Podcasts about Kidney cancer

At the 2025 American Urological Association (AUA2025) Meeting in Las Vegas, UROONCO RCC associate editor Dr. Riccardo Bertolo (IT) spoke with Prof. Riccardo Autorino (US) about multi-port and single-port surgery options for kidney cancer. Prof. Autorino shares expert insights on the key features of both surgical platforms, discussing their advantages and disadvantages, as well as considerations for selecting the most suitable patients for each approach.For more updates on kidney cancer, please visit our educational platform UROONCO RCC.For more EAU podcasts, please go to your favourite podcast app and subscribe to our podcast channel for regular updates: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, EAU YouTube channel.

More great highlights from the latest edition of European Urology! Here on the European Urology Podcast we bring you selected highlights from the journal each month with some great guests. As ever we highlight two key papers (details below) from this month's journal, including interviews with key authors. With co-Hosts Professor Declan Murphy (Melbourne, Australia), and Dr Nikita Bhatt (Newcastle, UK). We also catch up with one of our recent Award Winners, Dr Laura Elst (Leuven, BEL), who who won the Best Translational Paper Award 2024. Even better on our YouTube channelPodcast Priority Papers1 . Effects of Enzalutamide on the Sexual Activity of Patients with Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer: A Post Hoc Analysis of Patient-reported Outcomes in the EMBARK Study.Featured author - Dr Stephen Freedland (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, USA)2. Abdominal Noncontrast Computed Tomography Scanning to Screen for Kidney Cancer and Other Abdominal Pathology Within Community-based Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer: Results of the Yorkshire Kidney Screening Trial. https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(24)02567-3/fulltextFeatured author - Prof Grant Stewart (Cambridge)Best Translational Paper Award 2024 - Dr Laura Elst (Leuven, BEL); Single-cell Atlas of Penile Cancer Reveals TP53 Mutations as a Driver of an Aggressive Phenotype, Irrespective of Human Papillomavirus Status, and Provides Clues for Treatment Personalization.  Full index to European Urology May 2025 

While rubbing her 3 year old daughter Chelsea's belly, Alison Hicks felt a lump which was shortly diagnosed as a Stage 4 Wilms Tumor. Chelsea fought this Pediatric  Kidney Cancer for nearly 2 years before passing away after a treatment protocol which was very difficult from the beginning to its end. As a result of Chelsea's battle and passing, Alison started the Chelsea Hicks Foundation which focuses on keeping a smile on Pediatric Cancer patients as they go through their impatient hospital treatments. 

Jeff Kallis survived renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer.  When he experienced pain in his lower flank and saw blood in his urine, he sought medical attention.  A CT urogram revealed a stone in his left kidney and a mass in his right kidney.  A biopsy confirmed he had clear cell renal cell carcinoma.  Jeff underwent a radical nephrectomy on his right kidney.  The operation was painful, but a success.  Through exercise and a healthy diet, Jeff tells the @CancerInterviews podcast he feels better than he did before his diagnosis.

Hereditary Kidney Cancer Syndromes CME Available: https://auau.auanet.org/node/41772 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Support provided by an independent educational grant from:  Merck & Co., Inc.  LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to: 1. Select patients who should undergo genetic testing to identify hereditary kidney cancer syndromes based on appropriate criteria, including family history and clinical presentation. 2. Implement strategies to address ethical concerns related to genetic testing, such as patient consent, confidentiality, and the potential impact on family members. 3. Discuss VHL syndrome, including its genetic basis, inheritance pattern, and associated tumors. 4. Properly diagnose and manage VHL syndrome in clinical practice based on knowledge of novel therapeutic strategies. 5. Utilize a multidisciplinary approach consisting of urologists, oncologists, geneticists and nephrologists when managing hereditary kidney cancer syndromes.

Kidney cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, and a therapeutic vaccine shows promising results, offering new hope for those suffering with the disease. Dr. David Braun, a medical oncologist and researcher at Yale Cancer Center is here – he was the principal investigator on the kidney cancer vaccine study that published in the medical journal, Nature. Image Credit: Getty Images

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD/podcastsIn this episode, Cameron Mathison sits down with Dr. Taz to share his incredible and inspiring health journey. From his early challenges with a degenerative bone disease to a shocking kidney cancer diagnosis, Cameron's story underscores the importance of being an advocate for one's own health. He reveals how, for years, he was misled by traditional doctors who simply prescribed medications that only made things worse, until he found a path to healing through functional medicine. Cameron discusses his approach to integrating science and spirit, the pivotal role of a functional health coach in his recovery, and his newfound passion for helping others through his venture, Health360. Join us for a compelling story of resilience, the power of functional medicine, and the importance of holistic health practices.Note: This conversation was filmed before Cameron and his family lost their house in the LA fires. Healing is a constant journey and we are sending Cameron and his family lots of love. About Cameron MathisonEmmy nominated actor and Emmy winning TV host Cameron Mathison made his long-awaited return to daytime on ABC's General Hospital, after a decade as fan favorite Ryan Lavery on ABC's All My Children.  He was also the co-host of Hallmark Channel's “Home and Family” alongside Debbie Matenopoulos for three seasons. Mathison is also the creator of allhealth360, a health and wellness destination dedicated to a healthier lifestyle inside and out. He previously served as feature correspondent for “Good Morning America,” “Entertainment Tonight” and “Extra,” and co-hosted the “35th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.” He recently signed a multi-picture deal with Great American Media and is a host for a new GSN show that is set to premiere in 2024.Thank you to our sponsorTimeline: timeline.com/DRTAZ01:54 A Personal Story from Dr. Taz03:15 Advocating for Men's Health05:50 Cameron's Early Life Health Struggles14:51 Discovering Kidney Cancer17:05 The Healing Journey Begins20:19 The Role of Functional Health Coaching27:57 Cameron's Gut Health Protocol35:42 Cameron's Personal Experience with Healing His Gut43:17 Meditation and Mental Well-being56:10 Encouragement for Men's HealthStay ConnectedSubscribe to the audio podcast: https://holplus.transistor.fm/subscribeSubscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DrTazMD/podcastsFollow Dr. Taz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/@drtazmdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drtazmdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtazmd/Connect with Cameron Matthison:https://www.instagram.com/cameronmathison/Host & Production TeamHost: Dr. Taz; Produced by Rainbow Creative (Executive Producer: Matthew Jones; Lead Producer: Lauren Feighan; Editors: Jeremiah Schultz and Patrick Edwards)Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of hol+

In this episode, UROONCO kidney cancer chief editor Dr. Carmen Mir talks to Assoc. Prof. Tian Zhang from UT Southwestern Medical Center (USA). Assoc. Prof. Zhang shares an overview on the trial results of metastatic kidney cancer (mRCC) that were discussed at ASCO GU25. These trials include CheckMate-9ER, COSMIC-313, KEYMAKER-U03, LITESPARK-011. Assoc. Prof. Zhang gives her expert opinion on how these trials could impact clinical practice on first-line kidney cancer treatment. For more EAU podcasts, please go to your favourite podcast app and subscribe to our podcast channel for regular updates: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, EAU YouTube channel.

Episode 19 is the final part of a mini-series from the 2025 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco! After diving into prostate and bladder cancers in the first two episodes, Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani and Dr. Christopher Wallis are wrapping with an in-depth look at kidney cancer, diving into research, studies and developments shared at the symposium. The View on GU with Lalani & Wallis integrates key clinical data from major conferences and high impact publications, sharing meaningful take-home messages for practicing clinicians in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancers. Learn more about The View on GU: theviewongu.caThis podcast has been made possible through unrestricted financial support by Bayer, Astellas, J&J, Tolmar, Merck, and Pfizer.

Host Annamaria Scaccia takes a deep dive into the connection between plastic pollution and kidney cancer with Dr. Laura Bukavina and Dr. Christopher Weight from the Cleveland Clinic. Bukavina and Weight explore how environmental exposures impact our health - and why we need to rethink our plastic consumption for the sake of our future and our health. Visit kidneycancer.org for more support and resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

T. Colin Campbell explains the scientific reasons behind plant-based nutrition. Discover how fundamental science supports the benefits of consuming plants for optimal health and disease prevention. #PlantBased #NutritionalScience #HealthBenefits

Heard the shocking vaccine claims by RFK Jr. that have medical professionals concerned? In this eye-opening replay of Medical Mondays, I'm breaking down the dangerous misconceptions about race-based vaccine scheduling. As a board-certified physician I'll separate fact from fiction and explain why these claims put communities at risk.We're also discussing NBA star Dwyane Wade's recent kidney cancer diagnosis - a powerful reminder that knowing your body's signals can save your life. I'll share the critical symptoms you shouldn't ignore and explain when it's time to see your doctor.Plus, get the latest updates on the Kansas TB outbreak and California's bird flu situation. And let's talk about Hollywood's weight struggles - from Luther Vandross's powerful comeback to fat-shaming, to Lizzo's body positivity message, and the important conversation about Tracey Gold's battle with anorexia. Join me for this crucial discussion where we tackle these pressing health issues with medical accuracy and compassion.This podcast is intended to be informational only.  It is not a medical consultation, nor is it personalized medical advice.  For medical advice, please consult your physician.Here are a few helpful resources to help on your journey to wellness:▶️ Subscribe so you will never miss a video.

The UROONCO RCC editorial board chief editor Dr. Carmen Mir, and associate editors Dr. Teele Kuusk and Dr. Riccardo Bertolo share highlights of the important kidney cancer developments for 2024. They summarise the results on several important trials such as FASTRACK, ZIRCON, KEYNOTE-564 and IMmotion010. They also discuss the developments on surgical aspects too.To learn more on the highlights discussed in this podcast, you can read the below Articles of the Month, listen to the podcasts or watch the videos.Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for primary kidney cancer (TROG 15.03 FASTRACK II): a non-randomised phase 2 trial[89Zr]Zr-girentuximab for PET–CT imaging of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma: a prospective, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 trialASCO GU24 special: Assoc. Prof. Barata discusses the results of KEYNOTE-564 and CheckMate-914ASCO GU24 special: Prof. Michael Hofman talks about a novel CA IX-targeting peptideASCO2024 special: Circulating kidney injury molecule-1 biomarker analysis in IMmotion010Present and future of robotic surgery for RCCThe treatment of locally advanced and metastatic renal cancerFor more EAU podcasts, please go to your favourite podcast app and subscribe to our podcast channel for regular updates: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts.

For patients with early-stage cancer, minimally invasive image-guided therapies like cryoablation can be both life-altering and life-saving. Patient Clinton Lanier, a kidney cancer survivor who underwent multiple cryoablations, sits down with host Dr. Eric Keller to share his story and raise patient-provider awareness of the positive impacts IR brings. --- This podcast was developed in collaboration with: Interventional Initiative https://theii.org/ --- SYNPOSIS Clinton shares his personal story of being diagnosed with a kidney tumor during a sailing trip and discovering cryoablation as a treatment option through his own research and advocacy. He discusses the effectiveness and ease of the procedure, the positive impact it has had on his quality of life, and the importance of raising awareness about cryoablation among patients and healthcare providers. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 03:56 - First Cryoablation Experience 05:20 - Patient Experience 09:12 - Cryoablation Awareness 14:44 - Conclusion --- RESOURCES The Interventional Initiative: https://theii.org

Prof. Jens Bedke (DE) talks about two key topics from this year's EMUC24 kidney cancer sessions: the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy, and the SUNNIFORECAST trial (prospective randomised phase 2 trial of ipilimumab + nivolumab versus standaard of care in non-clear cell RCC.)This informative episode was recorded at the 16th European Multidisciplinary Congress on Urological Cancers (EMUC24) in Lisbon, Portugal.  For more EAU podcasts, please go to your favourite podcast app and subscribe to our podcast channel for regular updates: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, EAU YouTube channel.

Heather Williams faced the unimaginable, receiving a rare kidney cancer diagnosis and finding out she was pregnant in the span on 13 days. Heather was just over a year into marriage to the love of her life and they hoped to start a family. With host Annamaria Scaccia, Heather shared the challenges of undergoing treatment for the rare type of kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) while pregnant and the unwavering support from her medical team. Visit kidneycancer.org for more support and resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hereditary Kidney Cancer Syndromes CME Available: https://auau.auanet.org/node/41772 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Support provided by an independent educational grant from:  Merck & Co., Inc.  LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to: 1. Select patients who should undergo genetic testing to identify hereditary kidney cancer syndromes based on appropriate criteria, including family history and clinical presentation. 2. Implement strategies to address ethical concerns related to genetic testing, such as patient consent, confidentiality, and the potential impact on family members. 3. Discuss VHL syndrome, including its genetic basis, inheritance pattern, and associated tumors. 4. Properly diagnose and manage VHL syndrome in clinical practice based on knowledge of novel therapeutic strategies. 5. Utilize a multidisciplinary approach consisting of urologists, oncologists, geneticists and nephrologists when managing hereditary kidney cancer syndromes.

Mallory Foxx is a kidney cancer survivor and the 2023 Mrs. Black International Ambassador, a title she won while preparing for surgery. In conversation with host Annamaria Scaccia, Mallory's story is a reminder of the importance of advocating for yourself, building a strong support network, and finding multiple communities. Visit kidneycancer.org for more support and resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Workup and management of Kidney Cancer in Radiation Oncology featuring guest Dr Riche Mohan

Megan Nelson's mom felt an odd lump as she was hugging her 2 year old granddaughter Ella before returning home after Megan had given birth to her son Francis in 2020. Upon hearing this, Megan took Ella to her pediatrician and shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with the Kidney Cancer Wilms Tumor before this diagnosis was changed 3 days later to Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. Megan and her family were living in Virginia at the time but moved to Los Angeles so Ella could get her treatment at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Now 4 years later, Ella is doing well and is living her best life possible. 

Wrapping up their ESMO Congress 2024 coverage with a discussion of renal cancer, our hosts talk about what strategies work (or don't) after frontline therapy for mRCC, implications on adjuvant therapy, as well as major efforts for non-clear cell histologies like the SUNNIFORECAST trial. The View on GU with Lalani & Wallis integrates key clinical data from major conferences and high impact publications, sharing meaningful take home messages for practising clinicians in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancers. Learn more about The View on GU: theviewongu.ca This podcast has been made possible through unrestricted financial support by Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, Ipsen, J&J Innovative Medicine, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, TerSera.

Join host Annamaria Scaccia as we kick off season 2 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered with a deeply moving episode featuring the Sanders family. Hear from Alexandra Sanders, mother to Andre "Dre" Sanders, who has a kidney cancer diagnosis, about pediatric kidney cancer, the unique challenges of his treatment, and the life-altering effects on his entire family. Visit kidneycancer.org for more support and resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back for season 2 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, a podcast by the Kidney Cancer Association. Host and kidney cancer survivor Annamaria Scaccia leads candid conversations with people impacted by kidney cancer to dive deep into the raw, unfiltered stories that often go untold. In each episode, we explore the emotional rollercoaster of kidney cancer and how to come out resilient. Because when it comes to kidney cancer, every story deserves to be heard, unfiltered. Subscribe and join us every week for conversations that matter.For more information about kidney cancer, visit the Kidney Cancer Association at www.kidneycancer.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kidney Cancer & SBRT in the Management of RCC AUA Urology Core Curriculum: auau.auanet.org/core Host: Jay D. Raman, MD, FACS, FRCS(Glasg) Guest: Daniel Shapiro, MD Outline: Segment 1: History of radiation therapy in renal cell carcinoma Segment 2: Radiation use in the setting of primary kidney tumors Segment 3: Radiation use for locally advanced tumors including tumor thrombi Segment 4: Radiation therapy for metastatic disease Segment 5: Limitations of radiation therapy and selecting patients for radiation therapy

New treatments and managing side effects are key challenges in kidney cancer care. In our latest episode of The PQI Podcast, we team up with the Kidney Cancer Association, Emily Wang, PharmD, BCOP, from MD Anderson, and Julia Stevens, PharmD, BCOP, from Beth Israel Deaconess, to share valuable insights into the newest advancements in kidney cancer therapies and practical strategies for managing side effects from TKI and IO treatments. Listen now to gain valuable knowledge that can transform your patient care approach.Learn more about the Kidney Cancer Association here. 

Harnessing the Immune System to Treat Kidney Cancer with guest David Braun MD, PhD, August 11, 2024

We were very happy to have world-famous kidney cancer guru Dr Rana McKay in Australia this week to do some educational events and to visit us at Peter Mac. So of course we also invited her to the GU Cast studio to pick her brains on all things kidney cancer, along with Dr Lewis Au, GU Medical Oncologist at Peter Mac. We asked them to cover three hot topics: 1. Adjuvant immunotherapy following surgery for kidney cancer2. First line management of metastatic kidney cancer - how do we choose best options for individual patients?  3. Future-gazing in renal cancer, including a focus on belzutifan.Even better on our YouTube channel Rana's visit to Australia was supported by our friends at MSD, Silver Partners of GU Cast. Links: Previous GU Cast on Keynote-564Renu's new paper in Nature Reviews Urology! (mentioned in the intro) 

At the 2024 Kidney Cancer Research Summit (KCRS), CancerNetwork® spoke with various experts in the kidney cancer field about potential advancements in disease detection and updated efficacy data on immunotherapy and other treatment strategies in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Karl Semaan, MD, MSc, a postdoctoral oncology research fellow at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discussed the implications of findings related to the use of an investigational tissue-informed liquid biopsy epigenomic profiling tool for detecting sarcomatoid differentiation in RCC.1 According to Semaan, this method may avoid the sampling errors and spatial heterogeneity challenges associated with traditional biopsy strategies. Additionally, Neil J. Shah, MBBS, an assistant attending physician from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, spoke about data from a real-world study evaluating treatment patterns and outcomes in those with metastatic RCC following prior receipt of immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).2 Data showed no differences in overall survival (OS) outcomes across different immunotherapy- and TKI-containing regimens. Based on these findings, Shah emphasized a need for additional novel therapeutic approaches to help improve outcomes in later-line settings of treatment. Bradley A. McGregor, MD, director of Clinical Research for the Lank Center of Genitourinary Oncology and medical oncologist specializing in genitourinary malignancies at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, highlighted findings from his presentation on a phase 1b study (NCT04627064) evaluating treatment with abemaciclib (Verzenio) in a pretreated metastatic clear cell RCC population.3 Among 11 patients who received abemaciclib, 1 had stable disease, 8 had progressive disease, and 2 were not evaluable for response. Additionally, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), respectively, was 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.5-1.9) and 9.1 months (95% CI, 2.1-15.3). Although abemaciclib monotherapy yielded no responses in the study, McGregor highlighted the potential clinical utility of administering the agent in combination with other therapies. Findings from his presentation suggested that CDK4/6 inhibitors may demonstrate a synergistic effect when combined with HIF-2α inhibitors, which is a potential strategy that investigators are evaluating with belzutifan (Welireg) and palbociclib (Ibrance) combination therapy as part of the phase 1/2 LITESPARK-024 trial (NCT05468697). References 1.        Semaan K, Zarif TE, Eid M, et al. Liquid biopsy epigenomic profiling for the detection of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. Presented at the 2024 Kidney Cancer Research Summit; July 11-12, 2023; Boston, MA. Abstract 44. 2.        Shah N, Sura S, Shinde R, et al. Real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients post immune-oncology (IO) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) receptor targeted therapies. Presented at the 2024 Kidney Cancer Research Summit; July 11-12, 2023; Boston, MA. Abstract 36. 3.        McGregor BA, Xie W, Xu W, et al. Phase IB trial of abemaciclib in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Presented at: 2024 Kidney Cancer Research Summit; July 11-12, 2024. Boston, MA.

Dr Rana R McKay from Moores Cancer Center in La Jolla, California, and Prof Thomas Powles from Barts Cancer Institute in London, United Kingdom, discuss recent updates on available and novel treatment strategies for renal cell carcinoma, moderated by Dr Neil Love. Produced by Research To Practice. CME information and select publications here. (https://www.researchtopractice.com/PostASCO2024/RCC)

In this podcast, UROONCO RCC chief editor Dr. Maria Carmen Mir (ES) talks to Prof. Laurence Albiges (FR) on the abstract she recently presented at ASCO2024 - “Circulating kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) biomarker analysis in IMmotion010: A randomised phase 3 study of adjuvant (adj) atezolizumab (atezo) vs placebo (pbo) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at increased risk of recurrence after resection”.  Prof. Albiges details the two parts of the circulating biomarker analysis scheme, part one - biomarker identification/screening; and part two - assessing the association of circulating kidney injury molecule-1 with disease free survival outcomes.   The study results are discussed in detail and Prof. Albiges talks about what research is needed in the future to confirm the utility of circulating serum kidney injury molecule-1 in adjuvant RCC as a non-invasive biomarker. 

The View on GU with Lalani & Wallis integrates key clinical data from major conferences and high impact publications, sharing meaningful take home messages for practicing clinicians in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancers. Learn more about The View on GU: https://theviewongu.com This podcast has been made possible through financial support by Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, Ipsen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and TerSera.

Toni Choueiri and Brian describe similarities and differences in the biomarker findings of these two trials. Debate about the value and future of this approach breaks out.

Dr. David Braun discusses the exciting advancements in cancer vaccines and immunotherapy. He explains how the immune system can be harnessed to target and eliminate cancer cells, particularly in kidney cancer. He also discusses the potential for preventive vaccines and the future of curative treatments for cancer. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge research and possibilities in cancer immunotherapy.

Today's episode we will cover 2024 updates for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We will discuss risk categories, treatment options, and variant histologies. We are so excited to have Dr. Tom Powles and Dr. Brian Rini from the urologic oncology podcast Uromigos sharing their expertise on today's episode as well!

Today's episode we will cover 2024 updates for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We will discuss risk factors, the presentation, staging, and treatment options. We are so excited to have Dr. Tom Powles and Dr. Brian Rini from the urologic oncology podcast Uromigos sharing their expertise on today's episode as well!

In this edition of Oncology Data Advisor celebrating Kidney Cancer Awareness Month Dr. Samuel Kareff, Dr. Waqas Haque, and Dr. Ulka Vaishampayan discuss the rising incidence of kidney cancer, warning signs and symptoms to look out for, environmental risk factors such as tobacco use, emerging treatment strategies using immunotherapy and adjuvant therapy, considerations for genetic testing, and the importance of clinical trial participation for bringing these new advances to the forefront of care.

In this interview for Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, Hiam Abdel-Salam, MS, CGC, speaks with Donika Saporito, MS, a Certified Genetic Counselor in the Genitourinary Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center, who provides an overview of genetic testing for hereditary kidney cancer syndromes and how she personally counsels the patients she sees.

In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, join Micheal and Tatiana Parker, a dynamic duo who share their inspiring journey as kidney cancer survivors/thrivers and small minority business owners. From Micheal's unexpected diagnosis to launching their apparel brand, Watch4TheHook, and their insightful podcast, the Parkers provide valuable insights on overcoming challenges, leaving a legacy, and the importance of listening to your body. Tune in for a candid discussion filled with wisdom, resilience, and a reminder that it's okay to not be okay. Join us as we navigate cancer and entrepreneurship together, finding strength in vulnerability and determination in the face of adversity.✨Highlights from the show:[00:05:23] A health scare and revelation.[00:09:56] Handling unexpected medical news.[00:12:18] Challenges of caregiving.[00:17:07] A challenging recovery journey.[00:19:32] Overcoming health challenges for entrepreneurship.[00:25:30] Listening to your body.[00:30:49] Leaving a legacy.

When Vara James was 9 years old in 2016 she was diagnosed with the Kidney Cancer Wilms Tumor. Now 17 years old, Vara has been cancer free since February of 2018 and has many options to look at as she is able to live as normal of a life as possible. Vara and her mother Emily Gordon will talk about these past 8 years which include helping to start the Rock Cancer program along with Neuro Oncologist Dr. Carl Koschmann,  which gives Pediatric Cancer patients the opportunity to gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment by learning to Rock Climb. 

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness month and it's a type of cancer that people stumble upon. According to national statistics, about 80,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year in the US. We wanted to know since it commonly is a fluke diagnosis, what are the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments available? We spoke with Kidney Cancer expert, oncologist and researcher at Yale Cancer Center, Dr. David Braun. Image Credit: Getty Images

Welcome to our January 2024 Review of PR Pitches and mergers & acquisitions in the UK PR scene with Andrew Bloch, where we will discuss the biggest, most seismic pitch wins and mergers and acquisitions that the PR sector has seen in 2023.Andrew is the lead consultant - PR, Social, Content and Influencer at the new business consultancy firm AAR and a partner at PCB Partners, where he advises on buying and selling marketing services agencies.Andrew was also co-founder and managing partner at PR agency Frank, before stepping back in 2020 to found Andrew Bloch & Associates.Before we start, a plug for our latest webinar launch; the topic for this one is “How to track the success of an earned media campaign." tickets are free and we're putting this one on in partnership with our good friends at Carma. The event is promoted on the homepage of PRmoment.Thanks also so much to the PRmoment Podcast sponsors the PRCA.2 mins We kick off with some thoughts from Andrew and I on WPP's merger of BCW and Hill&Knowlton“It's really nice that they are honouring Harold Burson.”“It's potentially going to be the biggest PR agency in the UK… taking them ahead of Brunswick.”“You rarely merge two firms together because they are doing so well.”“It's been reported that both of these firms had a tougher time in America; they've had a better time of it in the UK.”“It just makes sense. You don't need that many agencies in one group, especially when they have that much overlap.”7 mins A discussion of January's biggest PR pitch wins:The Dept for Science, Innovation and Tech appoint Unlimited and Pablo as lead creative and strategic partners, with Nelson Bostock Unlimited providing the PR support. Andrew pays tribute to Nelson Bostock co-founder Roger Nelson, who passed away recently.Iceland appoints Tangerine for creative consumer, corporate, sustainability, crisis and social.“A massive win for Tangerine.”The Savoy hires the PR agency Fox Communications to handle media relations, digital media, and influencers.“A lot of specialist agencies have done extremely well in the last few years.”Sudocrem appoints Brazen.Kidney Cancer and UK Reflo, the sustainable performance wear brand, appoint PR agency PHAOatley appointed Blurred for consumer, corporate and public affairs work following a 6-way pitch.  Nest - Britain's largest pension scheme backed by govt - also hire Blurred. Henkel appoints BCW (soon to be Burson!)  The Ministry of Justice appoint Kindred on £1.3m Luke “The Nuke” Littner -the teenage dart sensation who reached the final of the world championships, has appointed Soapbox London.Airbnb appoints The Romans. Previously, Hope&Glory has held the Airbnb account for nine years, and Andrew and Ben pay tribute to that body of work.Giff Gaff appoint Splendid for a strategic and creative comms brief.Stonegate Group - Pitch. The UK's largest pub company, operating nearly 5,000 pubs, includes brands like Slug & Lettuce and Walkabout. “It's busy and this time of year is always busy. We're still facing some of the challenges we saw last year...which is delaying decisions.”"Whenever there is a lack of confidence in the economy, there is a lack of confidence in making appointment decisions.”30 mins A round-up of PR's January's M&A activity“2024

You're listening to a podcast from Cancer.Net. This cancer information website is produced by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, known as ASCO, the voice of the world's oncology professionals. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guests' statements on this podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Cancer research discussed in this podcast is ongoing, so data described here may change as research progresses. In this podcast, members of the Cancer.Net Editorial Board discuss the latest research, innovations, and discussions taking place across the field of genitourinary cancers, including prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer. This podcast is led by Cancer.Net Associate Editor for Genitourinary Cancers, Dr. Petros Grivas. Dr. Grivas is the clinical director of the Genitourinary Cancers Program at University of Washington Medicine and a professor in the clinical research division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He is joined by Dr. Neeraj Agarwal, Dr. Shilpa Gupta, Dr. Tian Zhang, and Dr. Timothy Gilligan. Dr. Agarwal is a Professor of Medicine, and a Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. He directs the Genitourinary Oncology Program and Center of Investigational Therapeutics at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He is also the Cancer.Net Specialty Editor for Prostate Cancer. Dr. Gupta is the Director of the Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program at Taussig Cancer Institute and Co-Leader of the Genitourinary Oncology Program at Cleveland Clinic. She is also the Cancer.Net Specialty Editor for Bladder Cancer. Dr. Zhang is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a medical oncologist at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is also the Cancer.Net Specialty Editor for Kidney Cancer. Dr. Gilligan is a Medical Oncologist, Associate Professor of Medicine, and Vice-Chair for Education at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. He is also the Cancer.Net Specialty Editor for Testicular Cancer.  View full disclosures for Dr. Grivas, Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Zhang, and Dr. Gilligan at Cancer.Net. Dr. Grivas: Hello. I'm Dr. Petros Grivas. I'm a medical oncologist in Seattle, a professor at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. I'm really excited and thrilled today to host wonderful superstars in the field of GU Medical Oncology who will share insights about the highlights of kidney cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder, urothelial, urinary tract cancers that happened in 2023. And this highlight aims to inform our great audience about what are the clinically relevant insights, what patients should be aware, what patients should ask for when they go to the clinic, or overall, how they can be most well-informed and have the necessary tools to improve their care and feel well-supported in regards to education. So without further ado, we're going to cover in first prostate cancer, a very important update in this year. So all the people out there that are interested in hearing about prostate cancer will find this very, very useful and insightful. I'm very excited to host Professor, Dr. Neeraj Agarwal from University of Utah. Neeraj, do you want to introduce yourself? Dr. Agarwal: Of course. It's such an honor to be here. My name is Dr. Neeraj Agarwal. I'm a professor of medicine and director of genitourinary oncology program at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. Dr. Grivas: Neeraj, thank you so much for accepting the invitation and being with us. I would like to ask you, what's your take on the current state of genetic testing in patients with prostate cancer? And when we say genetic testing, maybe you can clarify the distinction between germline and somatic and comment on both if you could. Thank you. Dr. Agarwal: Of course, a very important topic. I must tell you that it is very clear from all the guidelines that in patients with advanced prostate cancer or metastatic prostate cancer, meaning when prostate cancer has spread to different parts of the body, both germline testing to look for hereditary mutations in the DNA repair genes and testing for the same genes inside the tumor tissue are considered standard of care. So, a patient with advanced prostate cancer should have germline testing and somatic tumor tissue testing to look for mutations that can predispose them to have prostate cancer, and if they have genes in the tumor which can be targeted by the current approved drugs, like drugs which are already approved right now or which are in clinical trials. Unfortunately, less than 50% of patients in many areas of the country and in the world, less than 20% of patients are being tested. And even more, unfortunately, patients are less likely to be tested are those who are not well-resourced, who are not living in rich countries, if you will. They are poor- or low-resourced countries. Even with high-income countries, within those countries, patients who are living in relatively not-so-affluent neighborhoods, they are less likely to be tested. From racial perspective, patients who are Black or who are Hispanics are less likely to be tested. Based on how many drugs are out there in the clinic and emerging through clinical trials. And the fact that we can use many of these mutations for prognostication, to inform survival, to inform aggressiveness of the disease. It is not only to treat those patients, but also how to monitor the disease. The genetic testing is very important. Dr. Grivas: Thank you so much, Neeraj. It's very insightful. And I think you did a great job outlining the clinical relevance for both the patient in terms of treatment decision-making and therapy options, especially for advanced prostate cancer, as well as the broader family and implications for cancer prevention and cancer screening for the broader family members. So definitely a very important topic. Neeraj, the other question I have, if you could tell us more about this class of medications called PARP inhibitors. If you can comment on the currently approved PARP inhibitors, either as a single agent, what we call monotherapy or combination therapies for patients with prostate cancer in the United States, and who is eligible to receive those therapies? Dr. Agarwal: And this is such a nice segue to talk about PARP inhibitors as we were just talking about genetic testing of prostate cancer. So, PARP inhibitors are a class of drug which are instrumental, critical in treatment of patients who harbor mutations in those DNA repair genes. And two monotherapies, meaning using these PARP inhibitors as single agents have been already approved in the United States and several other countries. These are olaparib or rucaparib. Olaparib is approved after patients have had disease progression on novel androgen-blocking therapies or androgen blockers such as enzalutamide or abiraterone or apalutamide. And these PARP inhibitors such as olaparib or rucaparib can be used for those patients as single agent if they have these DNA repair mutations. Now, last year, we saw several combinations of PARP inhibitors with these androgen or novel hormonal therapy, as we call them. And these include abiraterone plus olaparib, abiraterone plus niraparib, and talazoparib plus enzalutamide from various phase 3 trials. Now, I'd like to bring to your attention that these PARP inhibitor combinations are approved with different indications in the United States and in the European Union. And they continue to get approved in various other countries. So the combination of abiraterone and a PARP inhibitor, whether it is olaparib or niraparib, they are approved for patients who have new metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, and they have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in the cancer cells or they have germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Enzalutamide and talazoparib combination is approved in the United States for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, but also several other DNA repair gene mutations. And that's a big difference as far as approval is concerned in the U.S. In the European Union, for our patients who are listening from European Union, the combination of abiraterone and olaparib and enzalutamide and talazoparib are approved for patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer where chemotherapy is not clinically indicated, regardless of whether they have mutations in the DNA repair genes or not. And the combination of abiraterone and niraparib is only approved for patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation. So I just wanted to outline the different indications in the United States and in the Europe. Dr. Grivas: Thank you so much, Neeraj. So eloquent and very relevant to multiple patients globally, as you pointed out, with some differences in terms of the regulatory approval and availability of those agents in different countries. So great insights. Maybe we'll ask you 1 more question again since we are doing the highlights of the year. Another very important area of therapeutic development has to do with these novel agents that target the prostate cancer cells, and we call them theragnostics as a broader term. And I will let you explain what that means maybe in lay terms for our audience. And specifically, if you can comment on the recently presented PSMAforetrial at the ESMO meeting in Madrid with lutetium-177 PSMA. What are the implications of these results for our patients, and what is the role of lutetium therapy in this particular therapy setting? Dr. Agarwal: Of course, very important and pertinent topic indeed. As our patients may know that lutetium-177 therapy, or simply speaking, lutetium therapy, has already been approved for patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer who have had disease progression on this novel hormonal therapy and a chemotherapy with docetaxel or cabazitaxel. And this indication is already there in the U.S. and in various other countries. And patients are eligible to receive lutetium therapy as long as their disease has progressed on docetaxel or one of the taxane chemotherapy and a novel hormonal therapy. Now, in the European Society of Medical Oncology meeting, Dr. Oliver Sartor presented the data on PSMAfore trial where lutetium therapy was used before chemotherapy. In this trial lutetium therapy was compared with another novel hormonal therapy after disease progression on 1 novel hormonal therapy. And there was approximately 6-month improvement in progression-free survival, meaning there was a delay in disease progression by 5 to 6 months in patients who were receiving lutetium therapy. And at the time of the report, there was no improvement in overall survival, with the caveat that 84% patients who were receiving novel hormonal therapy, actually, they switched over to lutetium therapy after disease progression. So, overall, survival data may not be met. Having said that, we already know that lutetium therapy is an effective therapy, and it has a definitive role in treatment of our patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Neeraj. That's very, very important data. And I'm so glad we have many more therapy options for our patients with prostate cancer. So involvement and accrual in clinical trials, I'm sure you will agree, is a very important and high priority. And I always encourage people with prostate cancer to ask about clinical trials that are relevant to their situation. Dr. Agarwal: Yeah. I'd just like to add a point regarding lutetium therapy that there was a phase 2 trial in from Australia which compared lutetium therapy with cabazitaxel therapy after disease progression and docetaxel chemotherapy. And efficacy of both agents were not very different. So just wanted to make that point. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Neeraj. It's a very important point. And obviously, always want to think about pace and preference, convenience, distance from the cancer centers, all the relevant points, how we can individualize suggestions or recommendations for our patients. Thank you so much, Neeraj, for your wonderful input, insights, and all the work you do in the field. Dr. Agarwal: Thank you very much for having me. Dr. Grivas: Of course, of course. And now we're going to transition to a different cancer type. We're going to talk about bladder cancer and urothelial cancer in general, urinary tract cancer. And we're delighted and excited to have Dr. Shilpa Gupta from Cleveland Clinic, who's a professor there of oncology. Shilpa, I want to introduce yourself? Dr. Gupta: I'm Shilpa Gupta. I'm a genitourinary medical oncologist and the director of the GU Program at Cleveland Clinic. I'm really excited to be doing this podcast with you all. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Shilpa. You have done amazing work in the field, pushing the field forward. You are part of those transformative studies. I will ask you in the beginning where I'm going to focus my first question for people who have advanced or metastatic bladder cancer or urinary tract cancer or upper or lower tract. And we saw really exciting, impressive data at the recent ESMO Congress in Madrid a couple of months ago. And I know you were there and were enjoying to see the improvement in patient outcomes that comes with better quality of life for patients in the last several years. And the question I have for you, if you want to summarize the key data in the first-line treatment, patients who have no prior treatment for metastatic urothelial cancer, what are the key data we showed at the ESMO meeting? Dr. Gupta: Thank you, Petros. As you said, this is a really exciting time for both patients as well as the physicians treating bladder cancer because of all the new developments which we've seen after decades. So at ESMO 2023, we saw the key data from the EV-302 trial, which was a phase 3 trial, which randomized patients to the standard of care, platinum-based chemotherapy, gemcitabine-cisplatin or gemcitabine-carboplatin, versus a novel drug, which is an antibody-drug conjugate called enfortumab vedotin and the immunotherapy pembrolizumab. And the primary endpoint was to see if patients lived longer and this delayed progression. And we saw that in this the progression-free survival, we saw that it was 12.5 months with enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab compared to 6.3 months, which means that the risk of progression or death was decreased by 55% with this new combination. And the benefit was seen across all the various factors, especially patients with liver metastases, visceral metastases, whether or not they had contraindications to receiving cisplatin or not or PD-L1 expression. So this is the first time we saw such a remarkable benefit with any treatment that beat platinums. And the overall survival was also doubled: 16 months in chemotherapy versus 31.5 months with this combination. So the risk of death was reduced by 53%. And we also saw that the overall response rates were 68% with this compared to 44% with chemo. And 29% of patients had complete responses. And this was really remarkable because we have not seen such data before. And in the same session, we also saw another phase 3 trial that was presented, which was the Checkmate 901 trial, in which the investigators tested whether the addition of immunotherapy called nivolumab to the standard of care, gemcitabine and cisplatin was better than gemcitabine and cisplatin alone. So this was a study only looking for patients who can receive cisplatin. So patients were randomized to 6 cycles of gemcitabine cisplatin versus nivolumab, gemcitabine cisplatin for up to 6 cycles. And after that, they continued nivolumab maintenance every month for up to 2 years. And in this, the primary endpoint of overall survival was also met, although the difference was not as huge as the other study. It was 18.9 months with chemotherapy versus 21.7 months with the combination. And progression-free survival was also improved by just 0.3 months with the combination. And the objective response rates were higher with the combination, 57% versus 43%, and there were 21% complete responses. So the bottom line is that both these trials showed us that the frontline treatment is not going to be just platinums anymore moving forward. We will have the option of the enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab for all comers, patients who can get platinums, and nivolumab and gemcitabine cisplatin for patients who are cisplatin eligible. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Shilpa. Wonderful summary. Really, really exciting time to see the field moving forward and translate those results to longer life for our patients. In that context, I will also ask you—I asked Neeraj before about genetic testing in prostate cancer. I will ask you a similar question about genetic testing in bladder cancer. Again, reminding the audience about the distinction between germline testing, which is the DNA we are born with, and somatic testing, which is the cancer-specific genomic changes. Could you comment on the importance of genetic testing in bladder cancer? Dr. Gupta: Yes. Absolutely, Petros. Genetic testing in urothelial cancer is very important because for the first time a few years ago, we saw a drug targeting the fibroblastic growth factor receptor or FGFR alterations. This drug is called erdafitinib. It is the first targeted therapy to be approved in urothelial cancer. It is only seen in up to 20% of patients who harbor these alterations for whom this option may be viable. And we saw initially that erdafitinib was approved in patients who harbor these alterations in the phase 2 BLC2001 trial where it showed response rates of 40% and encouraging progression-free survival, and overall survival. And then we also saw in a phase 3 trial called the THOR trial where patients who harbored these alterations by genetic testing, erdafitinib was much better than chemotherapy, prolonged survival by almost 4.2 months compared to chemotherapy. So unless we are testing, we won't find this. So it is really important to test all our advanced disease patients so we are not depriving them of this additional targeted therapy. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Shilpa. Very important message for our patients to definitely discuss the value of genetic testing. And if we think about therapy implications, specifically genomic changes, DNA changes in these FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 genes are very relevant and important for potential therapy with this agent called erdafitinib. Shilpa, a quick comment. We saw data from THOR cohort 2 comparing erdafitinib with this inhibitor of this FGFR that we just talked about compared to pembrolizumab, which is an immunotherapy drug inhibiting a checkpoint of the immune system. Could you quickly comment on that? And I think both options are available for our patients and sometimes just comes down to the sequence based on a particular patient case. Dr. Gupta: So Petros, as we had thought that patients who harbor these alterations in their tumors, they may benefit from using targeted therapy before immunotherapy. That was the premise of the cohort 2 of the THOR trial, that patients will do better if they received erdafitinib first after progressing on 1 prior line of therapy, which is not an immunotherapy. So patients were randomized to erdafitinib versus pembrolizumab. Of course, all of them had to have the FGFR alterations. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Initially, like I said, the study assumed that there'll be 46% improvement in overall survival with erdafitinib over pembrolizumab. However, the study was a negative study. There was no difference in the overall survival. And what that means for our patients is that erdafitinib right now is positioned for patients who've had prior platinums and immunotherapies. So erdafitinib should not be used before immunotherapy. So I think this is the first study that really settles the question of sequencing for our patients. And I think the message is that in a patient's journey, they should be getting all these therapies. We just now know that it's better to use pembrolizumab before erdafitinib and not vice versa. Dr. Grivas: Thanks, Shilpa. And then really, really interesting to see these trials being reported. And as you said, individual discussion with the patients and the response rate may be another factor to consider. If someone wants to have a more rapid control of the cancer of the disease, we may potentially think about an agent with high response rate and vice versa. So I think to your point, individual decisions. And I think patients asking those questions is very important in the clinic to help select the right patient for the right treatment for the right patient. Dr. Gupta: Yeah. Absolutely, Petros. They did see that the response rates were 40% with the erdafitinib versus 21% with the immunotherapy. So using that information can sometimes guide us if a patient has high disease burden. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Shilpa. That was very insightful. And thank you for all you are doing for the patients and the field in general. You really, really have helped the field move forward. So congratulations and thank you. And we're going to transition to another superstar in the field of GU cancers. Very excited to host Dr. Tian Zhang. Dr. Zhang is in UT Southwestern in Dallas. Tian, you want to introduce yourself? Dr. Zhang: Hi, Petros. Thank you so much. Tian Zhang, I'm a GU medical oncologist and associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Grivas: Wonderful. Thanks, Tian. Again, the same comments. All the work you're doing in the field is tremendous. Thanks for joining us today. Tian, we saw some very interesting data at the ESMO meeting. And since we're doing the highlights of the year, I think the predominance of the data we saw at the ESMO meeting was about this drug called belzutifan, where I will ask you to enlighten us what exactly this is. And particularly, we saw 3 different trials. I would probably ask you to focus more on the LITESPARK-005. What was the trial design and what was the primary goal of the study? When patients go on this drug, what they should be aware in terms of side effects? And what was all this discussion that the take-home message at the end of ESMO regarding belzutifan? Thank you. Dr. Zhang: Sure. We'll parse that one at a time. Belzutifan, I hope many of our audience knows is a small molecule inhibitor of the HIF complex, a hypoxia-inducible factor complex, which is implicated in the development of kidney cancers. And this biology actually contributed to the Nobel Prize in 2019. Understanding the structure of the HIF complex and how to target it. For a long time, HIF was thought to be un-targetable. And so the fact that there were small molecules identified actually here in Dallas at UT Southwestern that inhibits the dimerization of the HIF complex is really novel and shows us the bench-to-bedside translatability of these preclinical discoveries. And so there were a couple of molecules that were discovered here on campus and they paved the way for what became molecules that have now made it to clinic, in particular belzutifan. And so we've had belzutifan now approved for Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome over the last 2 years or so. So many of us are familiar with using this drug in the clinic. It's an oral agent that's able to target the HIF complex and block it and really control the spread of clear cell kidney cancers, in particular in Von Hippel-Lindau disease.  LITESPARK-005, the trial that you're alluding to, there was a registrational trial for belzutifan across other kidney cancer populations. And this trial was the 1 that made, I think, the biggest impact of the 3 trials that were presented at ESMO this year.  LITESPARK-005 was a phase 3 trial of patients who had metastatic or locally advanced clear cell kidney cancer who had progressed after prior systemic therapies, not more than 3 prior lines. And they were randomized to either belzutifan at the 120 milligrams daily dose or everolimus at the 10 milligrams daily dose. And the primary endpoint was delay of progression. So progression-free survival as well as overall survival. So we saw the primary endpoint of these was met for progression-free survival. There was about a 26% risk reduction for progression for patients treated with belzutifan versus those that were treated with everolimus. The objective response rate I would highlight is also significant for the patients treated with belzutifan. There was actually a 3.5% complete response rate and objective responses. So including partial responders was about 23%. I would say that patients who are treated with belzutifan need to be aware of the side effects of anemia and also hypoxia [low levels of oxygen in the body]. And in fact, higher grades of anemia can occur in up to a third of patients and higher rates of hypoxia. So low oxygen saturations can occur in up to 10% or so of patients. And so that's really important when we're thinking about those toxicities and how we might hold or support the side effects with growth factors, for example, for the anemia. Otherwise, it's quite well tolerated as a single agent. As you alluded to, there was 1 controversial aspect of this particular trial because the control cohort was treated with everolimus. And everolimus as a single agent may not be what people use at this point in the refractory setting. But it is an acceptable approved treatment option for patients in the refractory kidney cancer setting, and therefore, it was chosen as the control cohort. And belzutifan did improve compared to a known standard of treatment. So I think that's really important to add to our armamentarium in refractory disease. Dr. Grivas: Wonderful, Tian. Thank you so much for a really, really comprehensive and detailed review. We'll have to see whether it will be available for patients with advanced clear-cell kidney cancer. To your point, it's already available for patients with this condition that you mentioned, the Von Hippel-Lindau genetic condition. So it's great to see more options available for our patients. Maybe I'll ask you another quick trial to comment on Tian, and I'll ask you individual questions to make it easier, to your point, for the audience to follow. And I'm referring to the RENOTORCH trial. This was conducted in China, and I think it was practice-changing there. Could you tell us the study design? Dr. Zhang: RENOTORCH was another phase 3 randomized trial. It was conducted all in China of patients with unresectable metastatic clear cell kidney cancer, no systemic prior therapy, and also intermediate- and poor-risk disease by IMDC criteria. So these were all first-line metastatic disease, and patients were randomized to either toripalimab, which is their PD-1 inhibitor, plus axitinib versus sunitinib. So this is a trial design that mirrors many of our prior trials in the first-line metastatic setting that have led to approvals of VEGF IO [immunotherapy] combinations. But this is the first one that was carried out purely in the Chinese population and important for the Chinese population to gain access to these types of combinations. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Tian. Very important to see this global approach, as you mentioned, oncology and see trials from different countries. What were the main findings of this trial? Dr. Zhang: Sure. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival of the 2 cohorts. And they randomized about 420 patients. About 80% per cohort had intermediate-risk disease. And the combination of axitinib with toripalimab did improve progression-free survival. So it had a 35% risk reduction for progression over time. So it did meet its primary endpoint. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Tian. It's great to see progress in the field. As I mentioned, new agents, positive trials. Could you comment a little bit on the side effect profile and the significance of this trial for our patients worldwide? Dr. Zhang: Sure. When we're talking about VEGF IO combinations very similarly as to the prior trials that we've seen in the toxicity profiles, we're thinking a lot about the immunotherapy toxicities of rashes and colitis [inflammation of the colon], endocrinopathies [hormone problems], as well as the rare inflammatory reactions of the liver, lungs, or kidney, but also added in the small molecule effects of hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, and mucositis [mouth sores] and taste changes. So very important to think through those side effect profiles as our patients are being treated with these combinations. Dr. Grivas: Thank you so much, Tian. Great to see, again, this progress made worldwide. And I think it speaks to the idea of how we can have equitable healthcare delivery across the globe, right, and have agents accessible in different parts of the world. Dr. Zhang: Absolutely. In fact, I would just add that the Chinese population haven't actually had access to drugs like cabozantinib. And this is their first phase 3 grade 1 evidence for a combination of VEGF with IO combination. So it's really important that these trials are carried out in the populations where we try to find the effect and see that the consistent benefit is there so that those patients have access to all of these treatment options. Dr. Grivas: Thank you, Tian. I appreciate your wonderful insights and all your amazing contributions in the field and your research. It's really, really inspiring to see. And I'm going to transition now. Last but not least, we're having the honor of hosting professor, Dr. Tim Gilligan, who is in Cleveland Clinic, and Tim is a world-known expert in urinary cancers, including testicular cancer. Tim, would you like to introduce yourself? Dr. Gilligan: Yes. Hi. So I think you just did. Tim Gilligan, an oncologist at Cleveland Clinic. I chaired the NCCN panel on testis cancer and edit the UpToDate sections on testis cancer with their help. Dr. Grivas: Fantastic. Thanks, Tim, for being with us today. And all the work you have done for our patients with GU cancers, testicular cancer, and a lot of work is being done with the NCCN and other guidelines. And you are co-chairing the NCCN guidelines, to your point. Tim, a lot of discussion is happening nowadays across cancer types regarding the role of what we call biomarkers, which are potential features that can help us select patients for the right treatment or help us estimate the prognosis, how long people live. Could you comment a little bit on this biomarker called microRNA in patients with testis cancer? How do you envision this being developed in the future? Is it ready for prime time or not yet? Dr. Gilligan: And that's an important question. It's not ready for prime time yet, but we are making progress. There are a couple of areas where it could be very useful. So for example, in stage I testicular cancer, we tell patients to go on surveillance because they're usually cured with orchiectomy [surgical removal of the tumor and testicle], but there is a risk of relapse, and that risk of relapse is highly variable. And our current risk stratification systems for predicting who's going to relapse, who has stage 1 disease, are helpful, but they're far from perfect. And so there was data presented this year that mRNA may be more accurate at predicting for men with stage I non-seminomas who's destined to relapse. And so the implication of that would be if you are positive for mRNA, this particular mRNA for non-seminoma and you have stage I disease, normal scans, normal markers, you could identify a high-risk group of patients who maybe should get a cycle of BEP chemotherapy rather than waiting. If you know they're going to relapse, you're going to have to get them 3 cycles of BEP, why not just treat them right away? Or maybe RPLND [retroperitoneal lymph node dissection] could be helpful in that setting. We don't know. But we would need to do studies validating that approach. There is data showing that it does predict relapse, but it's not at the point of saying, "Are the patients really going to do better with immediate treatment and which treatment is going to be best for them?" But I thought that was an important finding and really an example of how we think we're going to use it, which is to find relapse a lot earlier and so that we can give a less toxic treatment. And the benefit of that is that we know more and more that chemotherapy is toxic and resulted in second cancers. For men who get multiple cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, or if they get radiation therapy, they're at higher risk of dying of other cancers than the general population. So if this could help us find early relapses, treat it more gently, less aggressively, have late, less toxicity, and the same cure rate. That would be great. So we're not there yet, but I think we're going to get there. Dr. Grivas: Thanks, Tim. Very, very helpful to know. So this microRNA 371 that we talk about is not ready for prime time, but you definitely see promise for the future, and more trials, more studies are being done. Again, illustrating the importance of clinical trials that can help us evaluate the added value of a particular biomarker, including this particular microRNA that we talked about. Dr. Gilligan: Before you change the subject on getting to crude biomarkers, there was also an interesting abstract showing that for stage I seminoma. If we actually use our current markers, we may be able to predict much more accurately. And it'll be interesting to see if that changes. They looked at the variables of lymphovascular invasion, invasion of the hilum of the testis, whether or not preoperative markers were elevated, LDH, and beta HCG. What was interesting to me about that paper was that this is about 900 patients. It was pretty large. That if you had all 4 risk factors, the relapse rate was about 64%. Whereas your average relapse risk for stage I seminoma is about 15%. We put everyone on surveillance. If we started if that model is persuasive to the community and starts getting used, then maybe patients with those 4 risk markers who most of whom are going to relapse, according to this data, maybe you want to treat those people and not put them on surveillance. So that'll be interesting to follow up on too. Dr. Grivas: Thanks, Tim. And you are referring to currently available blood tests, right, that can be used, and we use them in clinical practice. So we just put them together, try to get a sense of the chance of cancer coming back, what we call recurrence, and how long people may live. That can help us make a therapy decision. Thank you, Tim. This is very, very interesting. And I'm glad to see the progress in the field. I think you alluded to that before, but there is a trend discussing when we have a removal of the testicle for a patient with testis cancer, what to do next, depending on the stage, those markers that the blood tests you told us about. What about the role of surgery for removal of lymph nodes, for example? And do you see a trend going forward that in many selective cases, certain scenarios, we may potentially select surgery as opposed to chemotherapy or radiation to avoid these potential complications down the road? And if so, which are those patients who may benefit from surgery? Dr. Gilligan: Yeah, an important question. I think surgery, there's been a growing interest in using surgery rather than chemotherapy in order to avoid late effects. So retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is the most obvious example of that. There is data now showing that most patients with stage II seminoma can be cured with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. We used to treat those patients with chemotherapy or radiation, but as I've noted, both of those are associated with an increased risk of second cancers down the line. So there are papers on both sides of the Atlantic showing that you can cure most people. However, it is important to note that the relapse rate after surgery is significantly higher than the relapse rate after chemotherapy or radiation. If you take a stage II patient and treat them with chemotherapy or radiation, you're going to cure well over 90% of them. Whereas the relapse risk with surgery, depending on what you find at surgery, is going to be higher. So on average, it's going to be in the realm of 20%, maybe as high as 30%, depending on which paper you look at. And if you take patients who have PN2 disease, so a lymph node is 2 centimeters or bigger, 25% or more of those patients are relapsing after surgery. So it's important for patients to understand that this treatment has the benefit of avoiding chemotherapy for most patients, but it also has a higher risk of relapse than the old treatments. We still think it's attractive because if you can avoid chemotherapy in 3 out of 4 patients or 4 out of 5 patients, that's a benefit to those patients. And also, if you go in and find a significant amount of cancer at surgery, you can give 2 cycles of chemotherapy right away and almost eliminate the risk of relapse, which is less chemo than they would be getting upfront, which would be 3 or 4 cycles. So one of the emphasis now is really trying to avoid late toxicities if we can. You sometimes see that even in the metastatic setting in terms of resecting residual masses and situations where we maybe in the past would have thought about second-line chemotherapy. I think people are more thinking about opportunities to use surgery instead to try to limit the quantity of chemo that we're giving. Those are much trickier decisions than the stage II decisions, but definitely a growing interest in surgery rather than chemo. Dr. Grivas: Thank you so much. It's really, really exciting to see that testis cancer was really transformed in the past with developments of therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. And it's great to see this evolving down the road. And I think all of the above that you mentioned evolves through the conduction of clinical trials. And as I mentioned before, I think it's so important to give the opportunity for patients and families to review clinical trial options. I think it's critical to try to help them, but also help other patients, the community, the society in general. So I always try to underline the importance of clinical trials across the board. And on that note, I think we had such a successful year, 2023 across GU cancers. It's so great to see the progress being made. All of us are looking forward for more exciting research being done in 2024 and beyond. And on that note, I want to thank so much Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Zhang, and Dr. Gilligan for wonderful insights and all the great work they're doing in the field of GU cancers. As the editor for the GU Cancers for the wonderful Cancer.Net, I'm so proud of this team and really, really looking forward to further podcasts like this and how we can better serve the educational mission for ASCO, working with the wonderful staff at Cancer.Net. Thank you so much, all of you, for your time today and all you are doing. Dr. Gupta: Thank you, Petros. Dr. Zhang: Thank you, Petros. ASCO: Thank you, Dr. Grivas, Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Zhang, and Dr. Gilligan. You can learn more about new research in genitourinary cancers at www.cancer.net. Cancer.Net Podcasts feature trusted, timely, and compassionate information for people with cancer, survivors, and their families and loved ones. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts for expert information and tips on coping with cancer, recaps of the latest research advances, and thoughtful discussions on cancer care. And check out other ASCO Podcasts to hear the latest interviews and insights from thought leaders, innovators, experts, and pioneers in oncology. Cancer.Net is supported by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, which funds lifesaving research for every type of cancer, helping people with cancer everywhere. To help fund Cancer.Net and programs like it, donate at CONQUER.ORG/Donate.

The AUA Expert Exchange Podcast: Discussions in Managing GU Cancer: Adjuvant Therapies for High-Risk Non-Metastatic Kidney Cancer CME Available: https://auau.auanet.org/node/39542 Release Date: December, 2023 Expiration Date: December, 2024 LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: 1. Identify the rationale behind using adjuvant therapies in high-risk non-metastatic kidney cancer and the goals of adjuvant treatment. 2. Describe the adjuvant therapies that have been investigated to date for high-risk non-metastatic kidney cancer, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination approaches. 3. Discuss the challenges and limitations associated with adjuvant therapy trials in high-risk non-metastatic kidney cancer, such as patient selection, trial design, and long-term follow-up. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Support provided by independent educational grants from:  AstraZeneca Janssen Biotech, Inc., administered by Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC  Lantheus Medical Imaging Merck & Co., Inc.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to each of you, our cherished listeners, for joining us today as we unfold the tapestry of Mitchell's battle with kidney cancer. The rollercoaster of emotions and the triumphant news of his complete recovery post-surgery are at the heart of our latest episode. While surrounded by the love of family, and the humorous innocence of his son Zeke, Mitchell's journey is a testament to resilience, with his early discharge from the hospital being just one of the many milestones we celebrate.Venture with us through the charming antics of young Zeke, whose endearing confusion over his dad's surgery and sweet strategies to visit grandma lightened our spirits. As we navigate the post-surgery days, Mitchell's admirable determination shines through, with his swift return to barn activities and woodcutting serving as a beacon of normalcy. Amidst these personal tales, we share in the joy of a family wedding set against the picturesque backdrop of Hocking Hills – a moment of love and commitment that enriches our narrative.In the face of life's unpredictable storms, we delve into the power of faith and the comfort it brings. Our conversation takes a turn towards the spiritual as we open up about our own cancer encounters and the solace found in prayer. The community's prayers played a crucial role when a pre-surgery COVID scare threatened to upend our plans, yet faith prevailed, leading to a miraculous negative test and an affirmation of the profound impact of collective belief. As the year draws to a close, we leave you with thoughts on the strength found in our weaknesses and the uplifting embrace of God's grace, sharing our hopes for the holiday season and the anticipation of our next heart-to-heart on actual faith.Support the showSupport our ministryCheck us out at purefaithliving.comContact us at purefaithliving.com/contactFollow us on twitter @purefaithlivingFollow us on Facebook at Pure Faith Podcast

Back by popular demand! I was so thrilled to get to sit down and chat to one of my first ever guests on Navigating New York, Maurice Barron. Maurice spoke to me in February 2021 after what had been an extremely challenging year for he  and his wife Kandice as their baby girl, Ava, was diagnosed with a rare form of Kidney Cancer with an extremely low survival rate. In our 1st episode, Maurice shared some of the darkest and most challenging moments they experienced during Ava's treatment. Maurice also spoke about how First Lady Jill Biden's book helped him find moments of joy as often as he could. During this time, Maurice sent a letter to the President of the United States about the journey Ava was on, and how inspiring the Biden family had been for them during their darkest moments. What transpired from that letter is a story of hope and belief. I am so thrilled to report that Ava is healthy, happy and changing the world one day at a time! I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation. This Episode is kindly sponsored by Thérapie Clinic Europe's no.1 Med Spa and an Irish family business that have just moved to NYC and will be expanding with more locations in 2024.  With over 70 clinics in Europe  and currently a gorgeous home here in Manahattan on 19th street – the guys at Thérapie have kindly offered a complimentary underarm treatment to all of our listeners. Just mention the podcast when you get in touch. Thanks for listening!

Imagine you've got your keys in hand, ready to unlock the car to grab the podcast iPad, and you suddenly realize it's not even your vehicle. Laugh with us at this little mix-up and more, as we kick off another episode of Pure Faith Podcast, where we juggle between the hilarious and deeply serious. This time, we're unscripted and unfiltered, with Mitchell sharing an update on his kidney cancer journey, its unexpected link to his military service, and the potential upheavals of his future deployments and retirement plans.Ever wonder why life goes sideways for the good folks around us? It's one of those puzzling questions we're wrestling with, as we reflect on Mitchell's cancer battle and the overwhelming support from our listeners. We're even contemplating a shift in the podcast narrative to focus more on cancer-related topics. We also give you a sneak peek into our upcoming year-in-review episode while we navigate the logistics of recording during Mitchell's recovery phase from surgery.Thinking about the Bible and how to interpret it? Join us as we cast our lens on Matthew 5:19's 'least commandment' and understand how it ties back to Jesus' statement about fulfilling the law and the concept of heaven on earth. We explore how this idea relates to Jesus's critique of Pharisees' interpretation of the law. Remember, even when we stumble and misstep, our faith in Jesus is our key to the kingdom of heaven. So, buckle up and let's set off on this enlightening journey together.Support the showSupport our ministryCheck us out at purefaithliving.comContact us at purefaithliving.com/contactFollow us on twitter @purefaithlivingFollow us on Facebook at Pure Faith Podcast

Ever been on a family trip that turned into a comedy of errors? That's exactly what happened to Mitchell during his recent trip to Greenville. In the midst of the chaos, they found humor as Mitchell used the opportunity to teach his kids about public behavior and responsibility.  But life's not all fun and games, and sometimes, the unexpected happens.Imagine you go for a routine check-up, and you find out you might have kidney cancer. That's what happened to Mitchell. His initially scary journey of discovering a potential cancerous growth on his kidney became a testament to his faith. We discuss his diagnosis, the numerous appointments, and the upcoming surgery to remove his kidney. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mitchell's optimism shines through, encouraging listeners to be proactive about their health and the power of positivity.In the final part of our podcast, Michele shares her deeply personal testimony, revealing how unexpected events like Mitchell's kidney cancer diagnosis showcase God's mysterious ways. We invite you to join our discussion and share our podcast, as we spread the good news of Jesus Christ. So, subscribe to our channel, and let's walk this journey of faith together.Support the showSupport our ministryCheck us out at purefaithliving.comContact us at purefaithliving.com/contactFollow us on twitter @purefaithlivingFollow us on Facebook at Pure Faith Podcast

Have you ever wondered how music can guide us through life's ups and downs? Meet our guest, David, whose story is a testament to the therapeutic power of music. Between battling kidney cancer, and spinal stenosis, and confronting his tumultuous past marked by wild adventures and a challenging relationship with psychedelic substances, David discovered solace and expression in music. His playlist mirrors his life's rollercoaster ride and reveals how he found a meditative escape in the hospital's confines during his health crisis.Get ready for an exhilarating ride as David peels back the layers of his popular show, Discograffiti Podcast Here, musicians, filmmakers, and authors share their creative journeys, offering listeners a condensed glimpse into their artistry. Listen as David passionately talks about his favorite tracks, films, and musicians, including the unexpected joy he finds in Phil Collins' music. David also shares his unique interpretation of the Rolling Stones' lead-off track, 'Rocks Off'. We'll also explore David's journey in filmmaking, the hardships he's faced in funding his projects, and how these experiences seep into the narratives of his films. David's story is a compelling tale of resilience and the transformative power of music. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode.Watch the full episode on YouTubeCheck out the Playlist on SpotifyFollow us EverywhereMake sure to HIT that LIKE BUTTON and SUBSCRIBE to our Channel to be notified of new episodes!Please share our page with your friends! A new episode is out every Monday at 12 pm Rock onSupport the show

Meet Dr. Ulka Vaishampayan* – an oncologist and leading expert in treating people with kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) which is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. She understands all too well how scary and overwhelming hearing the words “you have cancer” can be for anyone – especially when facing an advanced diagnosis in RCC. In these cases, Dr. Vaishampayan believes that information is power and people can feel better prepared to move forward if they have a support system and strong patient-doctor communication.  On today's episode of the Cancer Horizons podcast, Dr. Vaishampayan shares information that's important to understand about RCC and navigating a diagnosis, key questions patients and caregivers should ask their doctor, and insights into a potential dual immunotherapy treatment option for certain patients. When it comes to making a treatment plan, Dr. Vaishampayan believes in involving her patients closely in the process. “In my practice I tend to explain what options are available to someone, including the pros and cons of each, and I sometimes make a recommendation about a treatment approach if I feel that's appropriate in their case,” she explains. “I would still explain the reasons for my choice. My intention is that either way it's a discussion, as it should be a joint or shared decision-making process.” Terry Broussard**, a man who was diagnosed with advanced RCC, also shares advice from his experience. In Terry's case, his doctor recommended the dual immunotherapy treatment combination Opdivo® (nivolumab) plus Yervoy® (ipilimumab), which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for certain newly diagnosed adults whose kidney cancer has spread (advanced renal cell carcinoma) and have not already had treatment for advanced RCC. It is the first and only combination of two immunotherapies of its kind approved to treat advanced kidney cancer, or RCC. To learn more, listen to the podcast, visit www.Opdivo.com and see below for Important Safety Information. *Dr. Vaishampayan is a paid consultant of Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Vaishampayan's statements/opinions are those solely of Dr. Vaishampayan and are not necessarily those of Bristol Myers Squibb. Individual results/experiences may vary. **Terry is an actual patient who has been compensated by Bristol Myers Squibb. Terry's results may not be typical. Medication may not work for everyone. Indication OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is a prescription medicine used in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) to treat adults with kidney cancer in certain people when your cancer has spread (advanced renal cell carcinoma) and you have not already had treatment for your advanced RCC. It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age with melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer. It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children for the treatment of any other cancers. OPDIVO (10 mg/mL) and YERVOY (5 mg/mL) are injections for intravenous (IV) use. Important Safety Information for OPDIVO® (nivolumab) + YERVOY® (ipilimumab) What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with another therapy. Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including: Lung problems: new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; chest pain Intestinal problems: diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus; severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain or tenderness Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; severe nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen); dark urine (tea colored); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal Hormone gland problems: headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; eye sensitivity to light; eye problems; rapid heart beat; increased sweating; extreme tiredness; weight gain or weight loss; feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual; urinating more often than usual; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; your voice gets deeper; dizziness or fainting; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness Kidney problems: decrease in your amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; loss of appetite Skin problems: rash; itching; skin blistering or peeling; painful sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose, throat, or genital area Eye problems: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness. Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include: Chest pain; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of ankles Confusion; sleepiness; memory problems; changes in mood or behavior; stiff neck; balance problems; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs Double vision; blurry vision; sensitivity to light; eye pain; changes in eye sight Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness; muscle cramps Low red blood cells; bruising Getting medical help right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for these problems during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment if you have severe side effects. Possible side effects of OPDIVO + YERVOY OPDIVO and OPDIVO + YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including: See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?” Severe infusion reactions. Tell your healthcare team right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; shortness of breath or wheezing; dizziness; feel like passing out; fever; back or neck pain Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), of bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be severe and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with OPDIVO or YERVOY. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications. The most common side effects of OPDIVO, when used in combination with YERVOY, include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); constipation; decreased weight; and dizziness. These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088. Before receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have immune system problems such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus have received an organ transplant have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic) have received radiation treatment to your chest area in the past and have received other medicines that are like OPDIVO have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY. You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY. You or your healthcare provider should contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1- 844-593-7869 as soon as you become aware of a pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for OPDIVO and YERVOY.

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Aditya Bagrodia (UCSD), medical oncologist Dr. Rana McKay (UCSD) and radiation oncologist Dr. Shankar Siva (University of Melbourne) discuss the growing role of radiation therapy in kidney cancer treatment. --- SHOW NOTES Shankar first explains the original historical studies that provided evidence of the limited efficacy of low dose conventional radiation therapy (RT) in treating kidney cancer. However, he and Rana discuss how stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a newer technology which delivers a higher dose per fraction more accurately, has shown better outcomes in clinical trials than conventional RT. They also explain the associated risks with SBRT and how neoadjuvant therapies can be combined with radiation. They also consider the use of SBRT in bulky tumors and those with IVC thrombus. All three doctors agree that radiation therapy needs to be incorporated into a multimodal approach to kidney cancer. They also discuss the potential of radiation therapy in the cytoreductive setting and its role in delaying systemic therapy in patients with oligometastases. Finally, they explore the possibility of using PET imaging to detect oligometastatic disease. Although prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET/CT) imaging is mostly used to stage prostate cancer, other solid tumors like renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may also express PSMA. For this reason, they agree that a next generation PSMA PET/CT equivalent for RCC could be revolutionary. Lastly, they predict what the future of RCC could hold by examining newer therapies, such as radioligand therapy and cyberknife. --- RESOURCES Kidney Cancer Association: 2023 International Kidney Cancer Symposium (Nov. 9-11) https://www.kidneycancer.org/ikcs/2023-ikcs-north-america/ Decipher by Veracyte https://decipherbio.com/ WellPrept https://wellprept.com/