Podcasts about hcc

Liver disease represents a major and under-recognised public health challenge across Africa, driven by a complex interplay of viral hepatitis, rising metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and a high burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite this, awareness, surveillance, and access to care remain limited. In this podcast, we explore the evolving epidemiology of liver disease across the continent, highlighting key drivers, regional variations, and gaps in diagnosis and treatment. Why does the burden remain so under-recognised, and what are the priorities for prevention, early detection, and equitable care in Africa?Host: Debbie Shawcross (King's College London) Guests: Kwame Asomoah (University of Ghana Business School) and Wendy Spearman (University of Cape Town) This episode is also available on EASL Campus: https://easlcampus.eu/tltm/episode-17Thank you to our healthcare industry partners for their support. For more information, please visit EASLCampus.eu.This programme is intended for health care professionals only and is provided for educational purposes. EASL does not endorse or promote any medicinal products or medical devices. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of EASL. All declarations of conflicts of interest are listed on EASL Campus (https://easlcampus.eu/tltm/episode-17).EASL is not responsible for the accuracy of any translated versions of this podcast or of subtitles generated automatically by artificial intelligence.

The Suite Spot attended the 2026 Hotel Data Conference and had the opportunity to interview some of the best and brightest hospitality leaders in the industry to gain their insights and perspectives on prevailing data trends, AI & technology, how to optimize the guest experience and much more.  Be sure to watch the full episode if you missed any of the action from the 2026 Hotel Data Conference.  Special thanks to: Amanda Hite, Jan Freitag, Erica Lipscomb, Max Spangler, & Sam Trotter. Ryan Embree: Welcome to Suite Spot, where hoteliers check in and we check out what’s trending in hotel marketing. I’m your host, Ryan Embree. Hello, everyone. Ryan Embree here at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference here with STR President Amanda Hite. Amanda, great to see you again. Congratulations here. This is our first time at the Hotel Data Conference. Amanda Hite: Oh, wonderful. Thank you. Ryan Embree: Record attendance was just announced. Welcome to The Suite Spot. We’re excited to be here. It was a ton of excitement that we just saw. Tell us a little bit about this event, and we were talking off camera about, do you ever expect it to be what it is right now? Amanda Hite: Yes, we started it 18 years ago with a couple hundred people, maybe. The very first year we’ve always had it in Nashville. This is our home base for the STR part of our business. Most of our employees are here that are in the US. So we started it with a way to connect with customers and more importantly, like, we all have this curiosity about the data. You know, we’re constantly in analyzing, looking at trends in the industry, and we wanted to get people together to hear what are you seeing and let’s talk about it. And that’s really how this started. So it’s, I think it’s for me, my most proud part of this conference is the feeling that everyone has when they come in of being really open and curious and wanting to learn from each other. So you get some really good dynamic conversations happening in the networking breaks and in the hallway. Ryan Embree: Well, it’s such an important time right now too, right? ‘Cause people are already starting, if you can believe it. Well, actually, probably you can look in 2027. Amanda Hite: That’s why we do hotel data conference when we do it. Exactly. It’s budget season. Ryan Embree: Brilliant. Brilliant. Right? And, you know, you just got off stage, like I said. One of the fascinating pieces, like I said, we weren’t here last year, but this is our first time. You said when you first stepped on stage, there were, and you showed some of those original numbers. There was a little bit of a gap in the audience last year. Amanda Hite: Yes. Ryan Embree: But this year, a little bit different story. Amanda Hite: Yes. We had a much better forecast to reveal this year. Last year at this time was when we took the forecast down to reflect what was happening in the industry. And this year, we raised the forecast, not just for the rest of this year, but also for 2027. Ryan Embree: So great to see. And a really cool inflection point, I made a note here, revenue for the first time outpacing expenses, right? What does that mean for hoteliers? Amanda Hite: Yeah. So we finally see the pace of growth on the revenue side outpacing the expense growth. I mean, we’re in a high inflationary environment. Expense growth is something that will continue and hoteliers are having to deal with. But to see that we’re actually going to get some GOP gains, it’s, it’s super helpful. I mean, the point I made this morning though is our margins are not growing. Yeah. So we’ve got some room to grow efficiencies and productivity within the hotels to try to get margins to grow at the same rate of GOP growth. Ryan Embree: Yeah, yeah. It’s challenging right now. And one of the things we’re doing to combat, or CoStar’s doing combat that, bottom line data being added to the product. What’s that mean for the hotel industry? Ryan Embree: Yeah, so within STR Benchmark and the CoStar platform, we introduced at the end of the first quarter our profitability benchmarking. P&L is something that STR has done for 30 years. We did it on an annual basis. And we introduced our monthly benchmarking back in 2020, literally as the world shut down. So maybe not the best timing. But of course, now we’re prepared in an environment like we are today, a very complex operating environment for our hoteliers. It’s, yes, we need to grow revenues, but we must make sure that that is flowing through to the bottom line and that our operators and owners are actually making money. And that’s not been the case in many types of hotels and many markets around the country. So we’re trying to make sure that we bring that visibility of not just the top line growth that we want to see for the industry, but the flow through all the way to the bottom line. Ryan Embree: Yeah, I’d love to see that. And, you know, another thing that we’re gonna hear constantly about at, and at this conference is AI, right? So I guess the overarching question would be more of like, how are you incorporating AI into your products right now? Amanda Hite: This is when I’m so thankful that we are a part of the CoStar Group entity. If you follow our other brands, homes and apartments launched AI in their products earlier this year. So we’re continuing to build off of that. We will have AI search in the CoStar product in the same way that you see in apartments and homes. But for STR benchmarks specifically, what we’re thinking about is making sure that we’re integrating AI into the product, not just sitting on top of the product, but like we interact with the clients all the time on the analysis in the industry. So we want to bring that through AI into the product for our customers to use. So we love when they pick up the phone and call us and wanna talk about data. Right. But we also wanna make it easier for them to surface it within their portfolios in product. And so that’s the path that we’re going down to bring that intelligence in the product and analyzing and spotting the trends, knowing what to look at or sometimes not look at, right? Sometimes it’s a great point. It’s just as important to say like, “Hey, I only have a limited amount of time. Where do I not need to spend time right now?” And that can be tricky, especially when you’re looking at a larger portfolio of trying to discern where, what makes the most sense to drive profitability for my business, for me to spend time on right now. Ryan Embree: 100%. Those complexities and driving efficiency so important right now. And turning those data, that data into actual insights. That what one of the promises of AI. So reason we’re here at the Hotel Data Conference, thank you for taking the time. We’ll, we’ll let you get back. I know you’re hosting almost 900 hoteliers here. So we’ll let, let you get back to Amanda. Thanks for stopping by. Amanda Hite: Thank you, Ryan. Appreciate it. Ryan Embree: Hello, everyone. Ryan Embree here with The Suite Spot live on location Nashville at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference here with Jan Freitag, National Director at CoStar. Jan, thank you so much for taking some time and very busy. You’re hosting almost a thousand hoteliers here. Jan Freitag: Yes, 18th year. Sold out again. So heads up, next year we’ll sell out again. But thanks for being here and sort of taking the pulse on the industry. We appreciate it. Ryan Embree: 100%. Congratulations. Amanda Hite opened us this morning saying last year when she unveiled the forecast, there were audible gaps in the crowd. I feel like behind us, people have been skipping, jumping down, up and down this escalators. Share with us, we got a revised forecast. Jan Freitag: So we’re proposing that RevPar this year is up 4.4%. So that is the second upward revision we had to make, quote unquote. And the data’s just so strong. But then that means that next year, we’re gonna see growth, but it’s much slower global. So next year we’re thinking that RevPargrowth is gonna be like, you know, 2-2.1% or so. So the negative way to say this is, “Oh, our growth rate is cut in half.” The positive way to say this is like, “Oh, we have growth on growth, right? 4% this year, ne – 2% next year.” Ryan Embree: 100%. I mean, a lot of people are going into, you know, we’ve talked to hoteliers here on the Suite Spot, going into their budgets. These are very, very important numbers for them as they go into their budgets because they wanna forecast. When we met last, we were at NYU. There had been zero soccer games played in the US. Now, 104 games later, we got a crown champion. Obviously had a big impact. We’re gonna talk about that in a minute. But that strong performance, one of your big takeaways from this morning was strong performance is gonna equal some tougher comps in 2027, right? Jan Freitag: Yeah, absolutely. So we had arguably easy comps this year, right? The Q2, three, and four RevPAR performance last year was negative. So yeah, we would outperform it this year. That was not a question. But because, RevPAR in the second quarter was up 5.7%, that is a, a very stout result, obviously driven in June, partially by the World Cup remember we’re gonna talk about. You know what that means for next year is, oh wow, we’re not gonna see that performance again. And so my conversation this morning with hoteliers is all about, okay, so how do you massage your owner? How do you have this conversation with your owner, with your team to say, look, there’s still gonna be growth, but we really have to think about this. And I heard this this morning from an asset manager at next year as a year of 10 months and two months, you know? So really take June and July out of your annual number and say, okay, so what’s the growth for that? And then, yeah, June, July is just gonna be tough cost. Ryan Embree: Yeah. Probably something that a lot of markets who hosted Taylor Swift a couple years ago had to deal with. And then maybe what LA’s gonna have to deal with in 2029 after the Olympics in 28. Jan Freitag: Yeah, exactly. So we’re already talking now about the Olympics. We’re gonna talk about, obviously the World Cup in four years over in Europe and what is the performance there. So these sporting events are just the gifts that keep on giving. Ryan Embree: Yeah. Yeah. And, and travelers continue what we heard this morning. Consumers continue to prioritize travel, which is really, really great for obviously our industry. But not without its cautionary tales, you also had a watch your margins kind of take away from that. Maybe expand on that a little bit. Jan Freitag: Yeah. So we’ve had for the last year and for the last couple of years, really this interplay between room rate growth and the rate of inflation being higher than room rate growth. And we’re taking the rate of inflation sort of as a proxy for how much more things are expensive. And the costs for hotels are obviously going up. Higher labor costs, higher insurance costs, higher food costs, higher costs, inner energy, everything. So if your costs are going up in order for your margins to expand, you need to drive room rate or revenue faster than the cost increase. And that just is not happening. So my colleague Isaac Collazo spent 55 slides and an hour explaining how margins are decelerating, unfortunately. Now, the total dollar amount, we’re everything gets more expensive, but it also means we’re having more money available as profit. But the margins are coming down. And that’s really the, maybe to me, the main takeaway from HCC this year for the budget conversation for 2027 is watch your margin. Ryan Embree: Efficiency is always looking for that, especially in these tight margin areas. And then lastly, you know, your whole presentation this morning was themed around the World Cup. And, and I do wanna bring it up because, obviously there was the quote was 104 Super Bowls. Yeah. Right? And you kind of explored that case a little bit. Found out maybe that might not be the case. Jan Freitag: Yeah, exactly. So the FIFA president had said at the time, just to explain to American audiences, “Hey, we have 104 soccer games and they look like 104 Super Bowls.” That is of course not the case. And that was never meant to be the case. Super Bowl is the largest cultural sport event in America. It happens once a year, right? And to sort of translate that was, I thought always a little silly. So it turns out that the 104 Super Bowls did not come to pass, and it was more like 30 Super Bowls, maybe if that. So yeah, it was still a very healthy impact. If you look at the markets that Hosta gave Kansas City, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, very, very strong room rate growth. Interestingly, in some markets, actually, occupancy declines. We saw that specifically in Vancouver, but we saw it in Atlanta, we saw it in Boston. Why is that? Well, because corporate America, meeting travelers, meeting planners said, “You know what? I don’t need to compete with the Tartan Army in Boston for our meeting. You know, let me just stay away. Let me have that meeting in August, or let me move that meeting to Chicago,” for example. Sure. Chicago had a very, very strong June, July meeting calendar. So it’s, um, the, the room rate increase was absolutely expected and is exactly what came to pass. It just wasn’t Autumn for a Super Bowl. Ryan Embree: Yeah. I mean, that just proves we are, uh, a collective of markets. Things are gonna be obviously different in each one. Yeah. Uh, with different factors there. You know, a- and there’s also an interesting stat, fascinating stat, I wanna bring it up, about booking windows, um, that, that you brought up there. Yeah. If you wanna expand on that. Jan Freitag: So I got this totally wrong in the run up to the World Cup because I thought, look, if somebody books that FIFA ticket a year out, and the airplane ticket’s six months out, surely they would book their hotel three months out. Yeah. That did not happen. Right. And so we saw specifically the chart that I had this morning for, uh, arrival dates, June 11, 12, 13, 20 basis points of, uh, 20 points of occupancy was booked after June 8th. Wow. So that’s a booking windows of, like, three or four days. Wow. For an event that you knew what happened, I mean, six years ago. Yeah. You know? And you had a ticket from one year ago. So I just completely though that the, uh, the, the leisure traveler, the, the soccer traveler would also book their room way ahead. That did not come with us. Ryan Embree: Very interesting. I wonder if that’s a macro trend happening right now, those booking windows starting to shorten a little bit. Jan Freitag: Yeah, and maybe that’s a takeaway for our friends, you know, in LA who are hosting the Olympics. Hey, you know, be very mindful how you match that booking window. Ryan Embree: Lessons from history learned there. Yes. Um, final as we wrap up, I always li- like, like to get any, you know, you look at a lot of data. So any interesting, uh, like, data points that really stood out or surprising? Jan Freitag: I mean, the July data came out yesterday and the luxury class RevPar growth was 16%. Ryan Embree: Wow. Jan Freitag: Talk about A, amazing, but B, A, tough comps. Yeah. In July of next year. But it was an amazing, amazing performance. July was very, very strong. Um, and June as well. So we clearly saw, you know, July was helped a little bit by 4th of July, World Cup, uh, 4th of July calendar year, but also the World Cup, obviously the final and the bronze medal games. They all, they all helped. So July was strong, June was strong. So now I think things are getting a little bit more normal – Yeah. Early on end. Ryan Embree: Awesome. Well, we’ll continue to look ahead as you will, but thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule, Jan. Jan Freitag: Thanks for being here. Thank you. Ryan Embree: Hello everyone, Ryan Embree here with The Suite Spot. We are live on location of the 2026 Hotel Data Conference. I am here with Erica Lipscomb, EVP of Commercial Strategy at PM Hotel Group. Erica, thank you so much for joining me on The Suite Spot. Erica Lipscomb: Well, thank you for having me. Very excited to be here. Ryan Embree: Yeah, first time here on the Suite Spot. Yes. But not your first time here at Hotel Data Conference. Erica Lipscomb: Not my first time at Hotel Data Conference. This is conference number eight. Ryan Embree: Okay. Yes. All right. Hotel data conference. You obviously are no stranger, you’re a pro. What do you call a hotel data conference a success kind of reflecting back? What do you come here to accomplish and to learn? Erica Lipscomb: You know, I, again, this is our start of budget season. Sure. Right? Yeah. So I actually, uh, had dinner with Amanda last night and said, “You do realize what you’ve done here, right? We cannot even start our budget calendars until there’s an HTC.” Yeah. So really what I look forward to is not coming here just to hear that the amazing news of an increase year over year, or that we’re gonna increase in the year for the year. Sure. But what are those things that I can take away that can make it tactical for our teams? Mm-hmm. So learning from industry leaders that are here. We have amazingly smart people that are here at this conference. And we’re really drafting and shaping what the industry will look like. So what are those learnings? And then how do I make sure that we trickle that down within the organization and get them to our teams? Ryan Embree: Which can change so rapidly, right? As we know – Absolutely. It’s gone from, uh, a yearly change to almost, it feels like a weekly, especially with the AI and technology conversation. Yes. You were on a panel last year here at this same conference. I’m curious, what were some of the conversations then versus now? Erica Lipscomb: Yeah. And very different. I think it’s been extreme polar opposites. Okay. I feel like last year, there was a lot of conversation about AI. Mm-hmm. But more on the what is AI. Mm. And how are we gonna use AI? Yep. And it’s already started in conversations this morning. You know, we started networking last night, and most people are now really talking about what is AI doing for us to make sure that we’re efficient, making sure that our teams are effective, um, ensuring there’s profitability back to our owners. So it’s gone from a concept – Yeah. To now actually, how are we utilizing AI to be better in the industry, but keeping the forefront our customers? Ryan Embree: It feels like we’re in the sandbox now, right? And there’s a lot of companies out there trying different things. It’s the exploration process and, you know, maybe some success, but even, uh, lessons in the failure. Uh, I, I’ve been hearing a lot about that as well. So hotel data, obviously data is the name of the game. Yes. Still one of the most important tools I feel like right now on our quest of guest personalization. And so much it can do to kind of like what you said, prepare us for the rest of 2026 and even into 2027. Right. How is PM Hotel Group kind of leveraging data for growth and, uh, experiences? Erica Lipscomb: So actually you started with, with growth and experiences. Yeah. So really starting with growth. Yeah. We really are starting with AI in our business development side of our, our, of our home. Sure. And really how are we looking for the right clients that fit PM? Yeah. How, again, when you look at, uh, BD, it’s a relationship. Mm. So who are those owners? Who are the asset managers? What do their teams look like? Is that a right fit? And how can we help them grow? So that’s really the act – acquisition of the client and the customer. And then when we get to the property level – Right. Then as an enterprise, as a support center, what we’re looking to do is how do we use data, which is the, the heart – Yeah. Of revenue optimization. Sure. How are you using that data to make sure that we’re pulling through every step of the guest journey? So from the time again, acquisition of a customer. Right. So now not an owner, but that actual guest that’s gonna be staying at our properties, what does that customer journey look like? How do we find the right customer? We have a very diversified portfolio – Oh, yeah. For each one of our assets in the portfolio, ensuring that they convert. And then once they’re there in their stay, are we pulling through on all the experiences they expect? Whether it’s an independent hotel and the experiences that come along or for the brands and the brand standards. And then once our guests leave, how do we make sure that we are still speaking to them – uh-huh. And making sure that they return? Ryan Embree: I love how you walk through the entire guest experience. I think sometimes we get caught up just thinking about one or two elements of it. Right. But it really does start. I mean, the hot topic right now is that AI visibility, right? Absolutely. And being bound, uh, because our travelers are changing the way that they’re searching for hotels and doing their research. So, uh, it’s super, super important there. We’re in Nashville, Erica, uh, no stranger for PM Hotel Group. Yes. Uh, you guys just, uh – Very excited. Assumed management, 12 properties. Yes. Uh, what do you lo – like, um, from a Nashville market standpoint? I mean, this has just been such a hot market right now in hospitality. Uh, but also, you know, a big threshold of, uh, exciting 80 plus hotels for PM Hotel Group? Erica Lipscomb: Yes. We’re very excited to have the 12 hotels that, from Pinnacle that joined our portfolio. And that’s really our sweet spot, right? Finding those type of assets that fit our growth in our platform, and that we can make sure that we’re optimizing on their revenue, as well as excellent customer experience and guest operations experience. So what I really like about Nashville, and it’s not a new growth. Right. You know, Nashville never stopped growing, right? Where the, where the rest of the world really has struggled even, you know, six years ago. Through COVID. Nashville didn’t, right? Ryan Embree: It was red hot. Erica Lipscomb: But what most people think about when you hear Nashville, they’re really just thinking it’s an entertainment city. That’s not just all Nashville is. So when we peel it back and take a look at the segmentation and what’s driving Nashville, you do still have that customer that is true corporate business. And you still have conventions and groups. I was just in a group maximization winning group seminar just not too long ago. And in that breakout session, we really talk about group continues to still grow. Oh, yeah. And when you take a look at the first half of this year, that growth is really happening not only just in convention centers, but those hotels that have group meetings. Even when you take a look at those assets, what’s interesting is the growth is not just in the hotel that has most of the group, but if you are affiliated. You’re feeling that demand. Leveraging the demand and continuing to drive occupancy and ADR. Yeah, absolutely. So that’s why we’re still excited about Nashville. It’s one of those markets that continues to do well, not just in entertainment, but on the corporate business transient side, as well as group side. Ryan Embree: It’s a perfect destination. That’s why we got almost a thousand hoteliers here at the hotel data conference. Erica Lipscomb: That’s sold out again this year. Ryan Embree: Absolutely. Well, any. I mean, I can tell just by the conversation we’re having, very passionate about your work. Any projects you’re particularly fired up about right now? Erica Lipscomb: The project I’m probably most interested in is what I was hired for is to really continue to evolve commercial strategy. So commercial strategy is not just looking at every discipline in a silo. They’re all very important to revenue optimization. But how do we now continue to go from just having the commercial conversations, but also leverage the experience in each discipline? So our customers, when they look at our hotels, And they look at that curse customer journey that we just walked through – Right. They’re not looking at sales, revenue, marketing, distribution, operations. They’re looking at their holistic experience. Yeah. And so why not make sure that we internally stop looking at how well each d- division does and, and, and our, each siloed discipline, but let’s look through the lens of a gu – of a customer. Yeah. What’s that experience look like? And then how do we all play a part of it? Yeah. Exactly. So that’s what I’m excited about. And using, continuing to use AI. Yeah. How do we make sure that we’re leveraging commercial? Yeah. And then making sure that our use of AI is making our teams much more efficient – Mm. And effective in h – in how we run our businesses. Ryan Embree: That’s what I was gonna say. It’s, it’s such an inflection point, and I’m sure very exciting for, for your job with the technology in hand. Now you’ve got the power to, uh, break down those silos, right? Absolutely. Create efficiencies there. Yes. Uh, well, as we wrap up, you know, we always. One of the things here that we love to do at the Hotel Data Conference is try to predict the future, right? Forecasting, everybody. It’s a, it’s an impossible job, but we do it every single year. Right. Uh, you know, so from a commercial strategy standpoint, I know you, you, you just mentioned the projects you’re working on, but what’s your vision for PM Hotel Group as we kind of go into the latter part of the 2020s? Erica Lipscomb: So latter part of the 2020s, I think that the company’s vision is to really leverage the portfolio and the diversity of the portfolio. We saw that growth that we had just here in Nashville. I’m sure you saw the news that Reset our first brand to enter Marriott’s or outdoor collection. Yeah. We’ve noticed that when you continue to diversify and not really just say, okay, we are just this type of company, making sure that we’re leveraging the expertise of our team. Mm-hmm. We can be many things – Yeah. To many customers. Yeah. And so lev – continue that leverage, that growth, but we do see that growth continue to be in experiences. Yeah. Right? So every brand is rolling out how they’re working with experiences. But what we do see, that lifestyle, outdoor – Oh, yeah. Experiences. We’ve had our first entree into it, and we’re gonna continue to grow. Ryan Embree: Awesome. We’re excited to watch that growth, and yeah, that experiential travel continues to be something, conversations we’re having here, prioritizing, that’s what the guests are prioritizing travelers are. Congratulations on all this. We continue to watch it with PM Hotel Group. Thanks, Erica. Erica Lipscomb: Thank you. Ryan Embree: Hello, everyone. Ryan Embree here with The Suite Spot. We are live on location at the 2026 Hotel Data Conference. I am here with Max Spangler, VP of Technology at Charlestown Hotel. Max, we know you’re on a panel tomorrow. We’ll talk about that in a second, but thanks for taking the time to join us. Max Spangler: Absolutely. thanks for hosting me, Ryan. Ryan Embree: Yeah, Gotel Data Conference. Name of the game, data. We’re gonna talk about, obviously, your role and, and where data plays into that. But first, you come to a conference like this, what’s the expectation? What do you hope to get out of it? And maybe when you’re a couple weeks down the line, looking back on the conference, that was a success. Max Spangler: Yeah, you know, for me, I spend a lot of time at conferences that are very narrow in scope, right? Sure. Whether it’s high tech or the hospitality show, or even technology conferences that are outside of hospitality. Sure. So coming to HDC is always great. It’s always refreshing. The keynote panel in the beginning always gives me, hopefully, optimism. And this morning, it was very optimistic – Yes. About the way things are going. So I’m thankful for that. But it’s great to hear from commercial peers how they’re using data, how they’re surfacing insights, what tools they’re using, and how they’re turning it actionable. I mean, I think for me, as someone who spends a lot of time staring at screens, developing tools, looking at dashboards, hearing from people that actually depend on this information – Yeah. So crucially is really refreshing. So I get to, like, cut through the noise a little bit and hear what’s working, and hopefully hear what’s not. Ryan Embree: Yeah, and that’s what leads to your panel tomorrow, connecting AI to commercial strategy. Yeah. Uh, maybe give our sweet spot listeners a little bit of sneak peek and maybe your thoughts on the subject. Max Spangler: We’ve got a great panel tomorrow. Super stoked for it. You know, so we, we had a pre-cause you tend to do with those panels. Right. And as a result of that, we decided to zoom out a little bit, which I though was important. So commercial still is the through line, as you would expect at HTC, but given the man – the, the members that are on the panel, we’ve got some people that, you know, are on the, the, the revenue management side. We’ve got some people from HFTP. Um, you’ve got me as an independent operator. It w- we felt, we felt it really important to say, “Let’s, let’s zoom out. Let’s take a pause and, like, let’s look at where the industry is holistically.” Sure. And so the questions are really driving off that. So you’ll find that, um, there’s insights about a year from now, what would we like to be doing differently, right? How are we driving ac- actionable insights? What KPIs are important? What KPIs are important? Yeah. Things like what’s the difference between automation versus th- this new agentic era? Mm. So I think it, um, I’m actually really excited for it. The panel’s great, and I think you’re gonna get some, some really interesting insights from a variety of different opinions. Ryan Embree: Yeah. And what we talked about is so much can change. Yeah. And you could talk about what could happen in a year. I mean, that could be a couple cycles with technology right now. And that’s why I, I was really looking forward this conversation, Max. Yeah. Because, you know, I get industry leaders, sometimes brand leaders, but you’re, you’re in it every single day, right? Yeah. Uh, VP of technology. Yep. Where do you think we are in the AI adoption – Yeah. Uh, uh, cycle? And then maybe zoom in a little bit on Charlestown Hotels. Max Spangler: Yeah. So if we, if we look at sort of where things are globally for the state of AI, I think obviously in the technology space, it’s an existential crisis, right? Right. I mean, I think you see that in, in jobs reports. I think you obviously see it in the way that they’re measuring AI as an accelerant. Yeah. You know, so, uh, friends of mine that work for tech companies, they’re seeing their time to release production code going from five weeks, four weeks down to one week. Wow. It’s easy for them to measure. It’s easy for them to see the outcomes for us. Yeah. I think it, it is ultimately a little bit more difficult. For Charlestown, you know, we think it’s really important to keep hospitality at the center of what we’re doing, right? And so we’re not parading around trying to be an AI company or a SaaS company. We firmly believe people and hospitality at the center of, is gonna be at the center of what we do.m. How do we use AI to power that? Whether it’s through efficiencies, you know, through maybe more sophisticated RMS, through, you know, generative guest insights. How do we make sure that we’re being discovered when people are asking what’s the best hotel in downtown Charleston, South Carolina? Those are really hard questions to answer. No one’s got it figured out. But the conversations that are happening here are super encouraging because I think there is a lot of people admitting that and coming together to try to find, um, the best path forward. Ryan Embree: And you were, this is not your first per – podcast that you’ve been on recently. I saw you, uh, on CoStar News Hotel podcast where you talked about escaping hospitality’s AI hype echo chamber. Yeah, yeah. What’s your thoughts on that? And maybe how do we avoid doing that here in, in spaces like this? Max Spangler: I mean, it’s, if you go on LinkedIn, you can feel like, you know, FOMO is like a- absolutely crushing you, right? Right. Everyone is, like, piloting something new. Right. Everyone is, is advancing seemingly at the speed of light. It’s really important to come to a conference like HTC, uh, to get a real life temperature check with what people are doing and how they’re doing it. There is a tremendous amount of hype. There’s a tremendous amount of potential, but I think for a lot of us, and especially from someone sitting in the seat of an operator, you have to be very disciplined. Yes. You know, you have to have a step-by-step sequence of how you’re actually gonna accomplish this. It’s okay to introduce a little bit of chaos. We’ve done that in the early days. I mean, if you go back, you know, to 2023, 2024, we’re experimenting with all the frontier models. But eventually, we wanted to collapse that into a unified choice, pick one model so that we can move forward and start measuring, you know, are our team members crawling? Who’s walking? Who’s running? How do we devise resources to help kind of get everyone on the same page, march in the same direction, and get better at this? Yeah. And so that, that’s, that’s been our strategy. And fortunately, like, that’s what I’m hearing here at the conference. Ryan Embree: And the motivation for implementing AI can’t come out of fear of we’re not doing enough. Yeah. Or, you know, we’re just, that FOMO feeling that you’re talking about, it has to have, what you said, discipline and direction. Yeah. And Max Spangler: Ryan, like, fear is a huge part. I mean, that’s one of the things that we’re constantly up against. There’s. I, I think the, the negative attitude and apprehension towards AI is only gonna continue to grow over time, right? Just like the excitement over it is gonna continue to grow. Yeah. Same thing’s true for the negative. I mean, you have people that absolutely have their head in the sand, which is okay. Right. Um, for, for certain reasons, you have people that obviously have negative feelings about it because of the socio – uh, economic impact. Sure. Companies potentially might be laying off job just Placement or replacement as a result of LLMs and the technologies that they introduce. There’s the environmental factors. So, like, all those things are absolutely true. We don’t think it’s, as Charlestown, our responsibility to sort of correct that. Right. But we do wanna make sure our associates, team members, and corporate, and corporate leadership team know this isn’t going anywhere. Yeah. It’s fundamental core to the business, and we’re gonna make an investment into our teams to make sure that they’re prepared for this new wave, whatever it looks like. Ryan Embree: It’s exciting times. And it’s okay to experiment fail sometimes, because that, that’ll show you some lessons too. Sure. Max Spangler: Yeah, we. Yeah, we’ve run so many pilots. We’ve had so many things fail. We’ve incinerated millions of tokens and subsequently thousands of dollars as a result of – Yeah. Um, so many pilots, but we’ve learned a lot. Yeah. Uh, and we’re in a much better spot as a result of it. You have to be willing to take risks, especially now. I do believe, like, no one’s gonna be left behind yet, but there is absolutely an advantage to being a first mover. And I think the companies that are at least experimenting and building AI fluency for their teams are gonna be much better, uh, much farther along than everybody else. Ryan Embree: 100%. And, you know, one of those spaces is, is the data, right? That’s, I mean, that’s the name of the game of this conference here. Yeah. How are some ways are you leveraging data to kind of – Yeah. Grow Charlestown hotels or even just create efficiencies? Max Spangler: Yeah. So for us, it, it, it is a challenge to think about the kind of company that we are. We focus mostly on the independent space. Mm-hmm. So we don’t have sort of the technology through line like the brands have where – Sure. You know, they can force a certain PMS, POS, CRS, like, it’s very clean and organized and scalable that way. Yeah. For us, you know, when we come into a new hotel operating environment, in most cases, technology hasn’t been a major form of investment, right? I mean, most people don’t come to Charlestown hotels with a great performing asset. They’re like, “We’re in trouble. We need your help.” Right. So then I come in, you know, from the technology perspective and it’s like, okay, this is difficult. How are we gonna extract information, put it into a centralized place, be able to sort of layer a, a, a, a BI tool or reporting package on top of it to actually surface the insights so these one-off owner operators can get the insights that, like, a company like Charlestown Hotels can deliver at scale with all the independent properties and things we’ve learned across the secondary and tertiary markets that we work in. Max Spangler: So, I mean, to put it simply for us, it is about having, like, a central data repository or warehouse. Sure. I mean, there’s plenty out there. Databricks, Snowflake. We’re a BigQuery customer. We do a lot with Google. Um, but it is, you know, if, if you think about where things are going to bring it back to AI, so much of the conversation surrounds having a good data foundation, because AI is an accelerant. If you have bad data, it’s gonna accelerate you to bad outcomes more quickly. Yeah, that’s a great point. If you have a bad business strategy, it’s gonna optimize for the wrong KPIs. So for us, it is very much about having solid fundamentals. Yeah. That’s not a reason for you to stop, right? It’s just more a reason for you to proceed cautiously. Ryan Embree: Absolutely. And, you know, you do it right. All of a sudden, you get that personalization, which, you know, hospitality’s been really the last decade – Yeah. Has been striving so much for to get that personalization within the guest experience. So as we wrap up, you know, we always like to. I know this is gonna be difficult because, like we said, things change so quickly in the tech space. Yeah. But what’s your vision for Charleston Hotels from a technology perspective? Max Spangler: Yeah, great question. I thought you were gonna ask me a hard one, like, what’s my favorite color? But, uh, no, for, for. Vision for technology, you know, for us, as long as we keep, like, hospitality at the center – Yeah. As our north star, that really does simplify things for us. It is gonna be difficult. There’s, you know, obviously a whole host of different frontier models you have to choose from. Tokenomics is gonna continue to be a big part. People talk about ROI with LLMs, but no one’s really talking about the expense – Yeah. And expenses continue to grow. Great point. Right? So we’re, we’re focused really on, you know, not only the, the ROI from some of the LLM tools, but, but obviously the tremendous cost that’s associated with running them at scale. But as long as we keep people and human beings at the center, reducing mundane work, admin tasks, friction so that our people can spend less time in front of screens and just be more hospitable, I think that really is the vision. Technology’s gonna support that. It’s gonna hopefully be more invisible to the people that come to hospitality. They didn’t come to, like, move information around – Right. Push paper or spend time in front of a computer. They spent it to, like, be empathetic, to be excited – Yeah. To surprise and delight. And so our goal, that’s our north star, and technology’s gonna be there to support it. Ryan Embree: Yeah, I mean, some industries, you’re, you’re right, are gonna be completely flipped upside down – Yeah. With this technology. But hospitality, we have that advantage of being a people first industry, so. Max Spangler: I, I think it’s, like, the, the key differentiator, and it honestly, it’s like, hospitality has an opportunity to have a really strong opinion. As so many industries are completely rolled over by this AI wave – Yeah. Hospitality can actually say, “No, you know what? People are…” And people in hospitality are at the center, and so as there is potentially more AI backlash and people are seeking more authentic experiences – Right. With people and connections – Yeah. I think it’s, it’s gonna be a great benefit to our industry. Max Spangler: Yeah, and we’ve seen from the data, experiences still seem t be – Yeah. I think that’s gonna grow. Yeah. Ryan Embree: Yeah. Agreed. Uh, Max, appreciate the time. Thank you. Uh, we’ll keep an eye on Charleston Hotels and everything you’re doing over there. Great. Congratulations. Max Spangler: Thank you. Ryan Embree: Hello, Everyone. Ryan Embree here with The Suite Spot. We’re live on location at the Hotel Data Conference 2026 here with Sam Trotter, Head of Digital Marketing for Indigo Road Hospitality Group. Sam, thanks for taking some time. Sam Trotter: Thanks for having me here. Yeah. I’m excited to be here at the Hotel Data Conference. Ryan Embree: It’s our first time here, but you said you’re, you’re a pro. You’ve been here for many years. Yeah. What does a successful hotel data conference look like for you and some of the takeaways that you look for? Sam Trotter: I really love having a good sense of what’s gonna happen next year. So you get some really great data here where you actually can take to your business planning sessions and use and say, “Hey, you know, I have this from the data conference, and they’re forecasting this growth in this market.” And you have something tangible. Yeah. So you’re about to head into budget season. Yeah. So having that in hand is really, really nice. Ryan Embree: That’s a big part of it. I mean, budget season, you gotta make those operation efficiency. We talked about the margins, how tight those are right now, especially in hospitality. One of the ways that hospitality’s changing right now is through AI search. You were on a panel here. For those that weren’t able to join us here in Nashville, maybe unpack that topic a little bit, because it’d certainly be top of mind for a lot of hoteliers right now. Sam Trotter: Well, it was really fun. It was a packed house, so a lot of interest in it. There’s a lot to talk about. I think we did a little bit of an intro to the topic, just so that everybody was sort of on the same page. But this is a new thing that we’re all having to adapt to. And we’re gonna have to focus on this. And in the panel, I said, “This feels a lot like 2006 when SEO was becoming a big thing.” And I remember I hired this French couple to do our SEO for this hotel that we were opening. It was like $10,000. In 2006. And it felt kinda like magic. Yeah. You know, like, what are they, what are they actually gonna do, right? And so it’s really tough. Who do you listen to? What actually works? And it was a great panel. And there’s no main takeaway other than we’re doing a lot of AB tests. We’re trying to figure out what works. I’m looking at the dashboards from our different properties. Who’s doing well? Who’s not? Yeah. And trying to pivot. And so we’re at this really interesting phase where it’s not really clear, right? Everybody’s telling us different things. Who do you listen to? So I honestly think it’s really exciting. Ryan Embree: The good news is it’s a challenge that a lot of people are attacking at once, right? And that’s where you’re gonna kind of find maybe lessons learned, even in those failures. So I think it is interesting because ultimately what happened with SEO is, like, there became a little bit of of a game plan that you could attack it with, right? That people are still trying to kind of balance. And then there were switches, right? That’s the other thing, is you could attack it one way and then all of a sudden, next week, algorithms change and it’s back to square one. So it was very, very interesting. But I think it’s events like this and panels that you’re on, Sam, that help kind of. Where everyone’s going through this right now. And to try to get through the weeds on it and try to figure out what is a good course of action here. And it changes so quickly. I think AI gets a spotlight, obviously, for good reason because it’s just this up and coming technology. But digital marketing also feels like it’s fast changing and evolving. And it’s been doing that for the past decade. You think about social media updates and everything like that. Yeah. I guess, how do you view digital marketing right now from a strategic standpoint and, and how hoteliers should be embracing and, you know, maybe investing in It? Sam Trotter: So that was a big question, right? Ryan Embree: Yes, sorry. Sam Trotter: When I have new marketers join, junior marketers, I always tell them there’s really no such thing as an expert anymore. Because it’s gonna change next year. Right? Ryan Embree: Great point. Sam Trotter: There are certain fundamentals that will help you no matter what, from 10 years from now, they’ll always be in play. I think what’s really interesting now with AI is I feel like there’s more emphasis on brand and category ownership. So if the AI is the most educated person in the entire world about hotels in Nashville. I mean, that’s what it is. Sure. It’s the most educated person in Nashville. What do you wanna teach it? And so if you’re teaching it, I have a pool and a fitness center, that doesn’t really help, right? ‘Cause now you’re just the same. And so what category can you own? Can you be the wellness hotel of Nashville? And if you’re the wellness hotel of Nashville, what that looks like is everything we say and we do reflects that. So I have spa packages, we have spa activations, we have a spa month. We have an amazing spa. We have spa content. We have spa creators that come in. And so when you’re doing that, all of a sudden the AI’s like, “Okay, no, this is the spa hotel of Nashville.” Because it’s, there’s evidence. Yeah. Right? And so I think there’s gonna be more emphasis on this category ownership, right? More than ever. And that boils back down to your brand. Ryan Embree: No, I love that. I think that’s a great explanation to someone who might feel overwhelmed in this right now. But those searches also could get very specific, right? I’m looking for a place that’s pet friendly, that is dedicated to wellness, where I’ve got my family coming to. So that’s where it gets a little bit tricky of the categories could turn into subcategories and then very, very niche. But it’s also the beauty of it, I think on the other side, is that your travelers are gonna be able to hopefully find the right hotel for them and what they’re looking for. Sam Trotter: So going back to your question, you asked me about social media. Because things are changing so fast, the, what we don’t really realize, and we don’t talk about, is the number one AI that we talk to is Google’s AI overview. That’s the one that when you have a long search, it defaults to, right? And it is weighing YouTube more than any other social platform – Great point. Because they’re not giving access. Right? So TikTok’s not giving them access. So now all of a sudden, YouTube is like this big player. And so we’ve got 76 locations. How do you scale YouTube? Yeah. And so, you know, we’re trying to figure this out in real time, and it’s a lot. There’s a lot of change happening. Ryan Embree: No, that’s a great point, what you said about Google, because a lot of people might be listening to this being like, “Well, I’m not, I’m not really looking, or I’m not using AI in my everyday life.” Well, Google’s really, you know, that AI overview, you are using, right? And it’s just, it’s gonna become more and more, whether we know it or not, a part of our life, you know? So that’s a different conversation. You know, Sam, Indigo Road Hospitality Group, you just mentioned tons of locations. What are some of the projects you’re most excited about that you’re working on right now? Sam Trotter: So, we have amazing locations, and there’s so many that are really interesting that we have coming up. We’re dabbling in more and more to membership clubs. Which is something that, we have one right now in Bentonville, and then by the end of the year, we’ll have two more. So we’re going from zero to three in a pretty short amount of time. It’ll be like a year and two months, we’ll go from zero to three. So it’s something that has been really fun to learn about, and there’s new platforms to learn about. So that’s really exciting. And then, I’m working on some fun data projects too, fun to me. I’m trying to set us up to have our own loyalty program. And so I’ve got some cool things in the works. So I’m really excited about that because we have a diverse portfolio. We have coffee shops and restaurants and hotels. And venues and how do you get them all to talk? Right? How do we put them all in one place, but have them separate? How can we share notes? How can we improve the guest experience? So there’s a lot of really cool things that are happening now. And one of the benefits of AI is partners are, are improving their platforms faster than ever. Oh, yeah. Which is fun if you have the right partners. And they are doing it. Ryan Embree: Yeah. I mean, and loyalty programs, you also learn more about your guests and hopefully create personalization, which is, you know, a topic that has been in hospitality. But we’re getting closer and closer, I feel like, to what we may have talked about five years ago at a conference like this. Be like, “There might be a time where we could do this, and now with the power of AI, it, it’s possible.” Yeah. Well, as we wrap up, kind of what’s your. I know we just talked about the future, but, and it’s hard to predict, but what would be kind of your vision for the future, in your role at Indigo Hospitality Group? Sam Trotter: I would say that, I guess thinking more optimistically, ultimately, it’s gonna be about the guest experience. It’s gonna be about the surprise and delight. It’s gonna be about having great employees who are happy to be where they’re at and that wanna be there. And the best marketing is a great experience, right? So what’s my role in that? You know, how can I help operations do their thing? And that’s the foundation of everything. At the end of the day, I think that’s it. Ryan Embree: There is a, there is a comfort, Sam, to being in an industry that we knew can only be disrupted so much by AI, but at the end of the day, it is gonna still come down to people serving people and creating those memorable experiences, and hopefully AI gives the opportunity to do. Sam Trotter: I have a anti-trend for you, right? Okay. So we’re here at, at the Grand Hyatt. There’s no kiosks, right? Check in. There’s still front desk people. 10 years ago at the hotel data conference, I think we would’ve though it was all kiosks. So hospitality has reigned supreme, and I think that’s the future. Ryan Embree: Yeah for, they say hospitality is the first ever industry and it’ll be here for a long time. So Sam, we appreciate it. We’re gonna watch you and, and everything you’re doing over there. We appreciate you taking some time with us. Sam Trotter: Thank you you so much. This was a lot of fun. All right. Ryan Embree: To join our loyalty program, be sure to subscribe and give us a five-star rating on iTunes. Suite Spot is produced by Travel Media Group. Our editor is Brandon Bell with cover art by Bary Gordon. I’m your host, Ryan Embree, and we hope you enjoyed your stay.

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-09-2026: Researchers refined a technique to reverse skin cell aging by about 30 years while preserving cellular identity. Exposing adult fibroblasts to Yamanaka factors—stopping before full reversion to pluripotent stem cells,reset the epigenetic clock and gene expression patterns to resemble much younger cells. The rejuvenated fibroblasts produced significantly more collagen, migrated faster to close artificial wounds, and showed reversal of gene expression patterns associated with Alzheimer's and cataracts. Since long-term epidemiologic data doesn't yet exist, Dr. Dawn follows up on last week's vaping question by exploring cancer mechanisms. Vaping aerosols impair DNA repair fidelity while triggering IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha secretion. Nicotine-derived nitrosamines, reactive carbonyls (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein) are generated when propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are heated. Upregulated cytochrome P450 enzymes convert precarcinogens like benzopyrene into carcinogens. Mice exposed for 54 weeks developed lung adenocarcinomas in 22% and precancerous bladder hyperplasia in 57%, with markers matching those show predict lung cancer years before diagnosis. The Mexican Biobank—which includes over 40,000 samples from all 31 Mexican states revealed dramatic regional variation in drug-metabolism genes driven by Indigenous ancestry. In Chiapas, nearly 40% of the population carries two copies of a CYP2D6 variant reducing fentanyl metabolism, versus just 10% in Sinaloa. The SLCO1B1 variant hindering statin metabolism is found in over 15% of Yucatán residents., where 8 million Mexicans take statins. Dr. Dawn discusses both the promise and potential dark side of population genetic testing, including UK plans to genotype all children at birth for inborn errors of metabolism. Dr. Dawn briefly revisits the recent Indian study showing conch-shell blowing reduces sleep apnea by 34%, comparing it to earlier didgeridoo research, both of which strengthen airway muscles through forced-blowing exercises. A caller from Capitola recovering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma near the L5 nerve asks about Japanese Kampo medicine formulas (Goshajinkigan, Yokukansan) for post-treatment nerve pain. Dr. Dawn suggests the pain likely originates from scar tissue tethering the nerve, and recommends consulting the Oriental Medicine Doctor program at Five Branches in Santa Cruz where faculty can advise on herbal formulas that trace back thousands of years through cultural exchange between China and Japan. Dr. Dawn explains Lp(a):lipoprotein(a), a small protein string attached to LDL particles that promotes clumping and clotting, is a genetically-determined coronary artery disease and stroke risk factor invisible to standard lipid panels. Levels of 250 particles double coronary risk and 350 particles triple it. Less than 75 is normal. Two new pharmaceutical strategies are in development to reduce Lp(a) : antisense oligonucleotides (single-stranded RNA that recruits RNase H to cleave target mRNA) and small interfering RNA (double-stranded RNA that triggers destruction of matching mRNA). Pelacarsen, a monthly injection in Phase 3 trials, reduces Lp(a) by 80%. These gene-silencing platforms open therapeutic possibilities for previously undruggable orphan diseases. Vitamin K2 is produced in the gut microbiome. MK-4 is most common in humans. Dr. Dawn recommends MK7 for stabilizing coronary calcium plaques and directing calcium into bone. A study of hepatitis B and C patients found MK4 to be protective in hepatocellular carcinoma. HCC developed in 2 of 21 MK-4-treated patients versus 9 of 19 controls, with a risk ratio of 0.2. MK-4 activates protein kinase A in vitro, inhibits HCC invasiveness, and restores apoptosis signaling that cancer cells normally block. Dr. Dawn recommends a couple milligrams of MK-4 daily for anyone with cirrhosis or prior hepatitis B or C infection.

How do you safely combine locoregional and systemic therapies to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when traditional guidelines suggest your hands are tied? In this episode of the 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, medical oncologist Dr. Lingling Du (Ochsner Health) and interventional radiologist Dr. Beau Toskich (Mayo Clinic Florida) join Dr. Tyler Sandow to break down patient selection, timing strategies, and the practical application of clinical trial outcomes when integrating Y90 radioembolization and immunotherapy in HCC management. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:48 - Two HCC Cases03:31 - Disease Progression on Combination Therapy07:05 - Alternatives After Immunotherapy Failure09:09 - Salvage with Ablative Y9013:41 - Mechanism of Immunotherapy15:43 - EMERALD-1 and LEAP-01220:52 - Adverse Events with Combination Therapy27:21 - Treatment Timing and Sequencing28:48 - Case: Borderline BCLC B33:48 - Case: BCLC C with Portal Vein Thrombus37:06 - Raising the Survival Tail40:11 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The physicians highlight how selective local treatment can achieve complete responses and salvage cases with aggressive disease. They emphasize that treatment based on anatomical and biological phenotype may yield better results than strictly adhering to rigid staging categories, while acknowledging the challenges of managing microscopic disease and unpredictable long-term tumor behavior. Dr. Du and Dr. Toskich also note that selecting the right combination regimens requires balancing aggressive tumor kinetics against the patient's baseline liver function, pointing out that well-tolerated regimens like STRIDE are often easier to pair with Y90 than checkpoint or VEGFR inhibitors that alter tumor blood flow. While recent TACE-immunotherapy trials (EMERALD-1 and LEAP-012) may be confounded by patient heterogeneity, the physicians observe that a distinct subset of patients achieves durable, long-term remission, effectively raising the survival tail for an otherwise incurable population. Ultimately, they conclude that cross-specialty education and leaning into the expert intuition of a multidisciplinary team are essential for securing the best outcomes for patients with intermediate and advanced HCC. --- Resources Study of Durvalumab and Tremelimumab as First-line Treatment in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HIMALAYA)https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03298451 A Study of Atezolizumab in Combination With Bevacizumab Compared With Sorafenib in Patients With Untreated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (IMbrave150)https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03434379 Nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus lenvatinib or sorafenib as first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (CheckMate 9DW): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trialhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00403-9 Durvalumab with or without bevacizumab with transarterial chemoembolisation in hepatocellular carcinoma (EMERALD-1): a multiregional, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studyhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02551-0 Transarterial chemoembolisation combined with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus dual placebo for unresectable, non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (LEAP-012): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 studyhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02575-3 --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

What do you do when Y-90 doesn't deliver the results you expected? In this episode of the 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, host Dr. Tyler Sandow is joined by Drs. Beau Toskich and Juan Gimenez to discuss the technical challenges and troubleshooting strategies that can make or break a Y-90 radioembolization case. Together, they explore innovative approaches like the PREDATr technique, share tips for reducing complications, and offer guidance on optimizing outcomes for patients with complex liver tumors. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:24 - Treatment Nonresponse Troubleshooting06:12 - Navigating Y90 Through Replaced Arteries09:09 - Mitigating Vasospasm in Embolization13:31 - What is ‘PREDATr'?21:12 - Dual Balloon Microcatheter System23:37 - Gelfoam Techniques and Application26:06 - Embolization Agents Preferences36:16 - Concerns with Cystic Artery Treatment and Biliary Stents42:15 - Prophylactic Antibiotics 44:29 - Utilizing High Lung Shunts49:28 - Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode The conversation begins with case-based examples of HCC radioembolization, focusing on how to assess treatment response and troubleshoot nonresponsive cases. They discuss how to interpret SPECT findings, identify missed tumor supply with cone-beam CT, and overcome obstacles such as vasospasm, extrahepatic feeders, and challenging arterial anatomy. They introduce the PREDATr technique (proximal radioembolization enabled by distal angiozone truncation) and explain how tools like gelfoam, balloons, and retrievable coils can preserve healthy liver tissue and improve microsphere delivery. The episode also addresses managing biliary stents, using antibiotic prophylaxis, and strategies for handling high lung shunts, making it a practical resource for anyone navigating the complexities of Y-90 treatment. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Meditação de 15 de junho de 2026Fonte: Manancial, publicação das Mulheres Batistas (MB)Título: Refúgio seguro nas tempestadesTexto: Daniel Braga; leitura e edição: Samuel LimaBG: Sê minha vida (363 HCC) - "Be thou my vision, com arranjo de Josh Snodgrass.

HEALTH NEWS   Ginger Supplementation Reduces Muscle Soreness, Review Finds Artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverage intake and risk of liver cancer Plant-based quinoa burgers reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes Sleep and exercise may curb heart risk from mutant white blood cells Pregnant women may reduce key health risk through less sitting, more light exercise     Ginger Supplementation Reduces Muscle Soreness, Review Finds Old Dominion University, June 4 2026 (Natural News)     A review published in Nutrition Reviews found that consuming 2 grams of ginger daily for 11 consecutive days before exercise reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by 23% to 25%.   The review examined multiple placebo-controlled studies and found that single doses taken just before exercise did not produce significant pain reduction, but consistent daily intake over the 11-day period yielded measurable results.   DOMS typically occurs 24 to 72 hours after exercise and is a common reason individuals skip subsequent workouts. In two placebo-controlled studies reviewed, participants consumed 2 grams of either raw or heat-treated ginger daily for 11 days before performing eccentric exercise, which lengthens muscles under tension. The effective dose identified in the review was 2 grams per day, roughly equivalent to one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger.   Artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverage intake and risk of liver cancer Yale University, National Cancer Institute, Boston University, June 10 2026 (Eurekalert) Are artificially sweetened beverage (ASB) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intakes associated with risk of liver cancer overall and by subtype (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [ICC])? In this pooled analysis of 11 prospective cohort studies comprising 1,518,411 adults, SSB intake per 1-beverage/day increment was associated with increased risk of HCC and ICC, whereas ASB intake was not associated with liver cancer overall or by subtype. There was no evidence of effect modification by diabetes status.     Plant-based quinoa burgers reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes Federal University of Golas (Brazil), June 10 2026 (News-Medical) A study published in ACS Nutrition Science suggests that a plant-based burger made from baru pulp and red quinoa could reduce post-meal blood glucose responses in healthy adults. Red quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudocereal that is rich in protein, fiber, and micronutrients. It provide spolyphenols that have been shown to slow gastric emptying and overall digestion, and may reduce enzymatic degradation of carbohydrates in the gut. This would influence the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream after a meal, altering the GI. The authors of this pilot study examined GI in a small sample of eight volunteers after consuming two plant-based burgers: one made with baru pulp and red quinoa, and the other with red quinoa alone.  All three foods produced their highest blood glucose levels 30 minutes after consumption. The glucose reference food generated the largest peak at 174 mg/dL, while the baru pulp–red quinoa and red quinoa burgers reached substantially lower peaks of 118 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL, respectively. By 120 minutes, blood glucose levels had declined in all groups. Compared with the glucose reference, both plant-based burgers caused only modest increases in blood glucose relative to fasting levels: 15.5% for the red quinoa burger and 18% for the baru pulp–red quinoa burger.   Sleep and exercise may curb heart risk from mutant white blood cells Mount Sinai Hospital, June 10. 2026 (Medical Xpress) Healthy sleep and regular exercise can work to counteract genetic mutations in white blood cells that are associated with cardiovascular disease and are most common among older people, Mount Sinai researchers have found. In a study published in Nature, the team reported for the first time that sufficient sleep and exercise can help reduce the cancer-like cell expansion and atherosclerotic risk linked to mutations that spontaneously occur in white blood cells. These mutations accumulate over our lifetimes and occur most often in hematopoietic stem cells, which are the cells in bone marrow that make blood cells, including macrophages and monocytes, immune cells that help defend the body. When these cells develop mutations, they start to proliferate, multiplying faster than they should, and become more inflammatory, irritating or damaging tissues in the body. This condition, known as clonal hematopoiesis (CH), is detectable in a quarter of people over age 70 and half of people over 80, though it is infrequent in young, healthy people. Healthy sleep and exercise was found to selectively influence immune cells with clonal hematopoiesis mutations, repressing their proliferative programming and expansion, as well as their ability to promote the formation of harmful plaque in the arteries of the heart. The findings reveal that CH mutant cells are malleable and selectively responsive to lifestyle behavior in a way that can mitigate atherosclerotic risk. Mount Sinai researchers discovered that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a reduced incidence of gene-specific CH and fewer mutant cells in the blood. Sufficient sleep and exercise "turned off" the detrimental effects of rogue Jak2 and Tet2 mutant CH hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, decreasing their ability to proliferate and grow, a precancerous process known as "clonal expansion.   Pregnant women may reduce key health risk through less sitting, more light exercise University of Iowa, June 10 2026 (Eurekalert)   Women who engage in light physical activity and lessen their sedentary time may significantly reduce the risk of key health problems during pregnancy, according to a new University of Iowa-led study. Researchers examined the daily behaviors of 470 pregnant women across all stages of pregnancy. Each participant wore a monitor that measured physical activity in 24-hour cycles and another monitor that recorded the time they spent asleep. Based on observational data collected from the study's participants, the researchers propose a “Goldilocks Day”-like guide for pregnant women that could reduce by nearly 30% the risk of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), commonly occurring complications of pregnancy that include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Those recommendations are: • Reduce sedentary time to fewer than eight hours each day. • Engage in light physical activity for at least seven hours each day. • Engage in approximately 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as a brisk walk, each day. • Get nearly nine hours of sleep each night.

How can targeted liver radiation unlock surgical or transplant options for tough hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases? In this episode of BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™ host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy is joined by interventional radiologists Dr. Beau Toskich and Dr. Chris Malone to explore how downstaging and radiation lobectomy with Y-90 are creating new surgical and transplant opportunities for patients with limited future liver remnants. They discuss Y-90's role as a “test of time” for tumor biology, strategies to prevent post-hepatectomy liver failure, and the ongoing challenge of recurrence even after R0 resection in cirrhotic livers. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:31 - Rad Lobectomy Goals and Case Discussion06:09 - Selective vs Lobar Dosing07:51 - PVE Versus Y9009:35 - Downstaging to Transplant13:03 - Patient Selection Factors19:22 - Radseg vs. Lobar Strategy22:12 - Percent Liver Treated Debate26:38 - Particle Density and Catheter Bias28:04 - Downstaging Evidence MERIT LT36:20 - Operating After Y9041:25 - Hypertrophy Timing and Readiness43:03 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The discussion features a case of massive right-lobe HCC in a non-cirrhotic patient, with stepwise Y-90 dosing and selective retreatment leading to complete response and marked liver hypertrophy. The doctors compare radiation lobectomy with portal vein embolization (PVE), explore dosimetry advances from studies like DOSISPHERE and MERITS-LT, and stress the importance of careful mapping and patient selection. Additional topics include the pros and cons of different downstaging methods, functional imaging to assess risk, the impact of lab values and portal hypertension, and the practicalities of timing surgery after Y-90. --- Resources Long-Term Overall Survival After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Updated Analysis of DOSISPHERE-01 Trialhttps://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2024/01/10/jnumed.123.266211 Downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation: A multicenter analysis of the "all-comers" protocol in the Multicenter Evaluation of Reduction in Tumor Size before Liver Transplantation (MERITS-LT) consortiumhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37532179/ --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Meditação de 07 de junho de 2026Fonte: Manancial, publicação das Mulheres Batistas (MB)Título: Abra meus olhos, Senhor!Texto: Nelson da SilvaLeitura e Edição: Samuel LimaBG: Sê minha vida (363 HCC) - "Be thou my vision, com arranjo de Josh Snodgrass.

What does it really take to run a high-volume Y-90 program that is efficient, scalable, and patient-centered? In this episode of BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, host Dr. Zach Berman is joined by Drs. Nima Kokabi and Kirema Garcia-Reyes to break down the systems, workflows, and strategies that drive successful radioembolization centers. The conversation focuses on overcoming referral and insurance delays, implementing multidisciplinary clinics, and using tools like single-session Y-90 and routine post-treatment dosimetry to reduce treatment times and improve outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:46 - Multidisciplinary Model on Radioembolization08:39 - Referral Pathways and Embolization Preferences13:18 - Y-90 Follow Up and Imaging15:51 - Procedure Preparation and Involvement18:00 - Dosimetry Planning and Software ROI22:59 - Analyzing Outcomes and Quality Control26:47 - Various Ways to Expedite Treatments34:04 - Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode The doctors discuss the importance of robust internal systems for patient selection, integration of dosimetry planning, and standardized follow-up protocols.They share insights on procedural workflows, including best practices for dosimetry ownership and equipment setup, and highlight the growing role of post-Y-90 dosimetry as both a quality control measure and a billable service. The episode also explores the order-map-treat paradigm, the impact of multidisciplinary tumor boards and clinics, and how single-session strategies are reshaping HCC care by cutting delays, reducing costs, and enhancing the patient experience. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Viral hepatitis is an ongoing public health threat, despite the long-standing availability of effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B. Here, experts Paul Kwo, MD, Jewel Mullen, MD, MPH, MPA, FACP, and Su Wang, MD, MPH, FACP, discuss how to incorporate knowledge of hepatitis A and B risk factors and disease burden into patient counseling to enhance uptake of hepatitis A and B vaccines. Topics covered include: The burden of hepatitis A and B in the United States Risk factors for infection Current evidence-based recommendations for hepatitis A and B vaccination.  Follow along with the slides here, and get access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the Decera Clinical Education Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or Spotify. Presenters: Paul Y. Kwo, MD Professor of Medicine Director of Hepatology Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, California Jewel Mullen, MD, MPH, MPA, FACP Associate Professor of Population Health and Internal Medicine University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Austin, Texas Su Wang, MD, MPH, FACP Medical Director, Center for Asian Health & Viral Hepatitis Programs Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center/RWJBarnabas-Rutgers Medical Group Assistant Clinical Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical Group Florham Park, New Jersey Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Scott was joined by Rev Tamika Nelson, executive director of United Campus Ministries of Greater Houston. Rev. Nelson was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); has served a United Methodist Church; and now works in a campus ministry affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the United Church of Christ. United Campus Ministry serves the UT School of Medicine, HCC locations, Texas Southern University, UHD, and Rice University.   Tamika has also participated in Houston Faith Votes, so Scott and Tamika discussed her ministry with young adults and how they are talking about our current policy climate, their leadership in the civic engagement space, and their barriers to participation.  We hope you enjoy this episode and invite a friend to listen along. If you share it in your social media, make sure to tag us! To learn more or get involved, check out Texas Impact's Action Center at texasimpact.org. Get full access to Texas Impact at texasimpact.substack.com/subscribe

Meditação de 20 de maio de 2026Fonte: Manancial, publicação das Mulheres Batistas (MB)Título: Não ore para perdoar, mas até perdoarTexto: Dayane FernandesLeitura e Edição: Samuel LimaBG: O grande amigo (165 HCC) - "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", com arranjo de Josh Snodgrass.

A high-functioning HCC tumor board can turn complex transplant decisions into coordinated treatment plans that account for liver reserve, tumor biology, and evolving biomarkers. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, abdominal transplant surgeon Dr. Ari Cohen (Ochsner Health) and transplant hepatologist Dr. Neil Mehta (UCSF) join host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy to map out strategies for effective multidisciplinary treatment and transplantation planning in HCC. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction00:51 - Starting a Tumor Board06:39 - Building Referral Streams09:03 - Academic and Community Practice Integration14:31 - Treatment Selection Criteria20:38 - Modern HCC Biomarkers25:24 - Role of ctDNA and Biopsy29:37 - Bridging Therapy on Transplant Waitlist32:34 - Downstaging Strategy and Risks39:25 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The physicians discuss what it takes to build a robust tumor board, from fostering hospital buy-in to engaging leaders across specialties and utilizing virtual formats for consistent participation. The conversation explores clinical decision-making, emphasizing the integration of AFP-L3 and DCP biomarkers alongside AFP to better understand tumor biology and predict post-transplant recurrence. Dr. Mehta and Dr. Cohen also share their patient selection criteria, discussing how bilirubin, liver disease etiology, and INR influence decisions. While radiographic guidance remains central to HCC management, they highlight the growing potential of reliable ctDNA analysis and other biomarkers. The specialists conclude by emphasizing that an integrated, communicative tumor board is the most effective way to navigate the nuances of liver reserve and HCC biology to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. --- Resources Sustained AFP-L3 or DCP expression is associated with progression risk and inferior outcomes in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-025-01877-8 --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Episode 223: Oncogenic Viruses Introduction Mehr: Hi everyone, welcome back to the Rio Bravo qweek podcast. Back by popular demand is Me, Mehr Boparai a third-year medical student at COMP-NW. Here with me is Jeremy Pan from COMP who is also a third-year medical student. How are you doing Jeremy? Jeremy: I'm doing great Mehr.Thanks for the kind intro; we had a fun time this morning doing street medicine and had some practice giving Toradol injections and wound dressings. So excited to be back for another podcast episode this afternoon! Mehr: This week, we are moving away from bacteria and antibiotics and diving deeper into cancer-causing viruses. Jeremy: Yes, and if you are interested at all in public health, this is one of those areas where medicine overlaps with public health in a really tangible way. I think one of the most underappreciated aspects of this topic is that we have vaccines that can prevent many of these cancers. If you told someone 50 years ago we'd be vaccinating against cancer, they probably wouldn't believe you! It's amazing to see how far medicine has come. How viruses cause cancer: Jeremy: Before jumping into specific viruses, I always think having a mechanism-based framework makes everything stick better. Mehr: Right, because they don't all cause cancer the same way. Medicine can never be easy huh? Jeremy: Yea…this career really is just a lifetime of discovery. So just to start, in broad terms, we can think of three main buckets of how viruses can cause cancer: Direct oncogenesis where viral proteins interfere with tumor suppressors like P53 and Rb. We will go over their specific mechanisms a little later in the discussion. Mehr:  Chronic inflammation where viruses cause repeated injury through production of reactive oxygen species. They also increase the chance of mutation through repeated DNA replication, leading to cancer.  Jeremy: Immune evasion or suppression leads to decreased tumor surveillance. What this means essentially is that our immune system is constantly removing abnormal cells before they become cancerous. This is completed by CD8 T cells and natural killer, or NK, cells. CD8 T cells recognize abnormal peptides presented on Major Histocompatibility Complex, or MHC, class I molecules and induce apoptosis in those cells. Mehr: And NK cells step in when cells decide to stop expressing MHC I, which abnormal cells like to hide to avoid being caught. So just to reiterate, there are two layers to dissect here: if a cell looks suspicious with an abnormal MHC, CD8 T-cells kill them. If the abnormal cell decides to hide its MHC, then the NK cell will kill it instead. Jeremy: So, for the final big picture, we can think of oncogenic viruses as either disabling tumor suppression, causing chronic damage over time through inflammation, and weakening the immune system's ability to catch cancer in time before it develops. HPV Mehr: Let's start with one of the most common viruses afflicting our population – Human Papilloma Virus otherwise known as HPV.  Jeremy: Right, this notorious virus is probably the most clinically impactful oncogenic virus. The key players HPV utilizes are proteins E6 and E7. Mehr: Right! E6 binds to and inhibits p53, which normally acts to induce cell cycle arrest, and E7 inhibits Rb, which normally acts as a tumor suppressor gene that inhibits the G1 to S phase transition in a normal cell cycle. Jeremy: So essentially, we are losing both apoptosis and losing cell cycle control at the same time. What is interesting about HPV is that persistent infection, not just exposure to the virus, is what drives cancer risk.  Mehr: Exactly, most HPV infections clear on their own, but the ones that persist are the problem. Clinically, many end up being asymptomatic. However, for high-risk infections, we can see genital warts that can itch, feel tender, or cause abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge. Patients are sometimes not able to have a vaginal delivery because of the warts that are present along their genital tract. We can also see warts on the hands and fingers or plantar surface of our feet. Jeremy: Another interesting point is that we are also seeing a shift where there are more cases of oropharyngeal cancers in younger, non-smoking patients. This is why if we see an abnormal neck lymph node or persistent sore throat after swallowing in a young patient, HPV should definitely be on the differential.  Mehr: Screening is very important as well! We typically discover high-risk HPV infections through routine Pap smears and other HPV specific tests through DNA PCR and RNA tests. We also encourage vaccination for effective prevention of both genital warts and high-risk HPV-related cancers. There was also a study in Scotland where there were zero cases of HPV in adults who received the vaccine between 12-13 years of age! Which is crazy!  EBV HBV & HCV Mehr: Now let's shift to viruses that affect the liver, Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus. Jeremy: Both are strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, but they actually get there in slightlydifferent ways. Mehr: Right. Hepatitis B is a DNA virus that can integrate directly into the host genome, which can disrupttumor suppressor genes and promote oncogenesis. Jeremy: Whereas Hepatitis C is an RNA virus, so it doesn't integrate into the host genome. Instead, it causes chronic inflammation Over time, that leads to repeated cycles of hepatocyte injury and regeneration, along withoxidative stress from reactive oxygen species, which increases the risk of DNA mutations. Mehr: One really important clinical pearl is that Hep B can actually cause hepatocellular carcinoma evenwithout cirrhosis. Whereas with Hep C, the pathway is usually chronic inflammation → fibrosis → cirrhosis → dysplasia→ cancer.  Jeremy: So, screening becomes really important for both of these viruses. For high-risk patients—like those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis—we typically dosurveillance with liver ultrasound every 6 months, sometimes with alpha-fetoprotein levels to see if it is elevated. Mehr: From a prevention standpoint, the Hep B vaccine is a huge win. It significantly reduces the risk ofhepatocellular carcinoma. For Hep C, we don't have a vaccine, but direct-acting antivirals can actually cure the infection andreduce long-term cancer risk, which is why we screen between ages 18-79  nowadays. Global Hep B and C account for 65% of all HCC cases! So, it makes sense that primary care itself is increasing the treatment of Hep C cases as well since it is easier to prescribe and that you want to be treated ASAP.  Jeremy: Yea, the ability to treat Hep C is so beneficial to population health. Now let's say you have a patient who develops hepatocellular carcinoma, options can include surgicalresection, liver transplantation, local therapies, or systemic treatments depending on stage.  Even without trying, every night you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you, send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week!  __________________________________ References: Barry H. C. (2024). Scottish Screening: No Cases of Invasive Cervical Cancer in Women Who Received at Least One Dose of Bivalent HPV Vaccine at 12 or 13 Years of Age. American family physician, 110(2), 201–202. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39172683/ Theme song, Works All The Time by Dominik Schwarzer, YouTube ID: CUBDNERZU8HXUHBS, purchased from https://www.premiumbeat.com/. Even without trying, every night you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you, send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week!

Parent. Sister. Friend. That was the order Andrea established with her little sister Adrienne when Adrienne was just nine years old, fresh into a new life in Los Angeles after their mother signed over custody on the day after Christmas. Andrea was twenty-two. She had not planned any of this. But she looked at her little sister and she knew. And so she laid it out simply: I have to be your parent first, then your sister, and one day when you grow up, I really hope I'm your friend. Adrienne understood. She had a painting made for Andrea's office wall. It said: Parent, Sister, Friend. That painting still hangs there today. Andrea raised Adrienne from the age of eight, working four part-time jobs to stay on her schedule, becoming a substitute teacher so she could be home when Adrienne walked in the door. She gave her stability, consistency, and a love that was fierce and steady and completely unconditional. Adrienne thrived. She found herself in high school, earned a 4.0 GPA, stopped caring what anyone else thought, and became exactly the kind of bold, vivacious, deeply caring young woman you would expect from a girl raised by someone like Andrea. And then, three weeks before the end of her freshman year of high school, Adrienne came home from school and curled up on the living room floor in pain. She could not breathe. What followed was 147 days — a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, primary liver cancer that had already spread to her lungs, caused by hepatitis B and C she had received from their mother at birth and never known about. One hundred and forty-seven days of fighting, of blue wigs and butterfly wings, of a girl who joked her way through a CAT scan and named the family cat after synthetic marijuana. Adrienne died on October 9th, 2001. She was fifteen years old. A year later, Andrea was suicidal. She had lost not just her sister but her entire purpose for being. Everything she had done, every job she had chosen, every sacrifice she had made for nearly a decade had been for Adrienne. And now Adrienne was gone. It was her partner who stopped her. He said simply: if you go ahead and kill yourself, she is never going to forgive you. And Andrea knew he was right. So she found a way to channel her grief. She called the largest liver disease nonprofit in the country, pitched herself as a volunteer, and was turned down flat. That rejection sent her searching, and what she found was a gap so large it was almost unbelievable. There was not a single organization in the United States dedicated specifically to HCC, the cancer that had killed Adrienne. So Andrea founded one. She named it Blue Faery, the Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, after Adrienne's beloved blue hair, her blue wig, and the blue butterfly wings she was buried in. The day Blue Faery was officially incorporated was December 19th, 2002. Eight years to the month from the day Adrienne came to live with her. It felt like everything was lining up. Today, Blue Faery is the leading HCC nonprofit in the country, providing education, advocacy, and community to patients and families navigating a disease that is both more common and more preventable than most people realize. Andrea has also written a memoir, Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days, which tells the story of the seven years she raised Adrienne and the 147 days she fought to save her. Parent. Sister. Friend. And now, advocate. Love, it turns out, does not need somewhere to go. It just becomes purpose.

Listen as Bright Ansah, patient advocate, describes his experience with being diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B as a recent immigrant to the United States and the unique barriers to treatment faced by the African immigrant community. Through his story, learn how healthcare professionals can reduce these barriers for this key population. Topics covered include: Key barriers to care for African immigrant patients Myths and misconceptions about HBV in the African immigrant community Get access to all of our new podcasts by subscribing to the Decera Clinical Education Infectious Disease Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or Spotify. Link to program page: https://bit.ly/4uz25Vc Presenter: Bright Ansah  HBV Patient Advocate Frederick, Maryland Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With recent updates to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Classification (BCLC), how should multidisciplinary teams adapt their treatment strategies to accommodate the newest evidence? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, Dr. Neil Mehta of UCSF and Dr. Riad Salem of Northwestern Medicine join host Dr. Tyler Sandow to explore the complexities of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapies and the practical application of the latest global algorithms in balancing standardized therapeutic algorithms with individual patient factors. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:54 - HCC Case Discussion08:05 - Guest Introductions10:37 - BCLC Committee and 2025 Update15:54 - CUSE and Tumor Board Goals17:46 - Bridging vs Curative Y9022:37 - Patient Factors in Treatment Algorithms26:41 - Liver Function and Hyperbilirubinemia Trends30:25 - HCC Treatment Decision Ownership34:36 - Radiation Segmentectomy vs Surgical Resection37:35 - BCLC B Heterogeneity41:51 - Improving HCC Risk Stratification43:48 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The discussion begins with an inside look at the consensus process behind the 2025 BCLC updates, highlighting the official inclusion of Y90 radioembolization as a recognized therapeutic option. The experts introduce the "CUSE" (Complexity, Uncertainty, Subjectivity, and Emotion) framework to provide a structured approach to the subjective considerations that modulate purely data-based algorithms in multidisciplinary decision-making. Dr. Salem and Dr. Mehta speak on the nuances of surgical resection versus radiation segmentectomy in a case-based discussion, highlighting how factors such as portal hypertension, patient age, and etiology of cirrhosis should influence treatment pathways. Finally, they underscore the paradigm shift toward pursuing complete pathonecrosis (CPN) as a primary curative goal, regardless of bridging status, and reiterate that success in HCC care is driven by continuous communication and collaboration between physicians and patients. --- Resources BCLC 2026 Updatehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2025.10.020 ---BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Join AONN+ Executive Director Candice Roth, MSN, RN, CENP,  and experts from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) as they explore the complexities of managing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in this latest episode of the Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation, facilitated by the Society of Interventional Oncology.Discover the unique features that set HCC apart from other solid tumors, including its nuanced diagnosis, and learn how UCSD's multidisciplinary team approach is empowering patients and transforming HCC care for a new era. If you're a healthcare provider involved in liver cancer care or want to understand how cutting-edge collaboration enhances survival and quality of life for patients with HCC, this episode is your essential guide. Thank you to our guests from UCSD for joining us for this insightful conversation:Zach Berman, MD, Interventional RadiologistAdam Burgoyne, MD, PhD, Medical OncologistYuko Kono, MD, PhD, FAIUM, FAASLD, HepatologistSam Myers, RN, OCNResources & LinksSociety of Interventional OncologyContact Heart & Soul of Oncology Navigation- Follow AONN+ on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube- Contact us at communications@aonn.orgThanks for listening!

When a liver tumor is hard to see, the limits of conventional image guidance can become the limits of treatment. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Netherlands interventional oncologist Dr. Maarten (M.L.J.) Smits shares a step-by-step walkthrough of the new hepatic arteriography and C-arm CT–guided ablation (HepACAGA) technique, punctuated with a real-world case series at the end. Find out how intra-arterial contrast, cone-beam CT, and 3D needle guidance can improve tumor conspicuity, targeting accuracy, and ablation margin assessment within a single angiography suite. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:55 - Netherlands Tech Access04:31 - Origin of HepACAGA07:14 - Why Use a Catheter?11:24 - Tools and Setup13:13 - Catheters and Devices17:06 - Contrast Protocol Basics22:51 - Targeting and Needle Guidance31:09 - Patient Selection35:56 - Extra Benefits and Multimodal39:58 - Workflow and Outcomes46:14 - Evidence and Early Studies51:41 - Rethinking Size Cutoffs57:54 - HCC Case Walkthrough01:02:27 - Hard-to-See Metastasis01:06:22 - Margin Driven Reablation01:11:04 - Bleeding and Embolization01:16:05 - Renal ACAGA Expansion01:23:31 - Adoption and Next Steps --- More about this episode Dr. Smits explains the origins of HepACAGA and why catheter-based contrast delivery can meaningfully change ablation planning, particularly for small lesions, poorly visualized tumors, and cases where ultrasound or conventional CT guidance may be insufficient. He walks through the practical setup, including catheter positioning, contrast dilution, timing protocols, needle navigation, apnea/end-expiration technique, and built-in fusion for immediate ablation verification. He also describes how the angio suite environment supports multimodal treatment, including intraprocedural embolization when bleeding occurs or when additional transarterial therapy is needed. The episode also examines early outcomes from Dr. Smits' group, including a reported reduction in local recurrence from approximately 25% to 5%, with a modest increase in procedure time. Case examples include HCC, small colorectal liver metastases, margin-driven re-ablation, hemorrhage management, and extension of the ACAGA concept to renal tumors (RenACAGA). --- Resources Hepatic Arteriography and C-Arm CT-Guided Ablation (HepACAGA) to Improve Tumor Visualization, Navigation and Margin Confirmation in Percutaneous Liver Tumor Ablationhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37704863/ Renal Arteriography and C-arm CT-Guided Ablation (RenACAGA) for Thermal Ablation of Challenging Renal Tumorshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40295401/ --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

In this replay episode from 2 years ago, we delve into the world of adult congenital heart disease to review the topic of liver disease in the Fontan patient and specifically, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). What is the prevalence of this disease in the Fontan single ventricle adult patient? How effective are scores like the MELD-XI or Fibrosis-4 Index at identification of HCC in the Fontan patient? How should the Fontan adult patient be surveilled for this form of cancer? What evidence is there that earlier identification of HCC is associated with better outcomes? What may prove to be the most important factor in protection of the liver in the Fontan patient? Dr. Yuli Kim, Director of the ACHD program at The University of Pennsylvania shares her deep insights this week into this important topic.DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad788

What happens when you ask clinicians to hit dozens of quality metrics but never explain why those metrics matter or how to manage them? Kenneth Botelho, founding program director of the Doctor of Medical Science program at the College of St. Scholastica, joins to discuss his KevinMD article, "Value-based care workforce: Bridging the gap in clinical education," and why medical education still trains you to treat one patient at a time in a world that demands population health thinking. He breaks down the disconnect between fee-for-service training and value-based care realities, from dashboard management and HCC coding to compensation tied to screening rates you were never taught to influence. You will hear why this knowledge gap fuels burnout and early career attrition, what PA and NP programs are starting to do about it, and how postgraduate training could give clinicians the framework they need to regain control over their day-to-day work. If you have ever felt graded on a system no one explained to you, this episode will change how you see your role in it. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Read the full article at: https://oncdata.com/exploring-ai-helioliver Patients diagnosed with early-stage liver cancer have a significantly higher survival rate compared to those diagnosed in later stages, yet screening options and barriers persist. In the latest episode of Exploring AI in Oncology, Waqas Haque, MD, MPH, speaks with Bharat Tewarie, MD, MBA, the CEO of Helio Genomics, about the company's AI-powered blood test, HelioLiver, and its potential role in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. Dr. Tewarie shares why liver cancer is a strong use case for blood-based early detection, how HelioLiver may fit into existing workflows, and barriers to overcome for broader adoption.

President Trump's emergency authorization of $23 billion in Gulf arms sales and massive defense spending increases are creating a windfall for military contractors. The defense industrial complex is experiencing its biggest expansion since the Cold War era.Today's Stocks & Topics: Tapestry, Inc. (TPR), Market Wrap, CVS Health Corporation (CVS), Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), Alternative Investment: Ground-floor, Defense Spending Boom: Military Contractors Hit the Jackpot, Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (HCC), The Bond Market, Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL), VICI Properties Inc. (VICI), The Top 1%.Introducing our Third Annual InvestTalk Market Madness! Join the mayhem before May 18th at 11:59 pm PST for the chance to win $1,500! Fill out your bracket below: https://kppfinancial.com/investtalk-madnessOur Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic: https://claude.ai/invest* Check out Pebl: https://hipebl.ai* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/INVESTAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How would you approach a town hall meeting about the future of the HCC campus for the Rays development

Full article: Enhancing Capsule on Dynamic Liver CT: Association With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis Using LI-RADS Version 2018 Should an enhancing capsule be handled differently from other LI-RADS major features? Jordan Kondo, MD, discusses this AJR article by Choi et al. that explores the impact on CT-based HCC diagnosis of proposed modified LR-5 criteria that give an enhancing capsule the same priority as other major features.

Wait…what happened to the iconic "HCC"? In this episode of the "Money" Market Podcast, host Owen LaFave and Hillsborough College President Dr. Ken Atwater unpack why Hillsborough College dropped "Community" from its name and what that means for Tampa's economic future. From workforce pipelines – FinTech, AI, healthcare, and even drone technology – Hillsborough College is fueling Tampa Bay's workforce and innovation ecosystem. Plus, plot twist, Hillsborough College just entered into a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the Tampa Bay Rays to explore building a new stadium and mixed-use district on the Dale Mabry campus, potentially creating thousands of jobs and redefining the campus footprint. Ken shares how the college partners directly with major employers, responds to real-time industry needs, and trains talent for jobs that exist right now. This conversation also tackles affordability, enrollment growth, and why two-year colleges educate more Floridians than state universities. Owen and Ken address the Dale Mabry campus headline buzz and what a potential Rays development could mean for students and the region. With a booming $1.3B economic impact and tuition frozen for a decade, Hillsborough College is quietly doing some of the most important work in the Bay area. If you care about jobs, growth, and where Tampa Bay is headed next, you won't want to miss this episode.   WATCH NEXT: THE HIDDEN COST OF GROWTH IN TAMPA WITH GARRETT GRECO https://youtu.be/B8KrG3r6mtY SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz_7yNs7dOuyKApAkohqJIQ   Follow The "Money" Market Podcast here:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6e7E0DaJZQkuw339G7nGI4?si=27d047641a1d4b17 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-money-market-podcast/id1733948143 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneymarketpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneymarketpodcast Website: https://moneymarketpodcast.com   The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC

Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Lightning's comeback win over the Sabres as they have points in 19 of their last 20 games. Nikita Kucherov had another 4-point night and Darren Raddysh continues to bomb away from the point. Plus Rob Manfred and Governor Ron DeSantis support the Rays stadium at HCC in a press conference on Tuesday, Tom Moore packs his back to leave Tampa as retirement begins and we answer your mailbag question on the Bolts trade deadline needs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, hosts Kimberly Brown, MD, and Nancy Reau, MD, break down new research on liver transplantation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the ongoing evolution of surveillance strategies in chronic liver disease. Drawing on their extensive experience as transplant hepatologists, Brown and Reau place new data into practical context, highlighting where evidence may meaningfully inform practice and where unanswered questions remain.Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Introduction0:00:19 – Frailty & Transplant Evaluation0:02:54 – How Centers Use Frailty Measures0:04:37 – Practicalities of the Six‑Minute Walk0:06:10 – MELD 3.0 and Sex/Size Disparities0:08:42 – Exception Points & Size Constraints0:10:05 – Need for a Dynamic MELD System0:10:19 – Immunotherapy as Bridge/Downstaging for HCC0:13:34 – Real‑World Use of IO Around Transplant0:15:22 – Managing Rejection Risk0:19:03 – MASLD Population & Surveillance Gaps0:20:21 – Adherence to HCC Surveillance0:22:42 – Practical Barriers: AFP, Ultrasound, Radiology Reports0:24:02 – Shift Toward Blood-Based Surveillance0:26:01 – How AFP-L3 and DCP Are Used in Practice0:27:39 – Rising AFP, Imaging Strategy & Broader Trend to Blood Tests0:28:27 – Guidelines vs Real-World Practice0:29:37 – Closing Thoughts on Guidelines & Early Detection

In this episode of Liver Lineup: Updates and Unfiltered Insights, hosts Nancy Reau, MD, and Kimberly Brown, MD, tackle a paradox that continues to define viral hepatitis care: despite curative therapies for hepatitis C and highly effective suppression for hepatitis B, global and domestic elimination goals remain out of reach. The conversation reframes viral hepatitis not as a “finished” chapter in hepatology, but as an ongoing public health challenge shaped by missed screening, gaps in linkage to care, and uneven adoption of evidence-based interventions.Key episode timestamps:0:00:00 – Hepatitis elimination gaps; dialysis-unit success; primary-care screening barriers.0:04:30 – Statins in HBV/HCV: reduced HCC/decompensation; safety in compensated disease.0:08:41 – GLP‑1 agonists: improved liver outcomes and cancer/cardiometabolic profile; safety concerns addressed.0:13:21 – HBV functional cure and Bepi: niche role, durability, small but meaningful responder group.0:19:28 – HBV/HDV: disease severity; new mAb + siRNA regimen; comparison with existing options; access issues.0:23:28 – Bulevirtide durability data; real‑world compassionate-use case with recompensation and early HCC.

Over Under, HCC update, and a QB redraft

Rich Hollenberg has a Happy Birthday message for Doug and thoughts on the HCC build

Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the news the Mike McDaniel is going to be the next Offensive Coordinator of the Chargers and not the Buccaneers. Plus Baker Mayfield doesn't like new Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, the Lightning win again over San Jose, NHL starting to build outdoor rink at Raymond James Stadium and HCC approves plan to pursue Rays Stadium deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to 2026, HCC!We're launching the year with a powerful new sermon series, The Shape of Sin, inspired by Timothy Keller's teachings on the seven deadly sins. Pastor Joel will open the series by examining the anatomy of sin, peeling back its layers so we can recognize it for what it truly is. Sin is more than a list of bad decisions - it subtly reshapes our hearts, redirecting what we love and redefining where we place our trust. Join us on this journey of honest reflection and renewed perspective. When we see sin clearly, it doesn't drive us into guilt - it leads us into freedom, clarity, and a deeper wonder at God's grace. As sin is revealed, grace becomes more beautiful, mercy more personal, and Jesus more worthy of our devotion. Let's begin 2026 with open eyes, humble hearts, and growing awe for the God who restores what sin distorts.

Testimony SundayThank you for joining us for a special service as we reflect on the overwhelming goodness of God. Hear heartfelt testimonies from members of HCC  - powerful stories of the Lord's faithfulness to save, provide, transform, and revive! Come, be encouraged, inspired, and reminded that God is still moving, still restoring, and still faithful in every season.

Mike Hoxter, CTO of Lightbeam Health Solutions, is focused on applying AI to population health management by using predictive models to enhance risk stratification for organizations with value-based care contracts. He emphasizes the importance of integrating social determinants of health along with clinical data to create more accurate predictive scores for patient outcomes, such as reducing hospital readmissions. AI enables a model to incorporate diverse data to derive more fine-tuned, actionable predictions. Mike explains, "We're really all for optimization in value-based care plans and care management. That's really our bread and butter, which is a pretty wide net. So we have a lot of large provider organizations in either CMS MSSP, ACO REACH, or a wide range of value-based care contracts with a lot of the commercial players. The Blues, Humana, Cigna, and Aetna all have value-based care plans that they have contracts with providers. So, optimizing for performance in those contracts. Anybody who works within those is our main clientele. We also have payers that are administering value-based care plans and some hospital systems as well." "If you're good at preventative healthcare, you prevent a lot of unnecessary healthcare. And so risk stratification is something that we do a lot of, and we use a lot of the standard models out there. We have Johns Hopkins embedded into our application. We have all of the different HCC models for Medicare Advantage, CDPs for Medicaid, but then also we have a suite of internal machine-learning-based models, which, I think, is funny - we've gotten to a point where there's such a thing as traditional AI, which is what it's called." #LightbeamHealthSolutions #PopulationHealth #ValueBasedCare #VBC #VBCEnablement #AI #SDOH #RemotePatientMonitoring #Providers #Payers #ACO lightbeamhealth.com Listen to the podcast here

Mike Hoxter, CTO of Lightbeam Health Solutions, is focused on applying AI to population health management by using predictive models to enhance risk stratification for organizations with value-based care contracts. He emphasizes the importance of integrating social determinants of health along with clinical data to create more accurate predictive scores for patient outcomes, such as reducing hospital readmissions. AI enables a model to incorporate diverse data to derive more fine-tuned, actionable predictions. Mike explains, "We're really all for optimization in value-based care plans and care management. That's really our bread and butter, which is a pretty wide net. So we have a lot of large provider organizations in either CMS MSSP, ACO REACH, or a wide range of value-based care contracts with a lot of the commercial players. The Blues, Humana, Cigna, and Aetna all have value-based care plans that they have contracts with providers. So, optimizing for performance in those contracts. Anybody who works within those is our main clientele. We also have payers that are administering value-based care plans and some hospital systems as well." "If you're good at preventative healthcare, you prevent a lot of unnecessary healthcare. And so risk stratification is something that we do a lot of, and we use a lot of the standard models out there. We have Johns Hopkins embedded into our application. We have all of the different HCC models for Medicare Advantage, CDPs for Medicaid, but then also we have a suite of internal machine-learning-based models, which, I think, is funny - we've gotten to a point where there's such a thing as traditional AI, which is what it's called." #LightbeamHealthSolutions #PopulationHealth #ValueBasedCare #VBC #VBCEnablement #AI #SDOH #RemotePatientMonitoring #Providers #Payers #ACO lightbeamhealth.com Download the transcript here

In this episode of Better Edge, Sean W. P. Koppe, MD, moderates a panel of Northwestern Medicine hepatologists as they discuss recent scientific updates from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) annual meeting held in November 2025. The conversation addresses key updates in the management of patients with cirrhosis, MASLD, HCC, alcohol liver disease, cholestatic liver diseases and autoimmune hepatitis that were presented at the meeting.

Elevate your practice from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance to prognosis by mastering liver-specific contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Credit available for this activity expires: [11/14/26] Earn Credit / Learning Objectives & Disclosures: https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/liver-mri-news-front-lines-2025a1000vg7?page=1?ecd=bdc_podcast_libsyn_mscpedu

This Sunday at HCC, we continue our Seven Deadly Sins series by looking at Envy — the Green-Eyed Monster. Envy begins with comparison, grows through insecurity, and ends by stealing our joy, but gratitude breaks its grip. Join us as we learn how to recognize envy in our hearts, find contentment in Christ, and celebrate the blessings God has already given us.Our regular service is at 10am on Sundays. We are located at 304 E. Austin Ave in Hutto, TX. Can't make it in person? You are welcome to join us live on Facebook or YouTube. If you need prayer or you just need someone to talk to please reach out to us at prayer@huttocommunitychurch.org.HCC Website - HCC Facebook - HCC YouTube

We will break down the historical data from Fidelity to reveal how a government shutdown truly affects the stock market, fixed income, and the broader economy, and why your long-term strategy remains the best defense. Today's Stocks & Topics: Neptune Insurance Holdings Inc. (NP), Market Wrap, Coloplast A/S (CLPBY), Games Workshop Group PLC (GMWKF), Should You Panic? The Real Impact of a Government Shutdown on Your Investments, Sanofi (SNY), Key Benchmark Numbers: Treasury Yields, Gold, Silver, Oil and Gasoline, The Shutdown, United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), Kenon Holdings Ltd. (KEN), The KPP Newsletter, Ramaco Resources, Inc. (METC), Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (HCC), Sign of Short-Term Market Strains.Our Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic: https://claude.ai/INVEST* Check out Gusto: https://gusto.com/investtalk* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Initial Reactions to the Press Conference Excitement over finally hearing from ownership.Big question addressed: Are the Rays staying in the Tampa Bay area?New owner Patrick Zalupski confirms commitment to the region. Stadium Plans & Vision Zalupski's top priority: Building a new stadiumInspiration from Atlanta's Battery:Mixed-use development: hotels, bars, restaurants, retail, concert venues.Emphasis on creating a destination, not just a ballpark. Atlanta as the Model Turner Field to The Battery move: strategic & fan-focused.Success of moving closer to where the fanbase actually lives.Takeaway: Rays should apply the same approach. Site Challenges & Possibilities Target: 100+ acres of land – a tall order in Tampa.Areas discussed:Gaslight District – likely out.Steinbrenner Field area – possibly too small.HCC campus – enough land but unrealistic due to school presence.Raymond James area – intriguing, but complex.I-4 corridor / near Ybor / fairgrounds – promising due to accessibility.Oldsmar, outskirts, or near Lakeland – growing regions with fan potential. Data-Driven Decision Making Emphasis on studying demographics and fan location data.Go where the fans are – maximize attendance and long-term success. Timeline & UrgencyGoal: Open new stadium by 2029.Concerns about tight turnaround for:Stadium constructionMixed-use developmentHopeful, but realistic – planning must move quickly and efficiently. Interim Situation: Tropicana Field Tropicana Field remains the temporary home.Renovations help, but it's still outdated.Sympathy for the team and fans having to return there. Stadium Features Confirmed Enclosed fixed roof stadium (not retractable).Pros: AC stays.Cons: Still playing indoors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, we spoke with Masatoshi Kudo, MD, about the evolving treatment landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and how recent comparative analyses are helping refine the use of first-line immunotherapy-based regimens. Dr Kudo is a professor and chairman in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Kindai University Faculty of Medicine in Osaka, Japan.

Can you manipulate blood flow in the tumor microenvironment to optimize drug delivery? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, interventional oncologist Dr. Zachary Berman (UC San Diego) joins host Dr. Christopher Beck to discuss real-world applications of pressure-enabled drug delivery in local, regional liver-directed therapies like TACE and Y90.---This podcast is supported by:TriSalus Life Scienceshttp://trinavinfusion.com/---SYNPOSISThe conversation begins with an overview of the tumor microvascular environment, focusing on the abnormal nature of the new vessels that feed tumors. They then discuss the genesis of pressure-enabled drug delivery and the theory behind its efficacy. Dr. Berman explains the TriNav catheter's micro-valve design, its anti-reflux properties, and how these features enhance tumor drug delivery. He walks through his own procedure technique, comparing and contrasting it to standard embolization, and details the utility of pressure-enabled drug delivery in lobar radioembolization and larger tumors. They also explore the benefits of both balloon occlusion and microvalve catheters.Real-world cases—including neuroendocrine tumors, segmental HCC, and more—illustrate the thought process around when to use specialized technologies. The episode wraps up with a discussion of the future implications for this technology in other pathologies, cost considerations, and the potential for enhancing drug delivery with innovative approaches.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction01:39 - The Tumor Microenvironment06:59 - Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery Explained09:37 - Technical Aspects of Pressure-Enabled Catheters21:48 - Case 1: Grade 3 Neuroendocrine Tumor34:06 - Case 2: Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Tumor and Vein36:01 - Case 3: TACE for Segmental HCC in Decompensated Cirrhosis38:58 - Case 4: Large Heterogenous Cholangiocarcinoma40:40 - Case 5: Lobar Neuroendocrine Tumor42:38 - Case 6: Segmental HCC with Central Necrosis47:52 - Best Practices and Technical Considerations57:52 - Future Directions in Pressure-Directed Embolotherapy59:48 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts---RESOURCESJVIR 2024 Jaroch et al.:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38969336/

Tired of chasing the next “quick fix” in diet culture? In this empowering episode of Dawnversations, I sit down with wellness expert Lindsey Kaszuba to talk about breaking free from the toxic cycle of diets, fads, and unsustainable weight loss trends like Ozempic. We dive into how to finally get off the hamster wheel and start tuning into your body—based on your lifestyle, your age, and your goals. Lindsey shares how to create realistic, sustainable habits that actually work long-term. No guilt. No shame. Just real talk about food, mindset, and self-trust.If you're done with diet drama and ready for a smarter, saner approach to wellness, this episode is for you!FIND LINDSEY HERE:Lindsey's Instagram @lindseykaszubahealthHealth Club Collective is a course & community focused on helping women unlock their healthiest weight yet and trust their body…beyond the scale. Learn more about HCC.Join Lindsey's Thrive Tribe email community#dietculture, #intuitiveeating, #ozempic, #weightlossjourney, #wellnesspodcast, #healthyhabits, #bodytrust, #sustainableweightloss, #midlifewellness, #ditchthediet, #nutritioncoach, #lindseykaszuba, #dawnversationspodcast, #mindbodyconnection, #realwellness, #healthylifestyle, #agingwell, #balancedliving, #habitsnothacks, #bodyrespect, #selfcare, #wellness #health

The balance between targeting tumor and sparing healthy liver is delicate. How do the experts do it? In this case-based review, Drs. Zach Berman (UC San Diego) and Tyler Sandow (Ochsner Health) join host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy to walk us through real-world scenarios and share how they approach Y90 dose optimization. --- This podcast is supported by: Sirtexhttps://www.sirtex.com/ Medtronic Emprinthttps://www.medtronic.com/emprint --- SYNPOSIS First, the doctors review a case of HCC and discuss key lab values, like albumin, and their role in planning. They also break down how they manipulate variables like microsphere activity, perfusion density, and total dose to deliver a tumor dose of around 1,100 Gy. The doctors also challenge the standard perfused dose of 400 Gy for large tumors and share when they feel comfortable pushing beyond it. Next, they discuss nuances in treating portal vein tumor invasion and what decides which Vp classifications can be treated with Y90 or combination immunotherapy. A subsequent case involving a large central HCC tumor explores the risks of biliary stricture from high radiation and the challenge of missing tumor margins with overly selective catheterization. In the last case, the doctors discuss different scenarios in multifocal HCC liver lesions. Overall, the conversation explores different approaches based on tumor size, location, and patient liver function, and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and Case Overview01:28 - Patient Case Study - Hep C and Alcoholic Cirrhosis02:05 - Evaluating Liver Function and Treatment Approach04:50 - Tumor Dose and Perfusion Density15:49 - Portal Vein Tumor Invasion21:42 - Case Study: Large Central HCC Tumor Treatment22:19 - Challenges in Treating Large Central Tumors22:48 - Dosimetry Considerations and Biliary Strictures27:24 - Case Study: Assorted Multifocal HCC Lesions Scenarios

For this week's episode I'm bringing you something a little different, but of such importance that I had to share it with my Off the Record audience: The massive audit expansion of Medicare Advantage announced by CMS. In case you missed it, CMS in May rocked the mid-revenue cycle industry with the unveiling of a startling mandate. It will hire 2000 medical coders, beef up its audit technology, and expand its current limited auditing scope from 60 Medicare Advantage Plans to some 550 plans nationwide in an attempt to check widespread allegations of HCC upcoding. My colleague Jason Jobes has been closely following the news and presented this topic in June—the most attended webinar Norwood has ever hosted. This is a replay of that very well-received show. It covers: The evolving risk adjustment landscape and the rise of Medicare Advantage CMS broad and bold audit scope and strategy  Best practice techniques to survive in risk adjustment and avoid potential risks Jason refers to several slides during the presentation, which you don't necessarily need, but if you'd like to follow along or see the exact references and data we've posted them to the Norwood website with a link in the show notes. Enjoy the show!  Show notes and resources View the webinar slides here (free; requires registration) Read the full CMS audit announcement. 

Will single session Y90 become the standard of care for HCC and oligo-metastatic disease? Tune in to our third installment of Dosimetry University with interventional oncologists Drs. Tyler Sandow, Nima Kokabi, and Kavi Krishnasamy as they share their experiences and best practices in single session Y90 treatment. --- This podcast is supported by:Sirtexhttps://www.sirtex.com/ Medtronic Emprinthttps://www.medtronic.com/emprint --- SYNPOSIS The doctors discuss the application and workflow of single session Y90 therapy for primary and oligo-metastatic liver tumors. They discuss the latest data from various institutions, emphasizing reduced lung dose, lower time to treatment, improved cost-efficiency, and the advantageous safety profile associated with single session treatment. The discussion also covers ideal patient selection based on tumor location and vascular characteristics, the importance of cone beam CT, and how to identify red-flag features of vascular enhancement. Our panel then reviews key technical considerations for single session success, including the use of flow-modifying microcatheters, gelfoam, and strategies for flow redirection. The episode concludes with a case discussion to explore the best strategy for a large liver tumor, detailing the specifics of each treatment and the potential role of combined therapies to achieve better long-term outcomes. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 00:47 - Single Session Y90: Workflow and Benefits03:52 - Patient Selection04:31 - Tumor Location and Preferred Techniques14:31 - Reperfusion and Redirection Techniques 26:16 - Case Study: Large Tumor Treatment37:01 - Long-Term Outcomes and Surgical Considerations

Ep 130- Value-Based Shift: Inside the CMS TEAM Transformation On this episode Dan explores the newly introduced the CMS Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM)—a mandatory five-year, episode-based pricing model, informed by earlier initiatives from the CMS Innovation Center. Designed to cover high-volume, high-cost surgical procedures, TEAM represents a significant shift in how hospitals and providers approach bundled payments. Join Dan and special guest Lucy Zielinski, an expert in value-based programs and HCC coding, as they unpack what the TEAM model entails and what participating hospitals must do to prepare for the January 1, 2026 implementation. Gain insights how this model influences financial performance, drives care coordination redesign, and introduces new incentives and penalties. Whether you are a healthcare leader, provider, or payer, don't miss this overview of one of CMS's initiatives shaping the future of value-based care. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss various pressing issues in healthcare, including the recent increase in CMS investigations into Medicare risk adjustment data, the challenges faced by providers in complying with insurance requests, and the implications of Medicaid eligibility changes. They also delve into the role of GLP-1 medications in weight loss and the importance of patient advocacy in navigating healthcare decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue with insurers and to advocate for their patients' needs.TakeawaysThe increase in CMS investigators for Medicare risk adjustment data is significant.Providers have the right to push back against unrealistic insurance requests.Medicaid is a state program designed for low-income individuals and specific groups.Work requirements for Medicaid eligibility are being proposed, affecting millions.GLP-1 medications are becoming popular for weight loss but come with high costs.Patients should advocate for themselves and ask questions about their treatment plans.Insurance companies often request excessive documentation, creating administrative burdens.The healthcare system is facing challenges with compliance and documentation accuracy.Understanding the implications of HCC coding is crucial for providers.The long-term effects of new medications are still largely unknown.