker and Parent Peer Research Navigator at Dana-Farber. With a background in bereavement support and healthcare operations, she combines clinical expertise with lived experience to guide and uplift families. Her work is rooted in compassion, connection, and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities families face.Together, Jon and Jenn share their story, the inspiration behind Zach's Bridge, and how they are building a community where no family has to face pediatric cancer alone.Contacts: Kelly - kgoddard@nationalpcf.orgTiffany - info@goldribbon-kids.orgSupport the show
The 2026 World Baseball Classic championship is set with USA facing Venezuela. Regardless of the outcome, the true winners of the WBC are the Red Sox, given how well their players have performed throughout the tournament, & with Roman Anthony (USA), Garrett Whitlock (USA), Willson Contreras (Venezuela), Wilyer Abreu (Venezuela), Ranger Suarez (Venezuela) all featured on the rosters for the Championship game. Tom Caron is joined by Will Middlebrooks & Dave O'Brien to discuss the WBC championship & the impact the tournament has had on Boston's upcoming season. Plus, the Red Sox hosted their annual Jimmy Fund Spring Training trip where they welcomed teenage patients from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Jimmy Fund Clinic to Fort Myers, Florida. Hear what Sonny Gray & Garrett Crochet had to say about being part of the experience. All that & more on 310 To Left presented by your New England Ford Dealers, hosted by Tom Caron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Throughout this series, we have discussed that for eligible patients, the current standard of care is to take patients for autologous stem cell transplant as consolidation for their multiple myeloma. In this reboot episode, we sit down with two incredible hematologists who specialize in transplant to discuss the real-life decision-making that goes into evaluating each patient. We are so excited to welcome two special guests this week, Dr. Shonali Midha and Dr. Amar Kelkar, joining us from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston!Content:- What goes into determining if a patient is transplant eligible?- What counseling is provided to patients? - Approach to melphalan dosing- How does apheresis work? - What agents are used to help mobilize stem cells? - How many stem cells do we need to collect?- Does how much therapy one has received affect their collection? - Is there still a role for transplant in today's world?- Is there a role for an "MRD-adapted" approach to treatment?- Is there a role for a second transplant in patients who have relapsed?- Is there a role for allogeneic stem cell transplants in myeloma?A huge THANK YOU to our guests, Dr. Shonali Midha and Dr. Amar Kelkar, both of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute!** Want to review the show notes for this episode and others? Check out our website. Love what you hear? Tell a friend and leave a review on our podcast streaming platforms!Twitter: @TheFellowOnCallInstagram: @TheFellowOnCallListen in on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Youtube
Everyone is at risk of breast cancer. Some are more at risk than others due to hereditary factors – such as a family history of cancers – and lifestyle choices that affect our overall health. Knowing your risk of breast cancer can help you decide what steps to take to lower your risk. Joining me today is Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, a Susan G. Komen Scholar and Komen grantee, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Senior Physician at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and an expert on the impact of lifestyle factors, cancer risk and outcomes. Through more than a dozen lifestyle intervention trials, Dr. Ligibel has evaluated the impact of exercise, weight loss, fitness, body composition and quality of life in cancer patients and survivors.
Dr Hope S Rugo from City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California, and Dr Sara M Tolaney from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, discuss key clinical trial data with antibody-drug conjugates in the management of breast cancer.CME information and select publications here.
In today's episode, we sat down with Sarah Sammons, MD. Dr Sammons is associate director of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Program and a senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts.In our exclusive interview, Dr Sammons discussed the rationale for and findings from a phase 2 study (NCT06449222) evaluating the PD-L1– and VEGF-A–directed bispecific antibody pumitamig (BNT327/BMS986545) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), as well as what these data may mean for the TNBC treatment paradigm.
From Discovery to Delivery: Charting Progress in Gynecologic Oncology, hosted by Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, brings expert insights into the most recent breakthroughs, evolving standards, and emerging therapies across gynecologic cancers. Dr Matulonis is chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Brock-Wilcon Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts.In this episode, Dr Matulonis sat down with guest Susana M. Campos, MD, MPH. Dr Campos is the clinical director and director of Educational Initiatives for the of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and an institute physician and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Drs Matulonis and Campos discussed the evolving landscape of newly diagnosed cervical cancer, from epidemiologic trends to emerging therapeutic strategies.According to 2026 estimates from the American Cancer Society, approximately 13,400 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, with roughly 4200 deaths. Although incidence has declined over time due to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening efforts, rates have plateaued, and the disease burden remains substantial, particularly among women aged 35 to 64 years. Dr Campos noted that approximately half of cases occur in women younger than 50 years of age, and about 20% are diagnosed in women older than 65 years of age.Dr Campos reviewed common presenting symptoms, including abnormal vaginal bleeding, intermenstrual or postmenopausal bleeding, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, and, in advanced cases, urinary symptoms or leg swelling. She explained that diagnosis begins with pelvic examination and cervical cytology or HPV testing, followed by colposcopy and biopsy when indicated. Although cervical cancer remains one of the few malignancies that is clinically staged, imaging modalities, such as MRI, CT, and PET scans, are critical to accurately defining disease extent, they underscored. Moreover, the discussion highlighted transformative advances in locally advanced disease. The phase 3 KEYNOTE-A18 trial (NCT04221945) demonstrated improved progression-free and overall survival with the addition of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard chemoradiation, establishing a new standard for high-risk patients, Campos stated. Similarly, the phase 3 INTERLACE trial (NCT01566240) showed that short-course induction chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel before chemoradiation improved long-term outcomes. Campos forecasted that ongoing studies, including the phase 3 NRG-GY037 trial (NCT07061977), may integrate these approaches and further refine optimal treatment sequencing.Lastly, Drs Matulonis and Campos highlighted the expanding therapeutic arsenal in the recurrent and metastatic setting. Campos noted how antibody-drug conjugates, such as tisotumab vedotin-tftv (Tivdak) and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu), have demonstrated meaningful activity, particularly in biomarker-selected populations. Campos added that investigational strategies targeting TROP2, such as sacituzumab govitecan-hziy (Trodelvy), represent additional promising avenues.Despite these advances, both experts emphasized that prevention remains paramount. Widespread uptake of HPV vaccination, including the 9-valent vaccine, as well as adherence to routine cervical screening, are essential to reducing the long-term burden of this largely preventable disease.
Dr Natalie S Callander from the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center in Madison and Dr Paul G Richardson from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, discuss the potential role of CELMoDs in the management of multiple myeloma, supporting clinical data and ongoing investigations.CME information and select publications here.
In this episode of the Oncology Brothers podcast, hosts Rahul and Rohit Gosain dived deep into the evolving landscape of breast cancer treatment algorithms, focusing on early and locally advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Joined by Dr. Erica Mayer, a breast medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Listen us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31BXhY9FM4gPWG10WgE11o Follow us on social media: • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oncologybrothers/ • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/oncbrothers • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncbrothers • Website: https://oncbrothers.com/ The discussion covered: • The role of chemotherapy in early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, including the use of anthracyclines versus taxane-based approaches. • Insights from the TAILORx trial and the implications of Oncotype DX scores in treatment decisions. • The ongoing OFSET trial and its potential impact on premenopausal patients with low recurrence scores. • The use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, including ribociclib and abemaciclib, in the adjuvant setting, along with their side effect profiles and dosing considerations. • The significance of the recent lidERA trial results featuring giredestrant and its implications for future treatment strategies. Join us as we explore the latest data, treatment paradigms, and the importance of patient-shared decision-making in breast cancer care. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and staying up to date in the field of cancer. #EarlyBreastCancer, #OncotypeDX, #CDK46inhibitors, #OralSERD, #AdjuvantTherapy, #OncologyBrothers
Big Truth is a podcaster, Anthropologist, custom motorcycle builder, laser tattoo removal specialist, ex-radio DJ, and punk rock/hardcore vocalist (among other things). He owns a renowned custom motorcycle shop (Choppahead Kustom Cycles) and a Tattoo Shop/Laser Tattoo Removal Business. In the past he's worked as an anthropologist for the World Health Organization, CDC, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Connect with Big Truth:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtruth/Big Truth Podcast: https://www.bigtruthpodcast.com/All links: https://linktr.ee/bigtruthofficial
From Discovery to Delivery: Charting Progress in Gynecologic Oncology, hosted by Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, brings expert insights into the most recent breakthroughs, evolving standards, and emerging therapies across gynecologic cancers. Dr Matulonis is chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Brock-Wilcon Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts.In this episode, Dr Matulonis sat down with guest Rebecca Porter, MD, PhD. Dr Porter is a physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.Drs Matulonis and Porter discussed the evolving role of immunotherapy in gynecologic cancer management, focusing on recent clinical breakthroughs and future directions. They noted that although high-grade serous ovarian cancer has historically been refractory to immunotherapy, the phase 3 KEYNOTE-B96 trial (NCT05116189) demonstrated an efficacy benefit with the addition of pembrolizumab to weekly paclitaxel for patients with platinum-resistant disease. In particular, improvements in overall survival were noted in the PD-L1–positive patient population. Dr Porter attributed this success to the metronomic weekly dosing of paclitaxel, which may increase neoantigen levels and favorably alter the tumor microenvironment (TME).Moreover, the experts highlighted how immunotherapy has already become the standard of care for patients with mismatch repair–deficient advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. However, they explained that for the mismatch repair–proficient population, this benefit is less clear and appears most significant in patients with measurable disease or specific molecular subtypes. They added that although circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay results correlate with treatment outcomes, ctDNA is currently not an actionable biomarker for determining treatment duration or selection.Lastly, Drs Matulonis and Porter reported that the field of gynecologic oncology is shifting toward combination therapies and novel platforms beyond standard checkpoint inhibitors. Treatment advances include bispecific and trispecific antibodies that engage multiple cell types or signals; as well as adoptive cellular therapies, such as CAR T-cell and CAR natural killer–cell therapies. Ultimately, the experts concluded that the goal of managing challenging-to-treat diseases like ovarian cancer is to use combinatorial approaches—incorporating vaccines, anti-angiogenic therapies, and chemotherapy—to overcome the immunosuppressive nature of the TME.
As men and their loved ones explore treatment options for prostate cancer, it's encouraging to know that ongoing innovation is shaping the management of this condition as technology advances. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Mark Hong, a pioneer of an advanced treatment for men with prostate cancer and/or BPH, known as Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation, or TULSA. It is a minimally invasive MRI-guided procedure that destroys cancerous tissue while minimizing side effects. We're thrilled to partner with Profound Medical to introduce today's special guest. Dr. Hong is a board-certified urologist at Integrative Urology in Phoenix, Arizona, and a pioneer of MRI-guided TULSA-PRO incision-free surgery for prostate cancer. He completed his urology residency at Harvard Medical Center and earned selection as a national CAPTURE Scholar in prostate cancer. That allowed him to lead projects alongside world-leading scientists from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the University of California, San Francisco. He also completed a fellowship in robotic and minimally invasive surgery at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has published in almost every major international urology journal, having authored publications on topics ranging from prostate cancer detection to healthcare policy. Dr. Hong joins us today to share more about TULSA-PRO for men with prostate cancer. Having completed over 200 procedures, he has performed more TULSA procedures as an independent urologist, in the absence of a radiologist, than any other urologist in the world. Stay tuned for more! Disclaimer: The Prostate Health Podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as medical advice. By listening to the podcast, no physician-patient relationship has been formed. For more information and counseling, you must contact your personal physician or urologist with questions about your unique situation. Show Highlights: Dr. Hong clarifies what the TULSA procedure is How the TULSA procedure differs from other technologies, in terms of its delivery, advantages, and outcomes Who are the ideal candidates for the TULSA procedure? The potential risks associated with the TULSA procedure What patients undergoing the TULSA procedure can expect How the development of new technologies leads to better outcomes for men with prostate cance Links: Follow Dr. Pohlman on Twitter and Instagram - @gpohlmanmd. Get your free What To Expect Guide (or find the link on our podcast website) Join our Facebook group Follow Dr. Pohlman on Twitter and Instagram Sign up for the Prostate Health Academy You can access Dr. Pohlman's free mini-webinar, where he discusses his top three tips to promote men's prostate health, longevity, and quality of life here. Podcast Partner: Profound Medical TULSA-PRO: https://tulsaprocedure.com/
Trinette Faint recently made her directorial debut for Party Pants, her short film, that she also wrote, starred in, and produced. She also stars in a Dana Farber Cancer Institute commercial, and an Eastern Bank ad. Trinette was the wife of Terrance Howard in MGM's Hart's War, filmed in Prague, Czech Republic, was featured in Caravan Pictures' Celtic Pride, was a principal in a WOW Cable ad, and has voiced national voiceovers for Keds and Fayva shoes.Trinette is the author of Collette's Caleb and MidCoast Star, both escapist romps through the worlds of entertainment and fashion, and is a screenwriter. Her two tv pilots, Peri Does Europe and Collettes' Caleb (based on her novel) placed as semi-finalists in the ScreenCraft 2025 TV Pilot contest.Trinette is also the founder of Floor 51 Productions, her production company, and Chez Faint, her networking events company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Incidence rates of gastric cancer in younger individuals are on the rise and gastric cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. JAMA Review author Haeseong Park, MD, MPH, from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, discusses this and more with JAMA Senior Editor Karen Lasser, MD, MPH. Related Content: Gastric Cancer
Cancer used to be something you worried about later in life — but not anymore. More and more young adults are being diagnosed, and doctors are trying to figure out why this is happening. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with oncologist Dr. Kimmie Ng about what's behind this rise, why colorectal cancer is leading the trend, and the signs you shouldn't ignore. You can find more information and resources at the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This episode was produced by Kyra Dahring. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices