POPULARITY
President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis has sparked a wave of concern, as well as questions about the disease. Who tends to get it? When should men get screened? What causes it? What are the myths, and what are the realities? Our guests answer questions from listeners about prostate cancer: Supriya Mohile, M.D., geriatric oncologist and professor in the Departments of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology; Surgery, Cancer Control; and the Cancer Center; and vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center Thomas Osinski, M.D., assistant professor of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center Matthew Truong, M.D., urologist who practices general urology and urologic oncology at the Center for Urology, which is associated with Rochester Regional Health
D.O. or Do Not: The Osteopathic Physician's Journey for Premed & Medical Students
Send us a textIn today's episode we have the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Anna Levy, D.O. Dr. Levy is an oncologist who works in the very specialized area of liver related cancers. Dr. Levy is Medical Director of Hepatobiliary Malignancies and the Hepatic Artery Pump Infusion Program, based at the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center. Dr Levy is is Board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. She is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health Medical School. Dr. Levy earned her medical degree at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine followed by an Internal Medicine Residency at the Christiana Care Health System and ultimately completed her fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center.Dr. Levy will delve into the life of an oncologist and the difficulties treating very sick patients. She will discuss the difficulties of work life balance and how her family and home life allow her to “keep her cup full." Dr. Levy will discuss the problem of suicide, among physicians specifically among high stress professions such as Hematology/ Oncology. Dr. Levy will share her journey which started as an emigre from the Ukraine. She will tell us about her discovery of Osteopathic Medicine and how she developed a love for oncology, a difficult and complex specialty. Please join us in our discussion with this remarkable physician. . . a discussion you won't want to miss!
The approach to ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations in patients with hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer continues to evolve. What role does circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) play in treatment decisions? How should oncologists best approach patients with PIK3CA mutations who subsequently develop ESR1 mutations? VK Gadi, MD, PhD, professor and director of medical oncology and deputy director of the University of Illinois Cancer Center in Chicago, discusses with Robert A. Figlin, MD, the interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Los Angeles and Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology, how recent data are informing care for patients with comutations. “We now have at least one ESR1-targeting drug out there, and more to come,” Dr. Gadi explains. “Elacestrant is the drug I'm of course referencing, and that is used essentially like a single agent and works well for those patients. Even when they have, for example, PIK3CA mutations present.” He and Dr. Figlin consider when to act on ctDNA findings and potential future strategies. Dr. Gadi reported no relevant financial relationships. Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.
Show Notes: Alison Wakoff Loren went to St Louis to medical school at Washington University. She specialized in internal medicine and later completed a subspecialty fellowship in hematology oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. She met her husband in medical school and they have three children all in their early twenties. Alison is now the chief of the Division of Hematology Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in bone marrow transplantation, a curative therapy for blood cancer. Taking Care of Patients Alison finds the best part of her job to be taking care of patients, especially those who have just been diagnosed with leukemia. She gets to know people when they are in a vulnerable place and understand their lives, which is a privilege. She also does a lot of administrative work, mentoring trainees and faculty, helping them understand their passions and connecting them with opportunities. Alison is proud of her mentoring success stories. She encourages everyone to show gratitude and warmth, as the world is not always generous, and it is important to show that we can make a difference for each other by showing warmth and gratitude. She also shares a story of mentoring a talented MD and PhD candidate who was unhappy in her research role. Helping Patients with Leukemia Alison discusses the fear and uncertainty people face when discovering they have leukemia. She shares her experiences in delivering sad news to a patient who had been a high school history teacher and had leukemia come back. She mentions that people have incredibly generous spirits and sometimes don't behave their best when they're scared. She also shares examples of people making decisions that matter to their loved ones, such as stopping treatment or continuing treatment when they don't want to. Alison also discusses the range of responses people have when they have to deliver sad news. She explains that most people know they're in for an uphill climb, and it's rare to be surprised. Alison specializes in bone marrow transplants, which are intensive but curative intent therapies, and she emphasizes the importance of laying groundwork ahead of time to make difficult conversations less shocking and offering hope while grounding the conversation. She also stresses the importance of being honest and respectful in her interactions with patients. Fertility Preservation in Cancer Treatment The conversation turns to Alison's research and the importance of fertility preservation in cancer treatment, which can harm reproductive capacity and lead to infertility. Oncology teams often don't discuss this topic, partly because they are focused on cancer and not reproductive endocrinologists. However, there is a focus on making sure all patients are counseled about the reproductive impact of their treatments and reproductive options to engage in fertility preservation before starting cancer treatments. Alison explains what is recommended for women. She mentions that it is important to discuss these options before starting cancer treatment, as it reduces distress and decision regret for people after treatment. Alison is fortunate to be able to speak and advocate for fertility preservation for people with blood cancers, which represents a special population in oncology care. She has been fortunate to co-chair an effort to develop guidelines for fertility preservation from a large cancer organization. She explains that colleagues in reproductive science are doing amazing research to extend options for reproductive care before and after cancer treatment, which is exciting to inform oncology clinicians and advocate for insurance coverage for these treatments. Family Life, Running, and Circadian Rhythms Alison shares her experiences with her children, including a daughter who works at the Amherst College Library, an older son considering medical school, and a younger son at Bates College in Maine. Her daughter has inspired her to think about women in the workplace, as she was criticized for not valuing women in her division and for hiring women because they are cheaper. Alison also shares her experience with running, which she enjoys but has to get up early to get in before work. She talks about the concept of morning and night people, stating that people have their own internal clocks. She also mentions that research into the biology of the circadian clock is still in its early stages. Influential Harvard Courses and Professors Alison shares her experiences at Harvard, including taking courses with Stephen Jay Gould and Dick Lewontin, who were incredibly intelligent and insightful. She also took Act 10 as a senior, which was an unexpected experience that helped her learn different ways of thinking about the subject. Alison volunteered at the Mission Hill after-school program, which allowed her to get to know the kids and families there. She tried out for various extracurriculars, such as singing and photography, but found it intimidating. She also mentions the training program for photographers. Timestamps: 01:51: Alison Wakoff Loren's Medical Journey 04:12: Motivations and Rewards in Patient Care 22:20: Mentoring Success Stories 22:36: Challenges and Insights in Patient Care 24:17: Balancing Professional and Personal Life 24:32: Research and Advocacy in Fertility Preservation 28:54: Influences and Reflections on Harvard Education 37:25: Extracurricular Activities and Personal Growth Links: Penn Medicine Website: https://www.pennmedicine.org/providers/profile/alison-loren American Society of Clinical Oncology: https://www.asco.org/ Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://www.lls.org/ Featured Non-profit: The featured non-profit of this episode of The 92 Report is recommended by Ming Chen who reports: “ One nonprofit that I've been involved in is the Keswick Foundation, which funds pilot programs in Hong Kong and mainland China to help the community serve needs that are not being met by the government. So we work with family and vulnerable populations. We work with the elderly, and we work with things like helping promote social work in China, as well as clinical psychologists in different NGOs around the region. The other nonprofit that I am on the Advisory Council of is the Asian American foundation, TAF for short, T, A, A, F, F. The Asian American foundation, basically, is a platform that gets together different organizations around anti hate, changing the narrative education, helping to advocate for Asian American history taught in public schools, as well as narrative change representation in Hollywood and beyond. And again, it was founded around the 2020, around the growing disturbing rhetoric against Asians with the rise of COVID So yeah, those are two nonprofit organizations that I'm involved with. So again, one nonprofit that's been on the board for for many, many years is called the Keswick Foundation, and it funds pilot programs in Hong Kong as well as Mainland China. And then the Asian American foundation. If you want to learn more about the Asian American foundation, it's www dot T, A, A, f.org, check it out.” To learn more about their work, visit: The Asian American Foundation: https://www.taaf.org/ The Keswick Foundation: https://www.keswickfoundation.org.hk/
The last few years have seen “a remarkable change in both our approach and management of EGFR lung cancer,” says Shirish M. Gadgeel, MD, division head for hematology/oncology and associate director of Patient Experience and Clinical Care at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute in Detroit. He discusses key considerations for managing EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer with Robert A. Figlin, MD, the interim director and Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Gadgeel describes considerations for leptomeningeal metastases, important treatment toxicities, and exciting advances on the horizon. Dr. Gadgeel reported various financial relationships. Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.
When it comes to tackling fertility issues associated with cancer, “oncology clinicians are often reluctant to talk about this because it is really not our wheelhouse,” says Alison Wakoff Loren, MD, MSCE, chief of the Division of Hematology Oncology, director of Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation, and the C. Willard Robinson Professor of Hematology-Oncology at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. Dr. Loren and colleagues recently updated American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for fertility preservation in people with cancer. She discusses the key changes with Robert Figlin, MD, interim director at Cedars Sinai Cancer Center in Los Angeles and the Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology. “This is a really important topic that I think sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of the hecticness of a young person's cancer diagnosis,” Dr. Loren explains. Increased awareness among oncologists is a crucial step that can lead to faster referrals and interventions, she says. “You better be ready for the conversation,” she urges. Dr. Loren reported research funding from Equillium (Inst). Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.
“Second-line [estrogen receptor (ER)]-positive breast cancer has just become very complicated,” says Erika P. Hamilton, MD, the director of breast cancer and gynecologic cancer research at Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville. She discusses the role of ESR1 mutations in selecting appropriate treatments and combination regimens for patients with ER-positive breast cancer who have disease progression with Robert A. Figlin, MD, the interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Los Angeles, and Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology. From when and how best to assess for ESR1 mutations to which trials inform current treatment options in clinic, Dr. Hamilton walks through the complex decision-making process. She also shares which trial readouts she is looking forward to seeing and how social media is influencing patient choices. Dr. Hamilton reported various financial relationships. Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.
Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Aaron Logan, MD, PhD Although acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a relatively rare disease with fewer than 7,000 people diagnosed each year in the US,1,2 there's been a lot of progress in the management of B-cell ALL over the years. One key development comes from the E1910 Phase III trial, which explored the addition of blinatumomab to frontline consolidation chemotherapy for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-lineage ALL (B-ALL).3 Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss the impacts of this data on B-ALL clinical guidelines and practice is Dr. Aaron Logan. Dr. Logan is a Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the Hematologic Malignancies Tissue Bank at UCSF. References: National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Accessed at https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/alyl.html on March 31, 2025 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Accessed September 17, 2024. https://www.dana-farber.org/cancer-care/types/acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia Litzow MR, et al. Blood. 2022;140(suppl 2):LBA-1
Burnout among oncologists is a serious concern, and artificial intelligence (AI) represents a potential solution, says Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, a practicing oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, who also serves as the chair of the AI task force for the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Technological advances are poised to improve cancer care while reducing the documentation burden for oncologists, she tells Robert A. Figlin, MD, the interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Los Angeles, and Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology. Dr. Patt describes the various practical ways in which AI is already changing oncology clinics, but acknowledges a generational divide that will need to be bridged: “I would say that the youngest generation of oncologists that is coming out, they are digital natives. They have grown up with this,” she explains. But for those who have been in practice longer, “Change management for us looks a little bit different than it does for the younger generation of oncologists that just sort of do this naturally.” Dr. Patt reported no relevant financial disclosures. Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.
The standard approach of “7 + 3” chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment has been in place for 50 years. But that may soon change, says Maximilian Stahl, MD, a member of the Adult Leukemia Group at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and a member of the faculty at Harvard University. “My prediction is that in 10 years, you will not see much 7 + 3 anymore. Maybe not even 10 years, maybe five years,” he tells Robert A. Figlin, MD, the interim director and Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology at the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Stahl describes how targeted therapies such as menin inhibitor revumenib (Revuforj), which was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are transforming AML care. Although currently indicated for relapsed/refractory disease, trials are exploring frontline use. “Pretty much, if you can think of any combination treatment in your head, that is already an ongoing clinical trial,” Dr. Stahl explains. He outlines how targeted therapies have already changed practice and looks to what advances are likely in the near future. Dr. Stahl reported a consulting or advisory role with the Boston Consulting Group, Clinical Care Options, Curis Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Haymarket, Kymera, Novartis, and Sierra Oncology. Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.
In this week's episode of MedNews Week's Oncology Unplugged, host Chandler Park, MD, a medical oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, spoke with Ann S. LaCasce, MD, MMSc, an associate professor of medicine and a lymphoma specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts and Director of the Dana-Farber/Mass General Brigham Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology. LaCasce shares her journey into hematologic oncology, shaped by early mentors—including her father—and how a passion for art history sparked her interest in pattern recognition and morphology, which are skills central to lymphoma diagnosis. Their discussion explores key advancements in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma management, including efforts to reduce long-term toxicity by minimizing radiation in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma. LaCasce also highlights the incorporation of novel agents, such as brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) and checkpoint inhibitors, into frontline regimens aimed at improving outcomes without increasing treatment burden. Park and LaCasce also discuss the importance of education and mentorship. She describes her work directing one of the country's largest hematology/oncology fellowship programs and her leadership in founding the international Women in Lymphoma network to foster collaboration and gender equity in the field. From clinical innovation to workforce development, LaCasce provides a comprehensive look into the role of multidisciplinary research, mentorship, and global engagement in advancing the future of lymphoma management.
Dr. Misty Shields guides us through this great paper out on Cancer (ACS) on the TOP advances in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, with its aggressive nature and frequent relapse leading to poor outcomes. In recent years, immunotherapy has provided some survival benefits, and in 2024, key breakthroughs have significantly improved patient outcomes. Notable advances include the use of consolidative durvalumab immunotherapy for limited-stage SCLC, new insights into timing immunotherapy with radiation, and promising treatments such as the bispecific T-cell engager tarlatamab and antibody-drug conjugates. Precision medicine approaches, like neuroendocrine subtyping, may guide future treatments, while advocacy efforts, such as the Small Cell SMASHERS group @SCLCSMASHERS , offer new support for patients with this historically stigmatized disease.Misty Dawn Shields MD PhD (Presenter and first author) Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Dr. Chris Vaughn, Carly Zimmerman and Jen Sullivan talk about a cancer patient's journey. A look at what happens behind the scenes to ensure that the family and patient have the best and correct care. hoafredericksburg.com
In a recent episode of Oncology on the Go, several oncologists discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncology care, 5 years later. Each doctor discussed a different aspect of multidisciplinary care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and epidemiology. CancerNetwork® spoke with leading clinicians including: · Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH, FSCO, professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, and director of Translational Research Integration at the University of California Los Angeles Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; · Ritu Salani, MD, director of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of California Los Angeles, and ONCOLOGY® editorial advisory board member; · Scarlett Lin Gomez, PhD, MPH, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and co-leader of the Cancer Control Program at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center · Marwan F. Fakih, MD, professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, associate director for Clinical Sciences, medical director of the Briskin Center for Clinical Research, division chief of GI Medical Oncology, and co-director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center; · Elizabeth Zhang-Velten, MD, a radiation oncologist at Keck Medicine of University of Southern California; · Frances Elain Chow, MD, neuro-oncologist at the University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center · James Yu, MD, MHS, FASTRO, assistant professor adjunct, Department of Radiation Oncology, Smilow Cancer Hospital at Saint Francis Hospital, and ONCOLOGY® editorial advisory board member. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine cancer care in a number of ways. Many patients were unable to receive timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment, Fakih noted. Additionally, Bardia stated that the pandemic led to a decrease in the number of patients participating in clinical trials. One of the most significant changes in oncology care, according to Salani, has been the increased use of telehealth. Telehealth has allowed patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes, which has been especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty traveling. Telehealth has also made it easier for patients to connect with their doctors and to receive support from other members of their care team. For Gomez, the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the importance of addressing the structural and social drivers of health. These are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that can affect their health. For example, people who live in poverty or who lack access to healthy food are more likely to develop cancer. The pandemic has led to a renewed focus on addressing these disparities. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on oncology care. However, it has also led to a number of positive changes, such as the increased use of telehealth and the focus on addressing the structural and social drivers of health. In the years to come, it will be important to continue to build on these changes in order to improve the lives of patients with cancer.
In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Aditya Bardia, MD, MPH, FASCO, about the FDA approval of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd; Enhertu) for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic, hormone receptor–positive, HER2-low or -ultralow breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that has progressed on at least 1 endocrine therapy in the metastatic setting. Dr Bardia serves as a professor in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and is the director of Translational Research Integration at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. In our exclusive interview, Dr Bardia discussed the significance of this approval, findings from the pivotal DESTINY-Breast06 trial (NCT04494425), and what this new indication for T-DXd means for the future of HER2 testing in breast cancer.
Oncologist burnout and career dissatisfaction are a “huge problem,” says Robin T. Zon, MD, president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Dr. Zon sits down with Robert A. Figlin, MD, the Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology at the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center in Los Angeles, to discuss revelations from a recent ASCO report. “ASCO recognizes that if, in fact, we are going to accomplish our mission, we have to pay very close attention to what is happening to the workforce and the burnout that is associated with that,” Dr. Zon explains. She shares insights into common underlying causes and lays out a plan of attack for improvement. With an emphasis primarily on organizational, and not individual, reforms, Dr. Zon pledges that ASCO will remain focused on burnout and job dissatisfaction. “We are going to continue to have interventions. And we will continue to give voice to our members at all levels.” Dr. Zon reported various financial relationships. Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.
In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO, about the phase 3 SWOG S1815 trial (NCT03768414) evaluating the addition of nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) to gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with newly diagnosed, advanced biliary tract cancer. Dr Shroff of the interim clinical affairs director, the associate director of Clinical Investigations, and co-lead of the Gastrointestinal Clinical Research Team, at The University of Arizona Cancer Center. She is also a professor in the Department of Medicine, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology, medical director for the Oncology Service Line, and associate dean for Clinical and Translational Research at The University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. In our exclusive interview, Dr Shroff discussed the rationale for this research, key efficacy and safety data from the trial, and the potentially wide-reaching future implications of these findings.
Conquer the art of managing patients with iron deficiency anemia. We are joined by the amazing Dr. Tom DeLoughery, @Bloodman (Oregon Health & Science University). Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org! Patreon | Episodes | Subscribe | Spotify | YouTube | Newsletter | Contact | Swag! | CME Show Segments Intro Rapid fire questions/Picks of the Week Case History and Physical Laboratory Findings Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia Diet Oral Supplementation Unexplained Iron Deficiency Case 2 IV Iron Supplementation IV iron reactions Case 3 Laboratory Follow Up Post Supplementation When to Refer to a Hematology/Oncology specialist? Outro Credits Producer,Writer, Show Notes, Cover Art, and Infographics: Sai S Achi MD MBA FACP Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP Reviewer: Leah Witt, MD Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP Technical Production: PodPaste Guest: Dr. Tom DeLoughery MD, MACP, FAWM Sponsor: Mint Mobile Shop plans at mintmobile.com/curb. Sponsor: Freed Visit freed.ai and use code CURB50 to get $50 off your first month when you subscribe! Sponsor: Quince Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to Quince.com/curb for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Dr. Guy Young, Director of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program, Attending Physician in Hematology-Oncology, and Professor of Pediatrics at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC), is currently serving as co-chair of i3 Health's CME/NCPD activity, Practice-Changing Advances in the Management of Hemophilia. With new developments in the field occurring over recent months, Dr. Young sat down with us to share recent updates in the hemophilia treatment and management. Click the links below for the full activity! Online accredited CME/NCPD activity: https://i3health.com/course-information/practice-changing-advances-in-the-management-of-hemophilia Accredited CME/NCPD podcast: https://i3health.com/course-information/practice-changing-advances-in-the-management-of-hemophilia-podcast
Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes. Dr. Dawn Mussallem is a distinguished consultant in the Division of Hematology Oncology at Mayo Clinic and an Assistant Professor of Medicine. As a board-certified lifestyle medicine breast specialist at The Robert and Monica Jacoby Center for Breast Health, she plays a vital role in advancing evidence-based, holistic breast cancer care. She also serves as Chair of Mayo Clinic Florida's Employee Well-being Committee, Medical Director for the Humanities in Medicine program & Councilor at Large for the Officers & Councilors of the Mayo Clinic staff. In 2015, Dr. Mussallem founded the Integrative Medicine & Breast Health Program at Mayo Clinic Florida, a patient-centered initiative that supports breast cancer patients during & after their diagnosis. The program emphasizes optimizing lifestyle practices alongside conventional cancer treatments. Her mission is to reframe cancer as a “teacher of life,” helping patients discover renewed vitality through healthier living. Currently, she leads Mayo Clinic's regenerative farm project which aims to provide nutrient-rich plant-based foods to patients, employees, learners, & food-insecure individuals in the community, demonstrating the interconnected benefits for human & planetary health. With more than 25 years of patient-centered clinical wellness experience, Dr. Mussallem is internationally recognized in cancer prevention, lifestyle medicine, integrative oncology, & cancer survivorship. Her personal journey—including a stage IV cancer diagnosis just three months into medical school and her experience as a heart transplant recipient in 2021 profoundly shapes her commitment to helping patients thrive during and after adversity. A sought-after international keynote and motivational speaker, Dr. Mussallem frequently appears on podcasts, webinars, radio, and television programs. She has authored numerous book chapters, journal articles, and abstracts, and serves as an editor for the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Wiley, and Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Her research focuses on exploring lifestyle's critical role in cancer prevention and management, particularly the impact of whole food, plant-based nutrition on the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. She also investigates strategies to enhance quality of life for cancer survivors, examining the links between lifestyle modifications, longevity, and restorative well-being.
In this episode, Dr Camidge is rejoined by Rahul Gosain, MD, MBA, the medical director of Wilmot Cancer Institute at Webster and director of Wilmot Cancer Institute Regional Infusion services, as well as an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology at the University of Rochester in New York. Dr Gosain is also co-host of the podcast Oncology Brothers.
In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with David Gerber, MD, a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, a member of its Division of Hematology/Oncology, and co-director of Education and Training for the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center in Dallas. In our exclusive interview, Dr Gerber discussed the evolving role of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing on findings from key clinical trials. He highlighted results from the phase 3 TROPION-Lung01 trial (NCT04656652), which demonstrated a modest improvement in progression-free survival with datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway), a TROP2-directed ADC, compared with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. He also emphasized the toxicity profile of TROP2-directed ADCs, particularly gastrointestinal toxicities and myelosuppression. Dr Gerber also reviewed the phase 2 HERTHENA-Lung01 trial (NCT04619004) evaluating patritumab deruxtecan in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and the phase 2 DESTINY-Lung02 trial (NCT04644237) assessing fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) in those with HER2-mutant NSCLC. Dr Gerber reflected on the shared DXd payload of these ADCs, highlighting its implications for toxicity and efficacy, as well as open questions regarding treatment sequencing and resistance mechanisms.
In today's episode, supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roxana S. Dronca, MD, about the FDA approval of subcutaneous nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy (Opdivo Qvantig; subcutaneous nivolumab) for advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Dr Dronca is a professor of oncology, a consultant in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Internal Medicine, and director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Florida. On December 27, 2024, the FDA approved subcutaneous nivolumab across approved adult, solid tumor nivolumab indications, including as monotherapy, monotherapy maintenance after completion of nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy), or in combination with cabozantinib (Cabometyx) or chemotherapy. This regulatory decision was backed by findings from the phase 3 CheckMate-67T trial (NCT04810078) and includes indications for melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non–small cell lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, esophageal carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, and gastroesophageal junction cancer. In our exclusive interview, Dr Dronca discussed the significance of this FDA approval across multiple solid tumor indications, pivotal findings from the CheckMate-67T trial, and how this approval represents a paradigm shift in modern cancer care delivery.
Join us for an empowering and insightful conversation as Dr. Jennie Berkovich sits down with Dr. Amy Comander, a leading breast oncologist and advocate for patient-centered care. In this episode, Dr. Comander shares her expertise on the latest advancements in breast cancer detection, treatment, and survivorship. Discover how personalized medicine and multidisciplinary care are revolutionizing outcomes for breast cancer patients. Dr. Comander also delves into the critical role of lifestyle medicine—including exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness—in promoting healing and resilience. With her unique perspective as a passionate runner and physician, Dr. Comander draws inspiring parallels between running and the cancer journey, offering hope and practical advice for patients and their families navigating a diagnosis. Whether you're a healthcare professional, patient, or advocate, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to run the race toward better cancer care. Don't miss it! Dr. Amy Comander specializes in the care of women with breast cancer. Dr. Comander is Medical Director of the Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham, where she also serves as Director of Breast Oncology and Cancer Survivorship at the Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham and at Newton Wellesley Hospital. She is an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She received her undergraduate degree and a master's degree in Neuroscience at Harvard University. She received her medical degree at Yale University School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency training and Hematology-Oncology fellowship training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. She is board certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology, and she is a Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. _________________________________________________ Sponsor the JOWMA Podcast! Email digitalcontent@jowma.org Become a JOWMA Member! www.jowma.org Follow us on Instagram! www.instagram.com/JOWMA_org Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/JOWMA_med Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/JOWMAorg Stay up-to-date with JOWMA news! Sign up for the JOWMA newsletter! https://jowma.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b4e9beb287874f9dc7f80289&id=ea3ef44644&mc_cid=dfb442d2a7&mc_eid=e9eee6e41e
In today's episode, supported by BeiGene, Alexey Danilov, MD, PhD, hosted a discussion with Susan M. O'Brien, MD, about key data updates with BTK inhibitors in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that were presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting. Dr Danilov is the Marianne and Gerhard Pinkus Professor of Early Clinical Therapeutics, the medical director of the Early Phase Therapeutics Program for the Systems Clinical Trials Office, co-director of the Toni Stephenson Lymphoma Center, and a professor in the Division of Lymphoma at the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation at City of Hope in Duarte, California. Dr O'Brien is the associate director for Clinical Science at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the medical director of the Sue & Ralph Stern Center for Clinical Trials & Research, and a professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. In our exclusive interview, Drs Danilov and O'Brien discussed potentially practice-changing data with acalabrutinib (Calquence)–based regimens from the phase 3 AMPLIFY trial (NCT03836261) in CLL, key updates with zanubrutinib (Brukinsa) as monotherapy and in combination with sonrotoclax (BGB-11417) in patients with this disease, and practice-confirming findings with pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca) from the phase 3 BRUIN CLL-321 trial (NCT04666038) in patients with previously treated CLL.
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Among the latest data being presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition, held December 7-10, 2024, in San Diego, California, were 3 abstracts that focused on patient preferences and treatment choices. Sikander Ailawadhi, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the Mayo Clinic Florida was a coauthor on all 3 abstracts, covering patient preferences for Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, survivorship burden and patient preferences affecting treatment choices in multiple myeloma, and race/ethnicity-specific sociodemographic and economic factors driving refusal of treatment in multiple myeloma.
When they say you learn something new everyday, they weren't kidding! We learned enough in this one episode to get us through the next month, at least!It was our pleasure to have Summer Maiden as a guest to talk about the importance of lymphatic massages. We learned so much about the process and why lymphatic massages aren't just for post surgery or folks with lipedema or lymphedema. Lymphatic massages are actually recommended for everybody as a way to help rid yourself of toxins that need to drain from your body. It was all very interesting, and we suggest you listen and take notes on some of the info Summer shares. A little background on Summer... She graduated from the American Institute of Alternative Medicine in 2005. and is multi-state licensed. She has been an active licensed massage therapist for almost two decades, working with many clients. Her extensive training includes specialties in Swedish, Neuromuscular, Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Scar Tissue Release, Fertility and pre-/postnatal care, High-Risk Pregnancy care, Infant Massage Instructor, Neonatal Massage, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Breast Lymphatic Health, and MediCupping™. In addition to her clinical skills, she is an experienced Massage Therapy Educator, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor, and Business Coach. With a career that spans almost two decades, she has built a thriving private practice. She has worked in various settings, including physical therapy clinics, fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, doctor's offices, and hospitals. Upon transitioning to the Inpatient Massage Therapy Department within a local hospital, she specialized in Hematology/Oncology, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), Heart/Lung Transplant, Pulmonary Rehab, NICU, and Rehabilitation units, treating both adult and pediatric patients with diverse therapeutic needs. As a lymphatic drainage therapist, she provides massage to various post-surgical clients, those with autoimmune disorders, and those with general health issues for detoxification. Drawing on her experience working alongside physicians, she founded "My Kneads,” a practice focused on pain management, swelling/edema, inflammation, self-image, and confidence. She has released two new books called Flow & Thrive and Balanced Boobs.You can find Summer on Instagram @waze2wellness and @mykneads as well as her YouTube Podcast Waze2Wellness.Follow Justy & Steph on Instagram, where they share their weight loss journey and road to living a happy & healthy lifestyle.@we.are.losing.it If you prefer video to see us talk through our topics, you can watch us on YouTube. https://youtube.com/@wearelosingitShow your support by hitting download, like & subscribe! We truly appreciate each and every one of you!!
In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Binod Dhakal, MD, and Muhamed Baljevic, MD, about updates regarding patient identification for optimal multiple myeloma treatment. Dr Dhakal is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Dr Baljevic is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology Oncology, director of Plasma Cell Disorders Research, director of the Vanderbilt Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Program, co-chair of the Protocol Review and Monitoring System, and disease team lead for plasma cell dyscrasias and lymphomas at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, part of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. In our exclusive interview, Drs Dhakal and Baljevic discussed first- and subsequent-line treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma, treatment options beyond CAR T-cell therapy for unfit patients, and ongoing research that may expand the myeloma treatment paradigm in the future.
In this episode of #MovingMedicineForward – The Podcast, CTI experts Chad Jones & Eric Clayton discuss challenges in clinical research surrounding Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) & Multiple Myeloma (MM). They explore the complexities of designing & conducting clinical trials, the importance of site selection, & how CTI's expertise enhances trial outcomes. Additionally, they touch on key advancements to watch at the 66th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. During the episode, Eric explains how, “These are some of the first times that these therapies are being tried in human participants, & that innovative experimentation is what makes this work so exciting.” 0:22 Challenges in clinical research for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Multiple Myeloma (MM), with insights from CTI experts Chad Jones, Sr. Director of Project Management and Oncology Strategy Lead, and Eric Clayton, Clinical Project Manager III. 0:51 Overview of AML and MM, and why these diseases are particularly difficult to treat. 1:32 Key challenges in designing and conducting clinical trials for AML and MM. 3:19 How site selection and management impact trial success, and challenges Contract Research Organizations (CROs) face when recruiting qualified sites. 5:14 How CTI's expertise supports sponsors and improves trial outcomes. 6:38 The importance of maintaining proper chain of custody. 9:53 Key treatments and advancements in hematology to watch at the 66th ASH Annual Meeting. 10:33 Visit CTI at booth #454 at ASH. 10:41 Regulatory considerations for treatments and how CTI navigates this process for patients. 12:31 Collaboration between CROs, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions to accelerate research. 13:12 Unmet needs in AML and MM research and how the industry can address them. 14:16 Challenges in improving patient outcomes for MM and AML. 16:22 How CTI mitigates patient retention during clinical trials. 18:33 Strategies for recruiting critically ill MM and AML patients. 21:41 CTI is recruiting a Sr. Medical Director in Hematology/Oncology. Apply now: Senior Medical Director - Hematology/Oncology - Level Dependent Upon Experience | Join The CTI Team
Synopsis: Host Rahul Chaturvedi leads an insightful conversation with Dr. Kristin Yarema, President and CEO of Poseida Therapeutics. Kristin shares the inspiring journey of her career, from her roots in science to leadership roles in big pharma, culminating in her move to biotech entrepreneurship. She reflects on pivotal experiences at Novartis and Amgen, her deep-seated passion for oncology and autoimmune diseases, and the exciting leap into the field of cell therapy. Kristin unveils Poseida's innovative genetic engineering toolkit and the company's advancements in allogeneic cell therapies, spotlighting their potential to revolutionize treatment for conditions like multiple myeloma. She delves into the challenges and opportunities within the cell therapy space, underscoring Poseida's strategic partnerships and commitment to transformative solutions. With candid reflections on the lessons learned as a first-time CEO, Kristin offers valuable insights on fostering cohesive company culture and shares career advice for aspiring biotech professionals. An essential listen for anyone drawn to biotech innovation, the future of cell therapy, and leadership strategies at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and patient care. Biography: Dr. Yarema was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Poseida and named to the Board of Directors in January 2024. She joined Poseida as President, Cell Therapy in April 2023, bringing extensive biopharmaceutical experience in oncology and allogeneic T cell immunotherapy. Prior to Poseida she served as Chief Commercial Officer at Atara Biotherapeutics, where she led the commercialization of EBVALLO™️, which became the world's first marketed allogeneic T cell therapy after receiving regulatory approval in Europe for the treatment of a rare lymphoma. Previously Dr. Yarema held a series of U.S. and global commercial leadership roles at Amgen, including most recently Vice President & Therapeutic Area Head for Global Product Strategy & Commercial Innovation in Hematology-Oncology. Earlier in her career, Dr. Yarema worked at Novartis and McKinsey & Company. Dr. Yarema holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Berkeley and is a graduate of Stanford University, where she earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a B.A. in English. She is an officer and member of the board of directors of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine and serves on the board of directors of the Celiac Disease Foundation.
How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life's experiences. In this episode, Dr Camidge sits down with Rahul Gosain, MD, MBA, the medical director of Wilmot Cancer Institute at Webster and director of Wilmot Cancer Institute Regional Infusion services, as well as an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology at the University of Rochester in New York. He is also co-host of the podcast Oncology Brothers. Drs Camidge and Gosain discuss how Dr Gosain's journey through medical school led him to his role as a community oncologist, the challenges he encountered during his early career that inspired him to fill a need for concise yet comprehensive educational resources, and how he harnessed social media and leveraged professional connections to create a podcast highlighting practice updates for up-and-coming oncology professionals.
In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Hemant Murthy, a professor of medicine in the division of Hematology/Oncology at Mayo Clinic, to explore the groundbreaking potential of CAR T-cell therapy and the crucial role clinical trials play in advancing cancer treatments.Dr. Murthy begins by emphasizing the importance of clinical trials in hematology, reminding us that many of today's standard treatments—like oral medications for chronic myeloid leukemia or advanced therapies for multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia—are the result of past clinical trials. These studies not only push boundaries but also provide a clearer future path for treating diseases.CAR T-cell therapy is a significant part of this evolving landscape. Initially viewed as a last resort for patients with limited life expectancy, CAR T- cell therapy has now become a transformative therapy, with trials showing such strong results that it's being used earlier in treatment regimens, sometimes even before other established procedures like bone marrow transplants. The therapy, which re-engineers a patient's own immune cells to fight cancer, has been particularly effective for conditions such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Dr. Murthy explains how this shift in timing and application has dramatically changed patient outcomes, allowing those once facing hospice care to now look forward to longer, more hopeful lives.Dr. Murthy also highlights the meticulous approval process for CAR T- cell therapies. He discusses how several CAR T products, such as axicabtagene ciloleucel and lisocabtagene maraleucel, have been approved for diseases like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma due to their success in clinical trials. Importantly, he notes that these treatments are continually evolving, and future trials may yield even better results for more patients.For patients interested in learning about clinical trials, Dr. Murthy stresses the importance of consulting with their oncologists. Trials are essential in driving the next wave of treatments, and they provide an opportunity to explore innovative therapies. He advises patients to ask about trial phases and the logistics involved, such as the number of study visits or the need to stay near treatment centers. Resources like clinicaltrials.gov can also help patients find reputable studies.Looking to the future, Dr. Murthy shares his excitement about emerging therapies, including cellular treatments for solid tumors like melanoma and sarcomas. He talks about innovative approaches like gene editing and the use of different immune cells, such as natural killer cells, to make treatments safer, faster, and more effective. As clinical trials continue to expand, they offer hope for addressing even more cancer types and improving patient care.In closing, Dr. Murthy reflects on how far cancer treatments have come and expresses optimism about the ongoing impact of clinical trials in shaping a brighter future for patients. He encourages patients to ask questions and stay engaged with their healthcare providers to explore all potential treatment options.More:ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.govMayo Clinic Cancer Center: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cancer-centerThis season is made possible thanks to our sponsors:Kite, a Gilead company: http://www.kitepharma.com/and Bristol Myers Squibb's CAR T support services program:https://www.celltherapy360.com/ Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/Or visit our website at https://www.nbmtlink.org/
One of our MIB Agents OutSmarting Osteosarcoma Young Investigator 2024 grant recipients, Arianexys Aquino-López, MD, PhD, a physician-scientist from Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine will provide an overview of her funded work on Repurposing Virus Specific T cells as Immune Therapy for Osteosarcoma. In this presentation, she discusses repurposing virus-specific T cells so that they become an immune therapy for osteosarcoma. She will also describe how oncolytic virotherapy promotes immune stimulation at the tumor site increasing the anti-tumor activity of virus-specific T cells.Dr. Arianexys Aquino-López is an Instructor at the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Aquino-Lopez is committed to a career as a pediatrician-scientist with a particular interest in improving treatment options for children with cancer through the design of novel immune therapies, including cell therapies and antibody therapies. She is also interested in studying the impact of tumor microenvironment in immune suppression to develop approaches to overcome cancer immune evasion. Witnessing her brother go through pediatric cancer treatment served as an inspiration for her to study ways to improve cancer therapies.
In the United States alone, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and women have a 1 in 43 chance of dying from the disease. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so before this month ends, Leslie sits down with Dr. Vandana Abramson, superstar breast cancer specialist. Dr. Abramson is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of Breast Cancer. She is a Professor of Medicine, holds the Donna S. Hall endowed chair, and co-leads the Breast Cancer Research Program at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center here in Nashville. When she is not maintaining a busy clinical practice, Dr. Abramson has extensive experience leading clinical trials for breast cancer and has co-authored over 100 papers on breast cancer. A graduate of The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital before completing her Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Abramson also serves on the National Cancer Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) breast cancer guidelines committee. In this episode, Leslie talks with Dr. Abramson about high risks for developing breast cancer, the latest in screenings, uncommon symptoms, what to look for in a doctor, and the exciting new developments and research that is happening right now to find a cure. If you want to know everything you need to know about breast cancer, this is an episode you will not want to miss. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie. A new podcast is released every Wednesday.
Episode Overview: Are you a Chief Medical Officer or an aspiring physician leader looking to develop a foundational understanding of healthcare economics? In this episode, host Mike Sacopulos is joined by Lee Scheinbart, MD, CPE, author of The Chief Medical Officer's Financial Primer, to delve into the financial intricacies of healthcare. Key Takeaways: • Financial Flow: Insight into how money moves from payers to providers in the U.S. healthcare system. • Leadership Skills: Importance of financial literacy for effective healthcare leadership. • Future Models: Preparation for evolving financial structures in healthcare. About Lee Scheinbart, MD, CPE: • Current Role: Chief Health Affairs Officer, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. • Education: BS in Biology from the University of Michigan, MD from Ohio State University. • Training: Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of Florida Shands Hospital. • Experience: Over 20 years in Hematology/Oncology practice, leadership roles at Melbourne Internal Medicine Associates and Health First. • Contributions: Founding of the William Childs Hospice House, Medical Director for the Health First Cancer Institute. • Leadership: Certified Physician Executive (CPE), former Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at HF Hospitals. • Involvement: Active in the American Association of Physician Leadership, volunteer, mentor, curriculum advisor, and panel speaker. About the Book: Using illustrative stories, Scheinbart makes the text engaging while fostering critical thinking at every stage of an aspiring medical officer's career growth. The book will equip physician leaders with essential financial knowledge to navigate and influence the healthcare system while providing an understanding of the historical flow of capital in U.S. healthcare and preparing for future financial models. Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.
Rachna Shroff, MD, is the Chief of the division of Hematology/Oncology and Associate Director for Clinical Research at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and the Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She is a clinical and translational investigator focused on developing novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers and has led multiple clinical trials including the first randomized phase 3 trial in biliary cancers in the US. An internationally recognized expert, she is one of three women to achieve the prestigious 2022 Women in Oncology Award. “You have to understand your why and then let that drive you… be open-minded and try all kinds of different activities and opportunities. It's a little bit of throwing darts at a dartboard and seeing what sticks, and then going with your gut. Ask yourself, ‘What do you want your legacy to be?' Once you understand your legacy, you can create metrics for [your] success." In this episode of The Medicine Mentors, we discuss discovering our why and creating a long-lasting legacy with Dr. Rachna Shroff. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. ‘What do you want your legacy to be?' is a different question than ‘What is your why?' Once we understand what we want our legacy to be, we can start creating the metrics for success. 2. It's essential to have the right people on board and maintain that network of mentors. One of the secrets to maintaining this network is to stay connected with them and keep them updated with what's going on in our lives. 3. If we can first learn how to take good care of patients, we'll identify the needs because the paramount questions come from the clinic. It will take a while, but our persistence, diligence, hard work, and patience will pay off.
BUFFALO, NY- October 11, 2024 – A new #editorial was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on October 1, 2024, entitled, “Transplant or no transplant for TP53 mutated AML.” As highlighted in this editorial, TP53 mutations (mut) occur in 10–15% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, commonly associated with therapy-related AML (t-AML) and complex cytogenetics (CG). TP53-mut AML is inherently resistant to conventional chemotherapies and continues to show a poor prognosis, even with venetoclax-based therapies. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HCT) remains a potential curative option, though only 10–15% of patients receive it. In a recent study, allo-HCT was the only variable significantly improving survival, despite only 16% of patients successfully bridging to it. In their editorial, researchers Talha Badar, Moazzam Shahzad, Ehab Atallah, Mark R. Litzow, and Mohamed A. Kharfan-Dabaja from the Division of Hematology-Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program at Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, Florida) evaluated the outcomes of TP53-mutated AML patients based on data from the Consortium of Myeloid Malignancies and Neoplastic Diseases (COMMAND). The study found a “dismal” survival rate of 8.5 months, with no significant difference among treatment types, and allo-HCT was the only variable associated with improved survival. The authors also report on the “better long-term outcomes” when allo-HCT was performed during Complete Remission 1 (CR1) in previous observations. They acknowledge the limitations of their retrospective analysis, including selection bias, data heterogeneity from participating institutions, and the lack of complete molecular data prior to allo-HCT that might have influenced the results. Nevertheless, the findings are encouraging and suggest that allo-HCT improves long-term outcomes in this poor prognostic disease, where effective therapies remain limited. “In summary, this study reported improved survival when allo-HTC was performed in CR1 versus after later lines of therapy.” DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28652 Correspondence to - Talha Badar - badar.talha@mayo.edu Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQue9gbqsxE Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://oncotarget.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Foncotarget.28652 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/ Keywords - cancer, AML, TP53 mutation, allogeneic stem cell transplant About Oncotarget Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science. Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science). To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Oncotarget/ X - https://twitter.com/oncotarget Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oncotargetjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OncotargetJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncotarget Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/oncotarget/ Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/Oncotarget/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0gRwT6BqYWJzxzmjPJwtVh Media Contact MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM 18009220957
In this episode of ASTCT Talks, host Dr. Andrés Gómez De León is joined by Dr. Nandita Khera and Dr. Alexandra Gomez Arteaga to explore the critical issue of disparities and barriers to care in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The discussion delves into the factors contributing to unequal access to hematopoietic cell transplantation, such as socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity, both in the U.S. and globally. The guests highlight initiatives like the ACCESS Initiative by ASTCT and the National Marrow Donor Program, aimed at addressing these disparities through advocacy, awareness, and training for junior faculty. They also discuss the importance of caregiver support, clinical trial accessibility, and the broader impacts of GVHD on patients' lives. Tune in to gain valuable insights into ongoing efforts to promote equitable access to life-saving treatments. About Dr. Nandita Khera Nandita Khera is a Professor of Medicine in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a Consultant in the Division of Hematology/ Oncology at Mayo Clinic Arizona. She treats patients with hematological malignancies and some solid tumors, especially those needing blood and marrow transplant/cell therapy (BMT/CT). Her research focuses on improving the delivery of care to patients with cancer including those undergoing BMT/CT to help them be better prepared for the psychosocial and financial consequences of the treatment. She has published several papers in outcomes, late effects, and quality of care in cancer patients and provides mentorship to trainees interested in projects in these areas. She has been a member and has held leadership positions at Mayo Clinic and in the various committees in organizations/ societies in hematology and BMT/CT.. She was the working committee co-chair for the Health Services and International Issues Working committee of CIBMTR from 2015 to 2020 and a member of BMT-CTN SOSS Late Effects committee in 2020. As the co-chair of Dissemination and Implementation committee at BMT CTN currently, she leads efforts in improving translation of evidence into practice in the field of BMT. She is the Director of Community or Clinical Practice at ASTCT. About Dr. Alexandra Gomez Arteaga Dr. Alexandra Gomez Arteaga is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and directs the Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Service and the Advanced Fellowship in Bone Marrow Transplantation. She earned her MD from Los Andes University, completed her residency at the University of Miami, her Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Weill Cornell, and her BMT advanced fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Gomez's research focuses on improving outcomes in allogeneic stem cell transplantation for leukemia and myeloid malignancies, with an emphasis on young adults and alternative donors. Her work also addresses the critical need to decrease disparities in access to transplantation for minority populations, a cause she champions across her clinical practice, research, and advocacy. She currently serves as the Co-Chair for the Junior Faculty Initiative within the ASTCT ACCESS Initiative. About Dr. Andrés Gómez De León Dr. Andrés Gómez De León (@GomezDLeonMD) is an Associate Professor at Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Monterrey Mexico and an ASTCT Content Committee member with an interest in acute leukemias and transplant and cell therapies in low and middle income countries.
When you or someone you know gets a diagnosis of lung cancer, all kinds of questions rush through your mind. Dr. Kamran Darabi, Internal Medicine, Hematology-Oncology, discusses what you need to know from screenings to treatments and everything in between.
Up next for our curriculum series is an episode on Hematology/Oncology! Take a listen so that you're prepared for our pre-test! Author: Dr. Ritika Kompella, Chief Medical Resident, UCONN Host: Dr. Ritika Kompella, Chief Medical Resident, UCONN Guest speakers: Immunotherapy toxicities: Dr. Margaret Callahan, Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Associate Professor Bleeding diathesis and approach to new cancer diagnosis: Dr. Upendra Hegde, Professor of Medicine (in Residence), Co-Director, Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology Program, Co-Director, Head and Neck and Oral Oncology Program, Director, Oncology Inpatient Unit Additional readings: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32382051/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34921018/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29729100/
Dr. Cutler received his MD from McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Hesubsequently received his MPH from the Harvard school of Public Health. He completed postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, followed by a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at DFCI. In 2002, he joined DFCI, where he currently is a member of the Hematologic Malignancies staff. Dr. Cutler is a Director of the Adult Cell Transplantation Program, Director of ClinicalResearch for Stem Cell Transplantation and Director of the Stem Cell TransplantationSurvivorship Program. He also works as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Stoller is Chairman of the Education Institute at Cleveland Clinic. He holds the Jean Wall Bennett Professorship of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and the Samson Global Leadership Academy Endowed Chair. He is a pulmonary/critical care physician in the Cleveland Clinic Integrated Hospital Institute. He serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (Cleveland Clinic) in the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In 1979, Dr. Stoller earned a medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and later completed an internship and residency at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. He then completed fellowships in pulmonary/critical medicine (Brigham and Women's Hospital and Yale), clinical epidemiology (Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at Yale), and respiratory intensive care (Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of the Massachusetts General Hospital) before joining the Respiratory Institute Staff at Cleveland Clinic in 1986.Dr. MinhTri Nguyen recently graduated from Cleveland Clinic's Hematology and Oncology Fellowship program. He has had leadership experiences as the Associate Director of Outpatient Services at Metrohealth's Internal Medicine Department, Chief Resident, and President of the House Officer's Association at MetroHealth. This year, he was named one of Northeast Ohio's Top 25 Under 35 Movers and Shaker's Award.MinhTri has a longstanding interest in emotional intelligence and leadership, with ongoing research in both subject matters related to physician training. He is a certified coach, currently coaching resident physicians and clinical leaders. In the fall, he will be joining Stanford Health Care, where he will practice Hematology/Oncology with University Medical Partners while continuing his academic interests in leadership development for physicians. A Quote From This Episode"The practice of leadership like medicine (both fields in their own right) is continuous. To be a good practitioner of medicine you need to be in tune with the practice and practice medicine. So the same thing applies to leadership you need to be in tune with the field of leadership and practice leadership."Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeCoursera Course - Andrew Ng on Artificial IntelligenceArticle - The Moral Bucket List by BrooksBook - Better Humans, Better Performance by Rae, Stoller, & KolpBooks - Hidden Potential and Give and Take by GrantBook - The Art of the Impossible by KotlerCommencement Address - Don Berwick, Yale Medical SchoolCommencement Address - Ken Burns, Brandeis UniversityAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Register for ILA's 26th Global Conference in Chicago, IL - November 7-10, 2024.About Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: The Leader's EdgeMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hop
“We put into effect a program that supports guaranteed mobilization of every patient at least twice a day, which is such a huge change from where we were before, where patients were maybe getting out of bed just to go to the bathroom or maybe just to sit in the chair for one meal a day. So it really had a huge impact on overall mobility,” Jennifer Pouliot, MSN, RN, OCN®, clinical program director of oncology safety and quality at Mount Sinai Health System in New York, NY, told Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BS, AOCNS®, manager of oncology nursing practice at ONS, during a conversation about the benefits of mobility in hospitalized patients with cancer. Music Credit: “Fireflies and Stardust” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Earn 0.5 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at myoutcomes.ons.org by June 28, 2026. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of NCPD by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Learning outcome: Learners will report an increase in knowledge related to patient mobility. Episode Notes Complete this evaluation for free NCPD. Oncology Nursing Podcast episodes: Episode 195: Exercise's Effect on Patient and Provider Well-Being Episode 82: Physical Activity Prescriptions in Cancer Care Episode 15: Incorporating Physical Activity in Patient Care 2024 ONS Congress® session: Benefits of an Early Mobility Program for Hospitalized Patients (Presented by Jennifer Pouliot and Mark Liu) ONS Voice articles: Does Dance/Movement Therapy Affect Outcomes for Pediatric Patients With Cancer? During or After Chemo, Exercise Fights Fatigue and Supports Cancer Recovery Exercise Program Improves Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer—and Keeps Them Moving Daily Exercise the Evidence: How I Moved From an Idea to Program Development More Survivors Have Functional Limitations After Cancer What the Evidence Says About Low-Intensity Exercise in Cancer Care What the Evidence Says About Tai Chi in Cancer Care ONS courses: Incorporating Physical Activity Into Cancer Care Quality and Physical Activity Course Bundle Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing articles: Increased Mobility and Fall Reduction: An Interdisciplinary Approach on a Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit Multimodal Exercise Program: A Pilot Randomized Trial for Patients With Lung Cancer Receiving Surgical Treatment ONS's Get Up, Get Moving resources American Physical Therapy Association's Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) To discuss the information in this episode with other oncology nurses, visit the ONS Communities. To find resources for creating an ONS Podcast Club in your chapter or nursing community, visit the Oncology Nursing Podcast™ Library. To provide feedback or otherwise reach ONS about the podcast, email pubONSVoice@ons.org. Highlights From This Episode “Mount Sinai developed a mobility mission. And this mission included interdisciplinary approach. So that's talking with the whole team about mobility, knowing the patient's baseline, documenting and understanding the functional status and that it should not decline during hospitalization. Every patient is mobilized unless medically contraindicated. We have a mission to get patients out of bed for every meal. Physical therapy is not required before nursing can mobilize patients, and then to escalate the inability to mobilize patient to the provider upon admission, so we can address that in real time and see what we can do to make sure that they don't stay in the bed.” TS 7:30 “We measured the progress of the program through documented mobility interventions, trending the patient's mobility score and AM-PAC functional assessment, which is the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care. And then also with NDNQI data like falls, falls with injury, pressure injuries, and then also patient satisfaction surveys.” TS 9:44 “We saw that 76% of our patients, they either maintained or improved their mobility score while they were in the hospital. We had a 6% reduction in excess days. We had a decrease in readmissions, about 6%. And then we saw an increase in our patient satisfaction score about the willingness to recommend the hospital from 63% to 91%. So we found those really powerful, meaningful, and we also had a lot of comment cards from patients highlighting the mobility program.” TS 17:16 “We know the literature is out there. We know the benefits exist. It's really just about advocating and having a business plan that benefits both the organization, the staff, and the patients. And then pilot; start small. So you learn, you grow, you adjust. You figure out what works, what doesn't, and then you scale it out.” TS 19:38
While molecularly targeted therapies based on actionable biomarkers are improving outcomes for patients with lung cancer, access to biomarker testing continues to hinder equitable and comprehensive care for underserved patients. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ TV speaks with Tom Lycan, DO, MHS, assistant professor of Hematology & Oncology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, about a practical tool that can provide a care plan roadmap for providers and patients to mitigate precision medicine disparities. “[The 4R Care Sequences pathway] gives an overarching view of what they [patients] are looking for in the immediate future and also down the road, and it can be a very helpful thing for patients and navigators, and honestly for clinicians...when I'm meeting with patients in-clinic, it helps me to just point to this and go through and review their pathway with the patient, so that I also can reframe everything in how we're coming up with a [treatment] plan together.”—Tom Lycan, DO, MHS Tom Lycan, DO, MHS Assistant Professor, Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC This episode was developed in connection with the ACCC education program Eliminating Precision Medicine Disparities, in partnership with the LUNGevity Foundation, and is supported by Janssen Oncology and Pfizer. Resources: Eliminating Precision Medicine Disparities - ACCC LUNGevity Patient Resources Care Action Plans for People with Cancer - ACCC Fostering a High-Functioning Team in Cancer Care Using the 4R Oncology Model: Assessment in a Large Health System and a Blueprint for Other Institutions
In a recent American Cancer Society publication, there are increasing data that rates of colorectal cancer are rising rapidly among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. This has certainly caught the attention of the lay press, most recently in a widely circulated New York Times article published in March 2024. Today, we welcome Dr. Chris Cann, who is an Assistant Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia where he focuses on GI oncology and has a particular area of interest in early onset colorectal cancer. In his short career thus far, Dr. Cann is already making a name for himself in this space on a national level and so we are so glad he was able to join us for this special discussion. Dr. Cann sheds light on what we know and what we don't know about this phenomenon. Definitely an episode to check out!** Want to review the show notes for this episode and others? Check out our website: https://www.thefellowoncall.com/our-episodesLove what you hear? Tell a friend and leave a review on our podcast streaming platforms!Twitter: @TheFellowOnCallInstagram: @TheFellowOnCallListen in on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcast
In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about the Residency Couples Match, and more! We interview two recent graduates from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Hana O'Hagan and Adam Cardone, who participated in the Residency Couples Match. Hana O'Hagan is from the suburbs of Chicago. She matched into internal medicine residency at the University of Chicago where she is excited to grow as a general internist before further subspecializing in Geriatrics or Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Hana discovered her passion for working with older adults prior to medical school through working as a private caregiver in college and as a nursing aid in a memory care facility during her gap year. Throughout medical school she continued working with local senior citizens by running Senior Programing for a local community center, an endeavor for which she received a prestigious nationally recognized service fellowship awarded to healthcare professionals leading projects aimed at addressing health disparities and improving the well-being of underserved communities. Additionally, Hana loves to teach and thus plans to pursue a career in academic medicine so that she can support the next generation of physicians as she herself was supported by her incredible mentors. Overall, Hana is grateful for her time at Stritch and excited for her future career in the incredible field of medicine. Adam Cardone has roots only 10 minutes from Loyola University Medical Center as he is from LaGrange, Illinois, and is a proud alumnus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Specializing in Internal Medicine, Adam is drawn to the field for its deep patient relationships and the intellectual rigor it demands, with particular interests in Cardiology and Hematology/Oncology. Beyond medicine, he's passionate about mentorship and education, evident in his leadership of the Health Career Collaborative, a program introducing high school students to medical careers. Adam looks forward to learning and growing in a field that offers deep patient relationships and intellectual challenges, grounded in his commitment to service and education. Feel free to contact Adam and Hana, respectively, at: acardone5@outlook.com and hana.ohagan@outlook.com. For more information about the Residency Couples Match, check out: https://www.nrmp.org/residency-applicants/get-ready-for-the-match/couples-in-the-match/ Episode produced by: Emily Hagen Episode recording date: 3/26/24 www.medicuspodcast.com | medicuspodcast@gmail.com | Donate: http://bit.ly/MedicusDonate --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/medicus/message
Recorded at the first “HemOnc Pulse” Live meeting, this podcast episode features a panel discussion on unanswered questions in Hodgkin lymphoma with Andrew Evens, DO, MBA, MSc, Director of the Lymphoma Program and Associate Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute; Grzegorz Nowakowski, MD, a Professor of Oncology and Medicine in Division of Hematology at the Mayo Clinic; and Jane Winter, MD, a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
This podcast episode features a panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for hematology oncology fellows with Megan Melody, MD, a third-year fellow at Northwestern University; Alexandra Rojek, MD, a second-year fellow at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Care Center; Seda Tolu, MD, a third-year fellow at the Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center; Zaker Schwabkey, MD, a third-year fellow at Moffit Cancer Center; Himachandana Atluri, MD, a third-year fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and Hannah Goulart, MD, a first-year fellow at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D., [@chutkaMD] Guest: Tanios S. Bekaii-Saab, M.D. Although esophageal cancer is not a common malignancy, when found it often has a poor prognosis. It's about four times more likely to occur in a male than a female. Although a variety of malignancies can develop in the esophagus, most tend to be either squamous cell or adenocarcinoma. Fortunately, the rates of esophageal cancer have been decreasing slightly over the past decade. Despite the fact that esophageal cancer often produces symptoms, the survival rate has not been very good, although due to new and improved treatments it has been improving. The topic for today's podcast is esophageal cancer and my guest is Tanios S. Bekaii-Saab, M.D., the division chair for Hematology/Oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. We'll discuss the risk factors for esophageal cancer, its common presenting symptoms, how to establish a diagnosis and the various treatment options available. Connect with the Mayo Clinic's School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.