Podcasts about radiation oncology

In this episode of CURiE Conversations, host Dr. Veronia Fahmy speaks with Nneoma Uzoukwu and Dr. Jeremy Price about their published work, "Definitive Radiotherapy in Serous Carcinoma of Unknown Primary: A Case Review."The discussion explores the presentation and management of serous carcinoma of unknown primary with isolated nodal disease, the rationale for definitive radiotherapy and key considerations for multidisciplinary cancer care.Contemporary Updates: Radiotherapy Innovation & Evidence (CURiE) is the official publication platform of the American College of Radiation Oncology through the Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Read the full article here: https://www.cureus.com/articles/479202-definitive-radiotherapy-in-serous-carcinoma-of-unknown-primary-with-isolated-nodal-disease-a-case-review

"Radiation therapy is often extremely well tolerated in colorectal cancer. Technology has really changed things. But location of the tumor can affect side effects, such as radiation dermatitis. If a patient has a low-lying tumor, if it's less than six centimeters from the anal verge, the patient is likely to have some skin reaction. It's good to be proactive if that's the case," ONS member Lorraine Drapek, DNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP®, nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, told Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BS, AOCNS®, manager of oncology nursing practice at ONS, during a conversation about radiation side effects in colorectal cancer. Music Credit: "Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0  Earn 0.5 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at courses.ons.org by June 5, 2027. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Learning outcome: Learners will report an increase in knowledge related to the side effects of radiation to treat colorectal cancer. Episode Notes  Complete this evaluation for free NCPD.  ONS Podcast™ episodes: Episode 374: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Considerations for Nurses Episode 301: Radiation Oncology: Side Effect and Care Coordination Best Practices Episode 194: Sex Is a Component of Patient-Centered Care ONS Voice articles: Frank Conversations Enhance Sexual and Reproductive Health Support During Cancer High-Fiber Diet Reduces Diarrhea in Colorectal Cancer Survivors Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Shows Promise for Certain Radiation Side Effects Increasing Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults Is a Call to Action for Oncology Nurses Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: 5-Fluorouracil Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: Oxaliplatin Oncology Nurses Are Key in Sexual Health Conversations With Minority Women Sexual Considerations for Patients With Cancer The Intersection of Pelvic Health and Oncology Optimizes Sexual Symptom Management ONS book: Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education (fifth edition) ONS courses: ONS/ONCC® Radiation Therapy Certificate™ ONS ROCN™ Certification Review™ Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing articles: Sexual Dysfunction: Common Side Effect Updated Interventions for Radiation-Induced Diarrhea: Putting Evidence Into Practice With the Oncology Nursing Society Physical Activity: A Systematic Review to Inform Nurse Recommendations During Treatment for Colorectal Cancer ONS Learning Libraries: Colorectal Cancer Radiation Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology American Society for Radiation Oncology American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines Colontown Colorectal Cancer Alliance To discuss the information in this episode with other oncology nurses, visit the ONS Communities. To find resources for creating an ONS Podcast club in your chapter or nursing community, visit the ONS Podcast Library. To provide feedback or otherwise reach ONS about the podcast, email pubONSVoice@ons.org. Highlights From This Episode "In recent years, there has been more nonsurgical management of rectal cancer, especially in what we call the low-lying population. This is the population of patients who would likely end up with a permanent colostomy because their cancer is so low in terms of being close to or involving the anal verge. There is now a regimen where these patients can get their chemotherapy followed by their chemoradiation and then be monitored on close surveillance without surgery." TS 2:23 "Another assessment would be to assess what effects have they had from their chemotherapy that they're bringing with them. FOLFOX-based treatment is commonly used, and the platinum therapy oxaliplatin often causes peripheral neuropathy. What is the patient having? What are those symptoms like? Are they having peripheral neuropathy? If they are that is likely not going to get better or improve during their whole course of radiation. In fact, sometimes when oxaliplatin therapy stops, the peripheral neuropathy can get worse as patients are going through other treatments." TS 5:42 "If the patient has a low-lying tumor, if it's less than six centimeters from the anal verge, the patient is likely to have some skin reaction. It's good to be proactive if that's the case. And then proactively minimizing radiation dermatitis effects, such as keeping the area clean, good washing of the area, and prophylactically starting them on or having someone start them on steroid creams a couple of times a day to minimize that radiation dermatitis effect in the long run." TS 7:25 "I have a sexual health clinic for women with these effects. It's very important as nurses that if you can develop the comfort to ask patients about their sexual activity—it's hard, but it really needs to be done. And I will tell you that the healthcare providers are not doing it. They don't have time, and like us as nurses, we don't get this in school, and neither do they. The other providers don't get it in school either, but it's important. Patients are getting more and more worried about their sexual health. They're coming to us at a younger age, and this is really, really important to address." TS 15:35 "I would say that working with your advanced practice providers and education for advanced practice providers has definitely been focusing on [sexual health] more. Your PAs and your NPs—I think they're going to have the ears and the wherewithal to be able to be your allies and colleagues in this. By and large, it's my APP colleagues and nursing that I talk to the most about this. … Again, it's not an easy thing to bring forward, having dilators in place. But I will tell you in the department that I work in, it was me and couple of nurses who pushed this issue with the physicians for two years and finally got it put in place. It can be done. There's a lot more centers out there doing that." TS 21:51

In this episode of Data in Biotech, host Ross Katz sits down with Arvind Rao, Professor of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan, for a discussion on the gap between what biomedical AI can do and what it can reliably be trusted to do in clinical practice. Arvind's research sits at the intersection of computational oncology and AI governance and his lab works across H&E histopathology, multiplex immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing, not just to build predictive models, but to understand the full lifecycle from data to model to inference, and to ask where that lifecycle can be trusted and where it can't.  The conversation moves through two of his recent papers on SPIFEE, a graph-based framework that replaces scalar interaction scores in the tumor microenvironment with spatially resolved functional representations, and a multimodal framework that traces a path from stained tissue slides to nominated drug targets via morphological pattern discovery and spatial transcriptomic mapping.  What you'll learn in this episode:  >> Why the field's central failure is not algorithmic but translational and the gap between a model that performs well on a benchmark and one that can be consistently trusted in a high-stakes clinical setting  >> How SPIFEE replaces the conventional scalar edge representation of cell-cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment with spatially resolved functional edges >> How Arvind's multimodal framework moves from H&E pathology slides labeled with clinical outcomes, through morphological pattern discovery via multiple instance learning, to spatial transcriptomic mapping, to the nomination of molecular mechanisms and actionable drug targets >> Why Goodhart's Law applies directly to foundation model evaluation in biology  >> What the AI literacy gap costs when it goes unaddressed in healthcare and pharma organizations  Meet our guest: Arvind Rao is a Professor of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, with a joint appointment in Radiation Oncology, at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on establishing trust in biomedical AI predictions across the full data-to-decision pipeline, integrating H&E histopathology, spatial transcriptomics, multiplex immunofluorescence, and single-cell RNA sequencing to build models that are predictive, interpretable, and biologically credible. Alongside his research, Arvind develops AI literacy programs for healthcare and pharma professionals, helping clinical and procurement teams evaluate and govern AI systems with the rigor those decisions demand. Connect with Arvind Rao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arvind-rao-3301301ba/ About the host: Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation. Connect with Ross Katz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-ross-katz/ Connect with us: Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! Sponsored by… This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/corrdyn/

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight testosterone replacement in favorable prostate cancer, SABR for breast cancer without surgery, smaller GBM margins, and more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

"When you have benign conditions, we're actually treating 3 gray, so a significant difference [versus doses of 60 gray for brain cancer]. Typically, when you treat at a high dose, the goal is to destroy tissue, like cancer tissue or cancer cells. But when we give a low dose, the goal is actually to modulate inflammation. And what it does is it slows down those inflammatory cells or those cells that release the chemicals that cause pain and inflammation," Amanda Meyer, DNP, APRN, CNP, family nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, told Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BS, AOCNS®, manager of oncology nursing practice at ONS, during a conversation about radiation therapy for noncancer indications. Music Credit: "Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0  Earn 0.25 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at courses.ons.org by May 22, 2027. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Learning outcome: Learners will report an increase in knowledge about the use of radiation to treat noncancerous conditions. Episode Notes  Complete this evaluation for free NCPD.  ONS Podcast™ episodes: Episode 365: Radiation-Associated Secondary Cancers Episode 301: Radiation Oncology: Side Effect and Care Coordination Best Practices ONS Voice articles: Augmented Reality Simulations Reduce Patient Anxiety by Teaching Them About Radiation Therapy Highly Localized, Precision Radiation Therapies Require Nurses to Drive Care Coordination, Patient Education Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Radiation Care Coordination ONS book: Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education (fifth edition) ONS courses: ONS Radiation Oncology Conference Recordings Bundle™ ONS ROCN™ Certification Review™ Radiation Oncology 101: 2024 ONS Bridge™ Session ONS/ONCC® Radiation Therapy Certificate™ Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing articles: Findings From the 2023 Radiation Oncology Nursing Role Delineation Study to Shape the Future of the Subspecialty The Role of Advanced Practice Providers in Radiation Oncology in 2025 ONS Huddle Cards: Radiation Radiobiology German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO): Guidelines in Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy for Benign Diseases To discuss the information in this episode with other oncology nurses, visit the ONS Communities. To find resources for creating an ONS Podcast club in your chapter or nursing community, visit the ONS Podcast Library. To provide feedback or otherwise reach ONS about the podcast, email pubONSVoice@ons.org. Highlights From This Episode "We always typically think of it as cancer treatment, but we can use radiation for noncancerous conditions, as well. And radiation was actually used for benign diseases right after the discovery of x-rays. By the 1920s it was used a lot for different types of musculoskeletal, dermatologic issues, and different types of inflammatory conditions. And over time, since the 1920s, we've actually really gotten a really good understanding of it." TS 1:37 "When we're looking at what are good candidate characteristics, we do typically like older patients, so patients over the age of 65. And the rationale behind that is we know that there is a potential for a secondary risk of a skin cancer about 20 to 30 years after getting low-dose radiation, like a basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer. The older the patient is, the less likely they are to have any adverse effects from that." TS 8:22 "When we do the low-dose radiation, they've tried other measures that haven't been successful. However, we don't want a patient who is so severe that they're ready for surgery, when they're bone on bone, because we know that radiation isn't as effective when they are that severe. So there's this sweet window where low-dose radiation works best in these patients." TS 9:39 "When we're treating with a little bit higher dose for like a Dupuytren's or a Ledderhose, because it's an anti-proliferative dose, those patients, they do get more skin redness, more dry skin. That's very temporary, and it resolves within a week or two after treatment. But really, we don't see any acute side effects. The long-term side effect of the radiation-induced malignancy, again, is a very low—0.05% according to some of the European guidelines." TS 12:34 "I really wish people appreciated how interdisciplinary this is. We need to get referrals from family medicine and from primary care and internal medicine and pain medicine physicians and inflammatory physicians and podiatry and pain specialists. And we really need to use this multidisciplinary approach to get earlier referrals for patients because there is this sweet window of time where low-dose radiation works the best." TS 18:40

Low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) is a short, safe and effective outpatient treatment option which can enhance functionality and alleviate pain associated with many benign conditions. Kunal Saigal, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Sarasota Memorial's Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute discusses misconceptions surrounding radiation treatment, and why LDRT is a good alternative for patients wishing to avoid surgery or limit their need for pain medications. You can also watch the video recording on our Vimeo channel here. For more health tips & news you can use from experts you trust, sign up for Sarasota Memorial's monthly digital newsletter, Healthe-Matters.

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast, in association with METRO that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week...With over 20 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and the Sunday 7 won a Gold Award as “Best Conversation Starter” in the International Signal Podcast Awards If you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps...Today's episode includes the following guests:Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus - Director General - World Health Organisation Doctor Maria Van Kerkhove - Head of Emerging Diseases at WHODr Martin Kriz - Former Ship's Doctor on MV Hondius Professor Robin May - UK's Health Security AgencyWill Guyatt - The Smart 7's Tech Guru Dr Aadel Chadhuri - Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Mayo ClinicDuncan Burton - Chief Nursing Officer at NHS England Sophia Smith Galer - Journalist and Author of “How to Kill a Language” Benjamin Lee - Electrical and Systems Engineering Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Jared Isaacman - NASA Administrator Sir David Attenborough - Broadcaster, Natural Historian and CampaignerHans Zimmer - Award winning ComposerSir Ian McKellen - Star of Stage and Screen Katy Bell - Ulster Wildlife Maureen Carville - Ulster Wildlife Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.com or find out more at www.metro.co.uk Presented by Ciara Revins, written by Liam Thompson, researched by Lucie Lewis and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of IASLC's ongoing series of podcasts in world languages, Dr. Alfredo Addeo moderates a Virtual Tumor Board discussion with Dr. Andrea Fillipi and Dr. Piergiorgio Solli. The tumor board focuses on the management of resectable EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Host: • Alfredo Addeo, MD Head of Oncology Service University Hospital Geneva Guests: Andrea R. Filippi, MD Head of Radiation Oncology, Fondazione Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan Associate Professor, Radiation Therapy Department of Oncology, University of Milan Piergiorgio Solli, MD, PhD Head of Thoracic Surgery IRCCS Fondazione Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan

Concern has been expressed that Clare cancer patients could be facing into lengthy treatment delays. The Irish Society of Radiation Oncology has told an Oireachtas Committee that up to 80% of radiotherapy machines nationwide need to be replaced. It's estimated that up to 50% of all cancer patients will need radiotherapy at some point during their illness. Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor and HSE Regional Health Forum Mid West member Antoinette Baker Bashua says the Government needs to act immediately.

In this episode of CURiE Conversations on the ACRO Podcast, Dr. Veronia Fahmy speaks with author Dr. Niema Razavian about his published article, “Results From the Practice Accreditation Resident Reviewer Program (PARRP) Pilot: Educating Radiation Oncology Residents About Practice Accreditation.”Contemporary Updates: Radiotherapy Innovation & Evidence (CURiE) is the official publication platform of the American College of Radiation Oncology through the Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Read the full article on Cureus:https://www.cureus.com/articles/438644-results-from-the-practice-accreditation-resident-reviewer-program-parrp-pilot-educating-radiation-oncology-residents-about-practice-accreditation.

In this episode of 'Conversations in Lung Cancer Research,' host A/Prof Surein Arulananda (Medical Oncologist, Monash Health) is joined by members of the Local Organising Committee to provide an exclusive preview of the 2026 TOGA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). The panel discusses the most anticipated sessions, emerging themes in thoracic oncology, and the evolving landscape of lung cancer care in Australia and New Zealand. (00:00) Welcome and Acknowledgement (00:40) Meet the Panel (01:21) Nursing Priorities (02:09) Precision Survivorship (03:25) Respiratory Viewpoint (05:22) Nodule Management (06:46) Radiation Oncology Sessions (09:22) Must See Immunotherapy (11:42) Small Cell Spotlight (12:45) One Session for Everyone (14:45) Debates and AI (17:30) Closing Thanks Support TOGAThank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.---------------Connect with TOGAAttend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/Follow UsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology---------------Acknowledgement of CountryThe Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

Jayden Hang and Dr. Michael Dohopolski interview Dr. Brooke Braman about her training path as a radiation oncology resident.

What if the cancer treatments you trust are built on the wrong foundation?Dr. Thomas Seyfried has spent decades building the scientific case that cancer isn't a genetic disease. It's a metabolic one. And that distinction changes everything. He breaks down exactly why cancer cells can't survive without glucose and glutamine, why conventional oncology has largely ignored this, and why managing cancer without toxic side effects isn't just possible. It's already happening.Dr. Seyfried also explains why eating meat won't raise your glutamine levels the way most people fear, how nutritional ketosis can cut chemotherapy doses in half, and why a drug called DON could be a turning point in metabolic cancer care if the FDA ever gets out of the way. If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, this conversation could reshape how you think about treatment options. Don't wait to hear it.Ready to try fasting but don't want to do it alone? Join Dr. Katie's 3-Day Guided Fast, for expert support, daily live calls, and a community to fast alongside: Sign-Up  Download the FREE Healing Tools Guide: https://bit.ly/drkatie-giftguideMORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D.6 Pillars of Healing Cancer Workshop Series - Click Here to EnrollTransform your hydration with the Spring Aqua System:  https://springaqua.info/drkatieFollow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedemingmd/Please Support the ShowShare this episode with friends & familyGive a Review on SpotifyGive a Review on Apple PodcastWatch on YoutubeDISCLAIMER: The Born to Heal Podcast  is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, di...

Being on the caregiver side of complex, rare disease care reveals critical gaps in our healthcare system, even for two physician parents with strong connections. In this powerful follow-up episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Heather Gatcombe, as she recounts her family's journey: her son's initial metabolic stroke-like episodes at age 7, the five-year path to a definitive mitochondrial disease diagnosis (including a muscle biopsy and eventual identification of a pathogenic variant), sudden heart failure at age 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic, ECMO, LVAD placement, and successful heart transplant. She openly discusses the immense challenges of hospital discharge with an LVAD when no pediatric rehab would accept him, managing tube feeds and alarms at home without adequate home health support, and the frustration of subtle symptoms like throat clearing being overlooked as a sign of heart failure. Dr. Gatcombe also reflects on moments where she felt her family wasn't fully heard, and the lasting impact of those experiences. Throughout the conversation, she shares how this journey has made her a more empathetic and effective clinician, particularly in communicating uncertainty, avoiding premature reassurance, listening to parental intuition, ensuring robust discharge planning with support services, and staying curious even when a diagnosis remains elusive. This episode offers practical lessons for all physicians on improving communication, supporting families through diagnostic uncertainty, preparing patients for safe transitions home, and the power of transparency and advocacy in rare disease care. Three Actionable Takeaways: Communicate uncertainty honestly and compassionately: When the diagnosis isn't clear yet, be transparent about what you know and don't know. Offer guidance on next steps, second opinions, and support resources rather than premature reassurance that may later need to be walked back. Prioritize discharge planning and support services: The transition from hospital to home is one of the most vulnerable periods. Ensure patients and families have home health, equipment (wheelchair, shower chair, etc.), dietician and nurse navigator follow-up, and clear instructions before discharge, especially for medically complex cases. Listen to patients and families as the experts on their own bodies: Parental intuition and lived experience matter. When a child or family member expresses concern, even if it seems outside the norm,  take it seriously, investigate, and avoid dismissing it. Follow up after adverse events when possible to maintain trust. About the Show: Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school! About the Guest: Dr. Heather Gatcombe is a board-certified radiation oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and an Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She specializes in breast radiation oncology and serves as Vice Chair for Community and Belonging. As the mother of a child with mitochondrial disease who experienced metabolic strokes starting at age 7, progressing to heart failure and transplant, she is deeply committed to raising clinician awareness, reducing diagnostic delays, and advocating for patients and families. She serves on the Board of Trustees and the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board Clinical Training and Education Committee of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). Website: https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/profiles/gatcombe-heather.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gatcombe-md-3891875 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergatcombe UMDF: https://umdf.org/about/board-trustees About the Host: Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians Want to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more! Socials: @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let's grow! Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democracy in action! This month's GU Cast Journal Club papers were chosen by an audience vote at our GU Cast Live Event at EAU in London. Therefore today we focus on first, the landmark proPSMA paper which established the superior accuracy of PSMA PET/CT for staging unfavourable intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer (Lancet 2020). Then for something completely different, we dig out a paper called "Penile fractures - the merry price of Christmas", published in BJUI 2020. Thanks very much to our live audience for this one!We are delighted to welcome back our GU Cast Journal Club Editors, Dr Carlos Delgado and Dr Elena Berg who joins us in studio for the first time. Elena has just moved to Melbourne to join Carlos doing a Fellowship with GU Cast hosts, Renu Eapen and Declan Murphy. Links to papers below:1. Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET-CT in patients with high-risk prostate cancer before curative-intent surgery or radiotherapy (proPSMA): a prospective, randomised, multicentre study. Lancet 20202. Penile fractures: the price of a Merry Christmas BJUI 2023GU Cast Journal Club is supported by our Partner, MSD, through an unrestricted educational grant.Even better on our YouTube channelAbout GU Cast Journal Club:Each month, two papers are discussed, each of which are of importance to the GU Oncology community. These may be recent papers, or occasionally we will chose a classic landmark paper in GU Oncology. The objective is to draw attention to important papers in GU Oncology, and critique these in a robust manner. The key target audience is trainees working in Urology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, and diagnostic specialties such as Radiology and Pathology. But any of our regular audience are likely to enjoy this Journal Club series.

Dr. Roy Jensen introduces the season's focus on the people behind cancer research and hands hosting duties to Dr. Ronald Chen, chair of Radiation Oncology and associate director for Community Outreach and Engagement at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Dr. Chen highlights the KU Cancer Center's K12 Paul Calabresi Career Development for Clinical and Translational Oncology program, which mentors and trains early career clinician-investigators, and interviews K12 scholar Dr. Yiduo Hu, a breast medical oncologist who joined KU after training at Yale and completing research and degrees at Case Western, Dana-Farber/Harvard, and Columbia University. Dr. Hu describes translational research as bridging communication between bench science and patient care, explains how the K12 Program's protected time and mentorship support his work on DNA damage repair and genome integrity in breast cancer, and discusses his newly activated pragmatic trial comparing two commonly used chemotherapy regimens for high-risk breast cancer. They also emphasize collaboration, including engagement with KU Cancer Center's PIVOT patient advocate group, to keep research patient-relevant and team-based. 00:00 Season Introduction 00:28 Guest Host Handoff 00:44 K12 Program Overview 01:18 Dr. Hu's Background 01:58 Translational Research Explained 03:08 K12 Support and Focus 04:09 Building A Clinical Trial 05:38 Protected Time Matters 06:22 Mentorship at KU Cancer Center 07:39 Community and PIVOT Collaboration 09:41 Career Reflections 10:33 Closing Thanks and Resources Links from this Episode: ·         Learn more about the K12 Paul Calabresi Career Development for Clinical and Translational Oncology Program To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

What role can nutrition play in cancer prevention, treatment, and long-term health? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Zahra Kassam, a Radiation Oncologist and leading voice in lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition. We explore the evidence behind plant-based diets in relation to cancer risk, survivorship, and overall chronic disease prevention, as well as how nutrition can support patients during and after treatment. We also break down some of the most common nutrition myths surrounding cancer, including the widely circulated belief that “sugar feeds cancer". In this episode, we cover: • The role of plant-based nutrition in cancer prevention • Nutrition during cancer treatment and survivorship • Common cancer-related nutrition myths and misconceptions • How dietary patterns influence chronic disease risk • The work of Plant-Based Canada and its impact • The growing role of nutrition and sustainability in healthcare This is a thoughtful, evidence-based conversation for anyone interested in the intersection of nutrition, medicine, and long-term health. About Dr. Zahra Kassam Dr. Zahra Kassam is a Radiation Oncologist at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in Newmarket and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto. She is certified in Lifestyle Medicine through the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and serves as Co-Chair of the Canadian Lifestyle Medicine Group of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. In 2019, she co-founded Plant-Based Canada, a nonprofit organization providing evidence-based education on the benefits of whole food, plant-based nutrition for human health, environmental sustainability, and planetary well-being. She is co-author of Eating Plant-Based: Scientific Answers to Your Nutrition Questions, written in collaboration with her sister Dr. Shireen Kassam, and co-editor of the academic textbook Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice. Dr. Kassam promotes sustainable nutrition within healthcare systems through her roles in national organizations. She serves as a Food Advisor to the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care and is a member of the PEACH Sustainable Food Committee, the National Advisory Committee on Planetary Health for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Green is Health Member Interest Group of the Ontario Medical Association, and the Climate and Sustainability Working Group of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists.   Learn more about Dr. Kassam and Plant-Based Canada at www.plantbasedcanada.org and on their Instagram @plantbasedcanadaorg. ____________________________________________________________________

In this episode, recorded in Mandarin, host Dr. Chunxia Su leads a discussion about early stage and preoperative care for patients with NSCLC with an EGFR mutation. Guests: Wenzhao Zhong, Deputy Prensendent of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Director of the Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Jie Hu， Deputy director, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center，Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Min Fan M D， Deputy Director , Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center

In this episode of CURiE Conversations on the ACRO Podcast, Dr. Veronia Fahmy speaks with author Dr. Ricky Savjani about his published article, “A Silicone-Based Film-Forming Gel Wound Dressing for Radiation Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis Using Clinical Informatics.”Contemporary Updates: Radiotherapy Innovation & Evidence (CURiE) is the official publication platform of the American College of Radiation Oncology through the Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Read the full article here: https://www.cureus.com/articles/421775-a-silicone-based-film-forming-gel-wound-dressing-for-radiation-dermatitis-in-head-and-neck-cancer-patients-a-retrospective-cohort-analysis-using-clinical-informatics#!/

Welcome to Episode 6 of our monthly GU Cast Journal Club! Two important papers in upper tract urothelial cancer (the POUT trial of adjuvant chemo post nephro-ureterectomy), and metastatic testicular cancer (the SEMS trial of surgery for early metastatic seminoma). We are delighted to welcome back our GU Cast Journal Club Editors, Dr Carlos Delgado (Melbourne, AUS), and Dr Elena Berg (Munich, GER), along with main GU Cast Hosts, Renu Eapen and Declan Murphy. No prostate cancer today, and go easy on Declan he is struggling with man flu!Links to papers below:1. Adjuvant chemotherapy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (the POUT trial): a phase 3, open-label, randomised controlled trial Lancet 20202. Surgery in Early Metastatic Seminoma: A Phase II Trial of Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Testicular Seminoma With Limited Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy J Clin Oncol 2023GU Cast Journal Club is supported by our Partner, MSD, through an unrestricted educational grant.Even better on our YouTube channelAbout GU Cast Journal Club:Each month, two papers are discussed, each of which are of importance to the GU Oncology community. These may be recent papers, or occasionally we will chose a classic landmark paper in GU Oncology. The objective is to draw attention to important papers in GU Oncology, and critique these in a robust manner. The key target audience is trainees working in Urology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, and diagnostic specialties such as Radiology and Pathology. But any of our regular audience are likely to enjoy this Journal Club series.

Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter!   www.quadshotnews.com   Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney   Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

"It's important to clarify that most patients will experience and at least some side effects—and often several. So prevention really means reducing severity, complications, and long-term impact rather than avoiding side effects altogether. This process starts before radiation begins and continues throughout the treatment and includes dental evaluation, baseline swallowing assessments, and thorough patient education," ONS member Astrid Amoresano, RN, OCN®, lead oncology nurse specialist at New York Proton Center in New York, NY, told Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BS, AOCNS®, manager of oncology nursing practice at ONS, during a conversation about side effects of radiation for head and neck cancer. Music Credit: "Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Earn 0.5 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at courses.ons.org by February 13, 2027. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Learning outcome: Learners will report an increase in knowledge related to radiation side effects in people with head and neck cancer. Episode Notes  Complete this evaluation for free NCPD.  ONS Podcast™ episodes: Cancer Symptom Management Basics series Episode 301: Radiation Oncology: Side Effect and Care Coordination Best Practices Episode 128: Manage Treatment-Related Radiodermatitis With ONS Guidelines™ ONS Voice articles: Highly Localized, Precision Radiation Therapies Require Nurses to Drive Care Coordination, Patient Education IMRT Shows Similar Quality-of-Life Outcomes to Proton Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer How to Handle Even the Worst Radiation Therapy Side Effects ONS book: Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education (fifth edition) ONS courses: ONS/ONCC® Radiation Therapy Certificate™ ONS Oncology Symptom Management Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing articles: The Role of Advanced Practice Providers in Radiation Oncology in 2025 Systematic Review of Malnutrition Risk Factors to Identify Nutritionally At-Risk Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Effects of a Nurse-Initiated Telephone Care Path for Pain Management in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy Radiation-Induced Skin Dermatitis: Treatment With CamWell® Herb to Soothe® Cream in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy ONS Radiation Learning Library ONS Symptom Intervention Resources ONCC: Radiation Oncology Certified Nurse (ROCN™) American Cancer Society CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians article: American Cancer Society Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guideline Cancer Survivors Network: Head and neck cancer Head and neck cancer resources Radiation therapy resources American Society of Radiation Oncology National Cancer Institute: Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) National Comprehensive Cancer Network To discuss the information in this episode with other oncology nurses, visit the ONS Communities. To find resources for creating an ONS Podcast club in your chapter or nursing community, visit the ONS Podcast Library. To provide feedback or otherwise reach ONS about the podcast, email pubONSVoice@ons.org. Highlights From This Episode "Many tumors in the region are very radiosensitive, and radiation can be used either as definitive treatment or after surgery to reduce the risk of reoccurrence, but in many cases, radiation is combined with chemotherapy to improve local control. Because so many vital structures are located in this small complex area, radiation allows us to treat the cancer while minimizing the need for extensive or disfiguring surgery." TS 2:40 "The most common acute side effects of head and neck radiation: effects to the mouth, the throat, the skin, and the energy level. Patients often experience a mucositis, pain or sore throat, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, or thick saliva, and taste changes. Skin irritation and redness in the treatment field is also common and can progress to dry and moist desquamation. Fatigue is another frequent side effect and tends to build as treatment progresses. Emotional and psychological distress are also very common in this patient population and can have an impact on daily function and quality of life. Side effects usually develop gradually, often beginning in the second and third week of radiation and may be more severe or have an earlier onset in patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy." TS 4:02 "Pain management is essential so patients can continue eating and drinking. Supporting the energy level and maintaining hydration are also key, as fatigue and dehydration can significantly worsen other side effects. Oral care protocols help manage mucositis and nutrition support may include supplements or enteral feeding if needed." TS 11:24 "Sexual health might not be the first thing nurses think of in regard to head and neck radiation. … But even though radiation for head and neck cancer doesn't involve the reproductive organs, it can still have a significant impact on sexual health and intimacy. Like fatigue, pain, dry mouth, changes in speech and visible changes in appearance can all affect body image and relationships." TS 14:52 "One of the common misconceptions is that side effects end when radiation ends. In reality, some effects peak afterward or become long term. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, and taste changes are good examples. While some patients improve, others adjust to a new normal where dry mouth and altered taste are permanent." TS 19:53

In this episode, Amit Garg, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Presbyterian in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, New Mexico, discusses key innovations in precision radiotherapy, shifting perceptions around radiation treatment, and how community based health systems can deliver high quality cancer care while improving access and efficiency for underserved populations.

When Bernie Lewinsky was a young radiotherapy resident, he studied under some of the most storied names in the field. Now, over fifty years later, he marvels at how much radiation oncology has changed. “You've gone from a betatron, cobalt and radium needles, and treating AP one day and PA the next, to probably treating on some sort of amazing [technology like a] TrueBeam or Elekta,” said Stacy Wentworth, a radiation oncologist at Duke University School of Medicine, who hosted this episode of the Cancer History Project Podcast.Lewinsky was one of the co-founders of the Endocurietherapy Society, which now exists as the American Brachytherapy Society. He has also helped develop the first group of freestanding radiation therapy clinics in Los Angeles, CA. Throughout the years—whether during his rotation at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London during residency or participating in tumor boards at UCLA—he has been part of many fervent debates with radiotherapy legends, arguing over whether Hodgkin's lymphoma spreads up or down the body, and the legitimacy of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in the early days. “Now it's so much more accurate, so much different and so precise,” Lewinsky said. “When you start talking about blocking the nodes in the heart to stop arrhythmias, we're very specific.”Lewinsky brings a treasure trove of artifacts to the interview—written orders of radium needles from 1948, an attachment that connected to an orthovoltage machine, a Mick applicator, and even a Bunsen burner. He plans to send some of these relics to the archives at ASTRO or the American College of Radiology. Beyond his practice of medicine, Lewinsky has also brought healing to his patients through his landscape photography. Some of his first photos captured an active volcano in El Salvador, where he grew up. Prints of some of his photographs can be found on the covers of academic journals and on the walls of his office. He distinctly remembers one patient, whose attention drifted off during an office visit. Lewinsky says the patient was struck by a photo of cherry blossoms he took in London.  “I said, ‘Wait a minute, what is it about that picture that's got you mesmerized?' and he says, ‘I remember when I was a little kid, my dad would take us cherry-picking. I sure wish my dad was here right now,” Lewinsky said. “It became my observation that there is a healing aspect to nature photography and putting it in the office when a patient is under tremendous stress, it not only calms the patient, but it brings back memories that they cherish.”A transcript of this interview is available at https://cancerhistoryproject.com/article/bernie-lewinsky-podcast/ 

Guest: William Hall, MD From tumor detection to biomarker development, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of gastrointestinal oncology. In this expert-led program, Dr. William Hall explains how AI is being applied to data to identify tumor features and treatment susceptibilities faster and more precisely than traditional methods. Dr. Hall is a Professor and Chair of Radiation Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and he spoke about this topic at the 2026 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium.

Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 5 of our monthly GU Cast Journal Club! Today we focus on two classic papers in non-invasive bladder cancer and metastatic prostate cancer. The Lamm RCT of maintenance BCG is a landmark trial for all sorts of reasons, published in J Urol in 2000. And the CHAARTED paper of chemohormonal therapy is the landmark trial of combination therapy in mHSPC, published in NEJM in 2015.We are delighted to welcome back our GU Cast Journal Club Editors, Dr Carlos Delgado (Melbourne, AUS), and Dr Elena Berg (Munich, GER), along with main GU Cast Hosts, Renu Eapen and Declan Murphy. A very lively discussion!! Links to papers below:1. Maintenance bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy for recurrent TA, T1 and carcinoma in situ transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: a randomized Southwest Oncology Group Study J Urol 20002. Chemohormonal Therapy in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer NEJM 2015GU Cast Journal Club is supported by our Partner, MSD, through an unrestricted educational grant.Even better on our YouTube channelAbout GU Cast Journal Club:Each month, two papers are discussed, each of which are of importance to the GU Oncology community. These may be recent papers, or occasionally we will chose a classic landmark paper in GU Oncology. The objective is to draw attention to important papers in GU Oncology, and critique these in a robust manner. The key target audience is trainees working in Urology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, and diagnostic specialties such as Radiology and Pathology. But any of our regular audience are likely to enjoy this Journal Club series.

Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter!   www.quadshotnews.com   Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney   Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Daniel Spratt, MD, chair and professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr Spratt discussed key updates to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for prostate cancer, including how advances in molecular imaging, evolving systemic therapy options, and the integration of next-generation androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are reshaping treatment recommendations across localized, recurrent, and advanced disease settings.

Lauren, a native of Madison, WI, graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She then earned her M.D. at Stanford University, where she was awarded a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) research scholarship to study osteosarcoma at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Washington, D.C. She completed her internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CA, followed by a residency in radiation oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. After residency, Lauren joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, where she focused on thoracic radiation oncology and helped develop a spine stereotactic radiation program. In 2014, she transitioned to The Permanente Medical Group, serving as a radiation oncologist at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California and later as regional lymphoma subspecialty lead until her departure in 2023. She then joined the University of Colorado Department of Radiation Oncology, where she served on the faculty until June 2025.Lauren is currently pursuing additional training in palliative care while continuing to provide locum tenens radiation oncology coverage across Colorado and California. She is passionate about delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care—a commitment that is deeply personal and influenced by her experiences watching both of her parents undergo cancer treatment.The desire to be closer to friends and family—and a shared love of the outdoors—brought Lauren and her family to Colorado. She resides in Morrison with her husband, Anthony, a native of England who runs a consulting practice specializing in cell and gene therapies. Together they enjoy the lively company of their two children, Anna and Charlie, along with an ever-growing menagerie of pets. As a family, they love hiking, gardening, sharing tea and biscuits, and catching up on sleep whenever possible.**********************************************************Judy Carlson is the CEO and Founder of the Judy Carlson Financial Group, where she helps couples create personalized, coordinated financial plans that support the life they want to live – now and in the future.As an Independent Fiduciary and Comprehensive Financial Planner, Judy specializes in retirement income and wealth decumulation strategies. She is a CPA, Investment Advisor Representative, licensed in life and health insurance, and certified in long-term care planning.Judy's mission is to help guide clients with clarity and care, building financial plans that focus on real planning built around real lives.Learn More: https://judycarlson.com/The Inspired Impact Podcasthttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast-with-judy-carlson-interview-with-lauren-shapiro-md-radiation-oncologist

The treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer has undergone numerous changes and is now used routinely in clinical practice. Please join us in a thorough discussion of current evidence and ongoing research of total neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer with leaders in the field including Drs J. Joshua Smith, Julio Garcia-Aguilar, Emmanouil Fokas, and Benjamin Schlechter Hosts:  ·      Dr. Janet Alvarez - General Surgery Resident at New York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital Center ·      Dr. Wini Zambare – General Surgery Resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian ·      Dr. Phil Bauer, Graduating Colorectal Surgical Oncology Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center  ·      Dr. J. Joshua Smith MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center Guests: 1.     Julio Garcia-Aguilar, MD, PhD Benno C. Schmidt Chair in Surgical Oncology Chief, Colorectal Service, Department of Surgery Director, Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Professor of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College 2.     Benjamin Schlechter, MD Senior Physician in the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Assistant Professor of Medicine, Medicine, Harvard Medical School 3.     Emmanouil Fokas, MD, DPhil Professor and Chairman | Department of Radiation Oncology, Cyberknife and Radiotherapy | Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne Learning objectives:  ·      Define locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and describe the clinical staging that qualifies patients for total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). ·      Explain the rationale for transitioning from traditional chemoradiotherapy (CRT) plus surgery to total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer management. ·      Compare the designs, treatment regimens, and long-term outcomes of major TNT trials including RAPIDO, PRODIGE-23, OPRA, and CAO/ARO/AIO-12/16. ·      Evaluate organ preservation strategies—such as the watch-and-wait approach—after TNT and identify which patients are appropriate candidates based on clinical or near-complete response. ·       Summarize emerging research directions including: ·      Integration of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in surveillance and response prediction. ·      The role of immunotherapy in mismatch repair proficient (MSS) and deficient (dMMR) tumors. References:  1.     Garcia-Aguilar, J. et al. Organ Preservation in Patients With Rectal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy. JCO 40, 2546–2556 (2022). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35483010/ 2.     Verheij, F. S. et al.Long-Term Results of Organ Preservation in Patients With Rectal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy: The Randomized Phase II OPRA Trial. JCO 42, 500–506 (2024). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37883738/ 3.     Fokas, E. et al. Randomized Phase II Trial of Chemoradiotherapy Plus Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy as Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: CAO/ARO/AIO-12. JCO 37, 3212–3222 (2019). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31150315/ 4.     Fokas, E. et al. Chemoradiotherapy Plus Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy as Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Long-term Results of the CAO/ARO/AIO-12 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 8, e215445–e215445 (2022). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34792531/ 5.     Williams H*, Fokas E*, et al. Survival among patients treated with total mesorectal excision or selective watch-and-wait after total neoadjuvant therapy: a pooled analysis of the CAO/ARO/AIO-12 and OPRA randomized phase II trials. Ann Oncol 2025 May;36(5):543-547. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39848335/ 6.     Gani, C. et al. Organ preservation after total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (CAO/ARO/AIO-16): an open-label, multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology 10, 562–572 (2025). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40347958/  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Download our App: Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight the benefits of statins on aortic functioning in patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy, the potential of nimotuzumab in cervical cancer, and the neurocognitive recovery seen after SRS compared to whole brain RT. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

In this episode of JCO Article Insights, host Dr. Ece Cali Daylan interviews author Dr. Jeffrey Bradley about the article, "Simultaneous Durvalumab and Chemoradiotherapy in Unresectable Stage III Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer" by Bradley, et al published October 13, 2025. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Ece Cali: Welcome to this episode of JCO Article Insights. This is Dr. Ece Cali, JCO Editorial Fellow. Today I'm joined by Dr. Jeffrey Bradley, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss the manuscript, "Simultaneous Durvalumab and Platinum-Based Chemoradiotherapy in Unresectable Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: The Phase III PACIFIC-2 Study." The PACIFIC-2 study was a phase III, double-blind, randomized trial comparing the efficacy and safety of simultaneous durvalumab with concurrent chemoradiation followed by consolidation durvalumab to the concurrent chemoradiation followed by placebo in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival by blinded independent central review. The secondary endpoints were overall response rate, overall survival, and safety. Three hundred twenty-eight patients were randomized 2:1 to durvalumab and placebo, respectively. Unfortunately, this trial did not meet its primary endpoint. There were no statistically significant differences in PFS or OS. The frequency of adverse events was similar between the two arms. Grade 3 or higher adverse events were observed in 53% of the patients in the durvalumab arm compared to 59% of the patients in the placebo arm. Of note, the frequency of pneumonitis was similar in the two arms. Approximately 28% of patients in each arm developed pneumonitis, and about 5% of the pneumonitis observed in each arm was grade 3 or higher in severity. Treatment discontinuation rates secondary to the adverse events were higher in the durvalumab arm, 25% compared to 12%. Adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation and death were more frequently seen in the durvalumab arm during the first four months of the treatment, which corresponds to the simultaneous administration of chemoradiation and durvalumab. Dr. Bradley, before we delve into the results, can you please explain the rationale for this study design and how this concept fits into the current treatment landscape? Dr. Jeffrey Bradley: Yeah, this trial came on the heels of PACIFIC after there was a progression-free survival benefit showed in PACIFIC that in the locally advanced unresectable population that consolidation immunotherapy, in this case durvalumab, had a progression-free survival benefit. A number of us in the clinical trial space thought to add concurrent immunotherapy in addition to consolidation immunotherapy that that would also improve outcomes for patients. So a number of trials were launched to follow up of PACIFIC. In this case, this is a phase III trial where the control arm was placebo. There was no overall survival results yet from PACIFIC, just a PFS benefit, and a number of countries across the world had not approved maintenance durvalumab in this space. So this trial looked at the experimental arm, which was concurrent immunotherapy, durvalumab, and chemoradiation followed by consolidation durvalumab versus placebo. Dr. Ece Cali: And if we were to focus on the safety profile first, an increased pneumonitis risk was a theoretical concern when immunotherapy is given concurrently with radiation. Do we see any major differences in the safety profile between the two arms in this trial? Dr. Jeffrey Bradley: No, and we were concerned about the addition of concurrent immunotherapy and chemoradiation, like you said, towards concern about increased pneumonitis rate, but we did not see increased pneumonitis in the experimental arm over placebo. And the grade 3 or higher, as you said, it was roughly 5%, more or less, in both arms, so we didn't see increase in pneumonitis toxicity with concurrent IO and chemoradiation. Dr. Ece Cali: But interestingly though, despite the lack of significantly increased toxicity with durvalumab, unfortunately, administering immunotherapy simultaneously with chemoradiation therapy did not improve survival. Lack of superiority of this treatment regimen, as you mentioned, is further confirmed across multiple similar negative trial readouts such as ECOG-ACRIN 5181 and CheckMate 73L. Dr. Bradley, in your view, what are some potential explanations for why this strategy did not pan out in clinical trials? Dr. Jeffrey Bradley: Regarding toxicity, let me go back and point out that we did see an increased number of immune-mediated adverse events. It was 34.7% in the concurrent immunotherapy arm versus 15.7% in the placebo arm. So that led to a higher number of discontinuations of immunotherapy which I think probably had an effect. So we didn't... there was an increased pneumonitis toxicity, but there were expected immune-mediated toxicities that caused people to stop giving immunotherapy. You can see that in the PFS curves. They were, you know, they crossed over after like a month, but initially there was lower PFS for the experimental arm, and then the experimental arm got better after we divided into four months, before four months and after four months. Dr. Ece Cali: For one reason or another, it looks like the simultaneous administration did not really improve outcomes. We now know that simultaneously giving them another concurrent radiation should really no longer be pursued in clinical trials for this patient population. Can you share with our audience what strategies are being studied in this setting and what trials to watch out for in the future? Dr. Jeffrey Bradley: Sure, I think when you add concurrent radiation to immunotherapy, there were more central tumors in this trial, I think you're killing lymphocytes and negating the effect of immunotherapy. So I think that's the smoking gun for this trial, for the ECOG trial, for the small cell trial that NRG reported, LU005, and other trials. So correct, I don't think there's any need to continue to pursue concurrent immunotherapy in this space of lung cancer. But that's not to say there aren't many other trials that are either ongoing, have accrued and awaiting results, or being planned for the next phase of clinical trials. We have a trial within NRG Oncology called NRG-LU008. It's a randomized phase III trial that is using an SBRT boost to a peripheral primary and chemoradiation to the nodes, because the primary tumor is the one that fails more often than the lymph nodes, and that's compared to PACIFIC in the control arm. PACIFIC-9 is another trial in the same line as the other PACIFIC trials. That one is using dual checkpoint inhibition versus the control arm being PACIFIC. So there are three arms in that trial, durva and oleclumab, durva and monalizumab versus the PACIFIC arm. And that trial is completed accrual, but we have no results from that study yet. Johnson & Johnson has a trial open looking at a nanoparticle. That's a radiosensitizer where bronchoscopy is used to inject the primary tumor and the lymph nodes with a radiosensitizer. That's a randomized phase ll trial that's ongoing. It's got three arms, two different doses of this radiosensitizing drug and then a control arm without injection at all. The control arm is again the PACIFIC arm. And then those of us within the NCI-based clinical trials evaluation program, CTEP, are proposing an intergroup trial that would compare induction chemo-immunotherapy followed by chemoradiation followed by maintenance immunotherapy versus PACIFIC in a phase III study. So I think there's other trials that are either completed, ongoing completed, or on the horizon to assess in this patient population. Dr. Ece Cali: Yeah, we definitely have an unmet need to improve survival outcomes for stage III patients, and it's great to hear that there are so many efforts looking at different strategies to improve outcomes for these patients.  Thank you so much, Dr. Bradley, for this informative discussion and for sharing your insights. Any last thoughts? Dr. Jeffrey Bradley: Yeah, we need something, you know. PACIFIC was first reported in 2017, and we really haven't made progress in terms of changing that standard of care control for the last eight years. So we need progress in this area. Dr. Ece Cali: Yep, definitely. Thank you so much for joining, Dr. Bradley.  And thank you for listening to JCO Article Insights. Please come back for more interviews and article summaries and be sure to leave us a rating and review so others can find our show. For more podcasts and episodes from ASCO, please visit asco.org/podcasts. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions.  Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. DISCLOSURES Dr. Bradley Honoria: Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. Consulting or Advisory Role: Varian, Inc, Genentech, Inc. Research Funding: Varian Medical Systems Dr. Cali Research Funding Company: BeiGene, Nuvalent, Inc., Astra Zeneca 

Dr. Weisi Yan joins the show to discuss his path to medicine, the latest advancements in radiation oncology and the UK Markey Cancer Center's upcoming Lung Cancer Forum scheduled for Dec. 11.  Learn more about Weisi Yan, MD, PhD 

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight the role of elective nodal treatment in bladder cancer, the impact of cribriform morphology on prostate cancer metastasis risk, and much more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

Dr Akila Viswanathan talks with Dr Amol Narang about the latest edition of Seminars in Radiation Oncology focused on the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer.

- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Treatment - Current Standard of Care - The Role of Chemotherapy, Radiation Oncology & Targeted Cancer Therapies - New Treatment Approaches - The Role of Biomarkers & Precision Medicine in Informing Treatment Choices - How Clinical Trials Contribute to Treatment Options - New Ways to Manage Treatment Side Effects, Symptoms, Discomfort & Pain - Communicating with Your Health Care Team About Quality-of-Life Concerns - Nutrition & Hydration Concerns & Tips - Key Questions to Ask When Communicating with Your Health Care Team - The Increasing Role of Telehealth/Telemedicine Appointments - Guidelines to Prepare for Telehealth/Telemedicine Appointments, Including Technology, Prepared List of Questions & Discussion of OpenNotes - The Important Role of Lifestyle & Movement - Questions for Our Panel of Experts

In today's episode, leading experts across oncology specialties previewed the key studies and data they are most anticipating ahead of the 2025 ESMO Congress. Dana M. Chase, MD, a professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at UCLA, discussed her excitement to see findings from a phase 1 trial (NCT05403554) investigating NI-1801 in patients with heavily pretreated, mesothelin-expressing platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. Premal H. Thaker, MD, MS, the David G. and Lynn Mutch Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Research at Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, Missouri, discussed the anticipation for findings from a multi-omic analysis of the phase 3 AtTEnd/ENGOT-EN7 trial (NCT03603184) of atezolizumab in patients with endometrial cancer and data demonstrating that the WES-derived Aneuploidy Score may identify patients with mismatch repair–deficient endometrial cancer who derive reduced benefit from immunotherapy. Zev Wainberg, MD, the Estelle, Abe, and Marjorie Sanders Chair in Cancer Research at UCLA, shared his anticipation for new data in gastrointestinal oncology, particularly the overall survival results from the phase 3 MATTERHORN trial (NCT04592913) of durvalumab plus fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel in patients with resectable gastric and gastroesophageal cancer, which are expected to provide pivotal updates following previously reported event-free survival outcomes. Sagus Sampath, MD, an associate clinical professor and medical director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope in Duarte, California, highlighted the phase 2 NorthStar trial (NCT03410043) evaluating osimertinib (Tagrisso) with or without local consolidative therapy in patients with metastatic EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

“I think sometimes people don't expect pediatric patients to handle radiation as well as they do. They may have a family member who also had radiation for breast cancer or for prostate cancer and they were an older adult and had really severe side effects. And then they say, ‘Oh, no, I've got to put my little baby through this. I don't really want to do this.' We say kids are very different in how they handle this. They're very resilient, so we can provide good education about that,” Elizabeth Cummings, MSN, CPNP-AC, CPHON®, radiation oncology nurse practitioner at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, told Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BS, AOCNS®, manager of oncology nursing practice at ONS, during a conversation about radiation treatment care for pediatric patients. Music Credit: “Fireflies and Stardust” by Kevin MacLeod  Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0   Earn 0.75 contact hours of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by listening to the full recording and completing an evaluation at courses.ons.org by September 26, 2026. The planners and faculty for this episode have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. ONS is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.  Learning outcome: Learner will report an increase in knowledge related to radiation oncology treatment care for pediatric patients. Episode Notes   Complete this evaluation for free NCPD.  ONS Podcast™ episodes: Episode 365: Radiation-Associated Secondary Cancers Episode 301: Radiation Oncology: Side Effect and Care Coordination Best Practices Episode 298: Radiation Oncology: Nursing's Essential Roles Episode 204: How Radiation Is Used in Palliative Care Episode 50: Difficult Decisions in Childhood Cancer ONS Voice articles: Fertility Preservation Protects Possibilities for Patients With Cancer Have Meaningful Conversations With Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients and Their Families Pediatric Cancer Survivors Require Additional Care and Monitoring Prepare Survivors for the Risk of Secondary Cancers Secondary Cancers in Pediatric Survivors ONS book: Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education (Fifth Edition) ONS courses: Essentials in Survivorship Care for the Advanced Practice Provider ONS/ONCC® Radiation Therapy Certificate™ Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing articles: Radiation Therapy Survivorship: Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on Education and Care Radiation Therapy: Understanding the Patient Experience Reducing Pediatric Patient Anxiety: Implementing a Nonpharmacologic Intervention to Aid Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy Other ONS Resources Inclusive Care Learning Library Late Effects of Cancer Treatment Huddle Card Proton Therapy Huddle Card Radiation Huddle Card Radiation Learning Library Oncolink Jr. Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society  To discuss the information in this episode with other oncology nurses, visit the ONS Communities.   To find resources for creating an ONS Podcast club in your chapter or nursing community, visit the ONS Podcast Library.  To provide feedback or otherwise reach ONS about the podcast, email pubONSVoice@ons.org. Highlights From This Episode  “I think one of the things to think about with kids is sometimes they're not as forthcoming with what's going on, and sometimes it's a little bit harder to understand. Sometimes that's just because developmentally, they're much younger. A 1-year-old can't exactly tell you what's wrong. And so you're really trying to figure it out based on their cues versus a teenager who can tell you, but maybe they're too embarrassed about something in a way that an adult might not be.” TS 7:01 “Child life specialists are incredible. ... They provide age-appropriate education and explanations for patients, so talking to a 3-year-old about cancer is very different from an 8-year-old or even a teenager. They really are able to meet each patient exactly where they are and at the level that they are, and then provide the appropriate amount of information, which is so helpful for a patient since they learn to build trust and cope with their treatment and [they feel like they] have somebody who can relay that information in a clear and concise way.” TS 11:16 “There's certainly growing concern about the potential effects of anesthesia on brain health, especially in a vulnerable population like very young children, which are the ones who need anesthesia. We really try to mitigate this by optimizing our anesthetic agents, so we'll use propofol, which has a really quick onset and offset. And even when the radiation treatment is done, they'll stop the propofol in the radiation room—even though they are still walking back to recovery, just to minimize the amount of time that it's on—and trying to use the lowest dose possible. We also [explore] a lot of nonanesthetic strategies, [like] child life support, trying to introduce video distraction when we can, and having music and audiobooks.” TS 17:47 “[In] pediatrics, the patient, not the parent, is your patient. And that can look really different for a 3-year-old versus a 17-year-old. Somebody who can't officially sign consent, but they certainly have a lot of buy-in about the things that reach their body, versus a 3-year-old, where the parents are really taking ownership of that. I think sometimes it's tricky in the world of pediatrics as we think about the ethics of ‘Who are we training here? Is it the patients? Is it the parents?' And we continue to advocate for our patients.” TS 23:32 “I think that pediatric patients still want to be normal kids. They still want to do their normal activities. ... Our pediatric patients, a lot of times, have healthier tissues. They haven't seen as much wear and tear. They haven't developed the bad habits of some adults. They don't have the same environmental exposures, they're not smoking, they probably have fewer comorbidities. ... They're a different population. ... They're just amazing. They still want to be a kid, they still want to go to school, they still want to be with their friends. It's really encouraging to see that.” TS 36:03 

For W. Neil Duggar, PhD, DABR, everything on his path to leadership in academic medicine started with fully understanding his own “why.” That process of understanding your purpose, who you are, and how that dictates what success will look like, and whether you are making progress, is a central theme within today's broader leadership discussion.  Dr. Duggar currently serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Medical Physics in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.  Learning to lead without formal authority is important in our field because, as Dr. Duggar puts it, “most of us don't have authority or a title most of our careers, if we ever do get one, so learning to lead without authority becomes a very powerful combination of skills.”  Embracing feedback and constructive criticism about yourself is vital to this discussion because, without this journey to self-awareness, it's very easy for leaders to fall into the trap of “your own legend.”  “You can start believing your opinion and feedback are most important, but the reality is that there will always be voices you need to listen to outside of your own,” he said.  We thank Dr. Duggar for reaching out to us via the Faculty Factory inbox and requesting to be a guest on this show! If you have something to share within your corner of the academic medicine world as a guest, please send us a message: https://facultyfactory.org/contact-us/    After you listen to Dr. Duggar's interview, for more fantastic podcast episodes, please check out our show's archives: https://facultyfactory.org/podcast-topics/

Dr. Kathleen Horst, Dr. Rachel Jimenez, and Dr. Yara Abdou discuss the updated guideline from ASTRO, ASCO, and SSO on postmastectomy radiation therapy. They share new and updated recommendations on topics including PMRT after upfront surgery, PMRT after neoadjuvant systemic therapy, dose and fractionation schedules, and delivery techniques. They comment on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and providing personalized care based on individual patient characteristics. Finally, they review ongoing research that may impact these evidence-based guidelines in the future. Read the full guideline, “Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy: An ASTRO-ASCO-SSO Clinical Practice Guideline” at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines" TRANSCRIPT This guideline, clinical tools, and resources are available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines. Read the full text of the guideline and review authors' disclosures of potential conflicts of interest in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO-25-01747  Brittany Harvey: Hello and welcome to the ASCO Guidelines podcast, one of ASCO's podcasts delivering timely information to keep you up to date on the latest changes, challenges, and advances in oncology. You can find all the shows, including this one, at asco.org/podcasts. My name is Brittany Harvey, and today I am interviewing Dr. Kathleen Horst, expert panel chair from Stanford University; Dr. Rachel Jimenez, expert panel vice chair from Massachusetts General Hospital; and Dr. Yara Abdou, ASCO representative from the University of North Carolina, authors on "Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy: An American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and Society of Surgical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline." Thank you for being here today, Dr. Horst, Dr. Jimenez, and Dr. Abdou. Dr. Kathleen Horst: Thank you for having us. Brittany Harvey: And then just before we discuss this guideline, I would like to note that ASCO takes great care in the development of its guidelines and ensuring that the ASCO conflict of interest policy is followed for each guideline. The disclosures of potential conflicts of interest for the guideline panel, including Dr. Horst, Dr. Jimenez, and Dr. Abdou who have joined us here today, are available online with the publication of the guideline in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, which is linked in the show notes. Then to dive into the content that we are here today to talk about, Dr. Horst, could you start us off by describing what prompted the update for this joint guideline between ASTRO, ASCO, and SSO, and what is the scope of this 2025 guideline on postmastectomy radiation therapy? Dr. Kathleen Horst: Thank you. This joint guideline was last updated in 2016. Over the past decade, the treatment of breast cancer has evolved substantially. Newer systemic therapy regimens have increasingly personalized treatment based on tumor biology, and local therapy management has explored both the de-escalation of axillary surgery and more abbreviated courses of radiation therapy. Given these advances, it was important to revisit the role of postmastectomy radiotherapy in this modern era of breast cancer therapy. This updated guideline addresses four key questions, including postmastectomy radiation therapy after upfront surgery as well as after neoadjuvant systemic therapy. It also reviews the evolving role of various dose and fractionation schedules and optimal treatment techniques and dose constraints. Brittany Harvey: Excellent. I appreciate that background, Dr. Horst. So then, next, Dr. Jimenez, I would like to review the recommendations of this guideline across those four key questions that Dr. Horst just mentioned. So first, what does the panel recommend for PMRT for patients who received initial treatment with mastectomy? Dr. Rachel Jimenez: The panel provided pretty strong consensus that patients with positive lymph nodes or patients with large tumors involving the skin or the chest wall should receive postmastectomy radiation. However, the panel also recognized that the omission of postmastectomy radiation may be appropriate for select patients who have positive lymph nodes and have an axillary lymph node dissection if they have a low nodal burden and other favorable clinical or pathologic features. For patients without lymph node involvement at the time of surgery and no involvement of the skin or chest wall, postmastectomy radiation was not advised by the panel. Brittany Harvey: Understood. It is helpful to understand those recommendations for that patient population. Following that, Dr. Abdou, what are the key recommendations for PMRT for patients who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy before mastectomy? Dr. Yara Abdou: When we think about PMRT after neoadjuvant treatment, the key point is that the initial stage of presentation still matters a lot. So for example, if a patient comes in with more advanced disease, say a large primary tumor, like a clinical T4, or more extensive nodal disease, like an N2 or N3 disease, those patients should get PMRT, no matter how well they respond to neoadjuvant therapy, because we know it reduces the risk of recurrence and that has been shown pretty consistently. On the other hand, if there are still positive lymph nodes after neoadjuvant treatment, basically residual nodal disease, PMRT is also strongly recommended because the risk of local-regional recurrence is much higher in that setting. The gray area is the group of patients who start with a lower burden of nodal disease, such as N1 disease, but then become node negative at surgery. For those patients, we tend to individualize the decision. So if the patient is young or has triple-negative disease, or if there is a lot of residual disease in the breast even though the nodes are cleared, then radiation is probably helpful. But if everything has melted away with pCR in both the breast and the nodes, then it may be safe to omit PMRT in those patients. For patients with smaller tumors and no nodal involvement to begin with, like a clinical T1-T2 N0, if they are still node negative after neoadjuvant treatment, then PMRT is generally not recommended because their baseline recurrence risk is low. And finally, if the margins are positive and cannot be re-excised, then PMRT is recommended after neoadjuvant therapy. Brittany Harvey: Yes, those distinctions are important for appropriate patient selection. So then, Dr. Horst, we have just reviewed the indications for PMRT, but for those patients who receive PMRT, what are the appropriate treatment volumes and dose fractionation regimens? Dr. Kathleen Horst: The guideline addresses coverage of the chest wall and regional nodes with a specific discussion of the data regarding internal mammary nodal irradiation, which has been an area of controversy over many years. The guideline also reviews the data exploring moderate hypofractionation, or shorter courses of radiation therapy. The task force recommends utilizing moderate hypofractionation for the majority of women requiring postmastectomy radiation, which is likely to have a large impact on clinical practice. This recommendation is based on the evolving data demonstrating that a 3-week course of radiotherapy after mastectomy provides similar oncologic outcomes and minimal toxicity for most patients compared to the standard 5-week treatment course. Brittany Harvey: Thank you for reviewing that set of recommendations as well. So then, Dr. Jimenez, to wrap us up on the key questions here, what delivery techniques are recommended for treating patients who receive PMRT? Dr. Rachel Jimenez: So this portion of the guideline is likely to be most helpful for radiation oncologists because it represents the most technical part of the guideline, but we do believe that it offers some important guidance that has, to this point, been lacking in the postmastectomy radiation setting. So first, the panel recommends that all patients should undergo 3-dimensional radiation planning using CAT scan based imaging, and this includes contouring. So contouring refers to the explicit identification, using a drawing interface on the CAT scan imaging, by the radiation oncologist to identify the areas that are targeted to receive radiation, as well as all of the nearby normal tissues that could receive unintended radiation exposure. And we also provide radiation oncologists in the guideline with suggestions about how much dose each target tissue should receive and what the dose limits should be for normal tissues. Additionally, we make some recommendations regarding the manner in which radiation is delivered. So for example, we advise that when conventional radiation methods are not sufficient for covering the areas of the body that are still at risk for cancer, or where too high of a dose of radiation would be anticipated to a normal part of the body, that providers employ a technique called intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT. And if IMRT is going to be used, we also advise regular 3-dimensional imaging assessments of the patient's body relative to the treatment machine to ensure treatment fidelity. When the treatments are delivered, we further advise using a deep inspiration breath-hold technique, which lowers the exposure to the heart and to the lungs when there is concern for cardiopulmonary radiation exposure, and again, that image guidance be used along with real-time monitoring of the patient's anatomy when those techniques are employed. And then finally, we advise that patients receiving postmastectomy radiation utilize a bolus, or a synthetic substance placed on the patient's skin to enhance radiation dose to the superficial tissue, only when there is involvement of the skin with cancer or other high-risk features of the cancer, but not for every patient who receives postmastectomy radiation. Brittany Harvey: Understood. And then, yes, you just mentioned that section of the guideline is probably most helpful for radiation oncologists, but I think you can all comment on this next question. What should all clinicians, including radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and other oncologic professionals, know as they implement all of these updated recommendations? Dr. Rachel Jimenez: So I think one of the things that is most important when we consider postmastectomy radiation and making recommendations is that this is a multidisciplinary panel and that we would expect and encourage our colleagues, as they interpret the guidelines, to employ a multidisciplinary approach when they are discussing each individual patient with their surgical and medical oncology colleagues, that there is no one size fits all. So these guidelines are intended to provide some general guidance around the most appropriate techniques and approaches and recommendations for the utilization of postmastectomy radiation, but that we recognize that all of these recommendations should be individualized for patients and also represent somewhat of a moving target as additional studies, both in the surgical and radiation oncology realm as well as in the systemic therapy realm, enter our milieu, we have to adjust those recommendations accordingly. Dr. Kathleen Horst: Yeah, I would agree, and I wanted to comment as a radiation oncologist, we recognize that local-regional considerations are intertwined with systemic therapy considerations. So as the data evolve, it is critical to have these ongoing updates in a cross-disciplinary manner to ensure optimal care for our patients. And as Dr. Jimenez mentioned, these multidisciplinary discussions are critical for all of us to continue to learn and understand the evolving recommendations across disciplines but also to individualize them according to individual patients. Dr. Yara Abdou: I could not agree more. I think from a medical oncology perspective, systemic therapy has gotten much better with adjuvant CDK4/6 inhibitors, T-DM1, capecitabine, and immune therapy. So these are all newer adjuvant therapies, so the baseline recurrence risks are lower than what they were in the trials that established PMRT. So the absolute benefit of radiation varies more now, so smaller for favorable biology but still relevant in aggressive subtypes or with residual disease. So it is definitely not a one-size-fits-all. Brittany Harvey: Yes, I think it is important that you have all highlighted that multidisciplinary approach and having individualized, patient-centric care. So then, expanding on that just a little bit, Dr. Abdou, how will these guideline recommendations affect patients with breast cancer? Dr. Yara Abdou: So basically, reiterating what we just talked about, these guidelines really move us towards personalized care. So for patients at higher risk, so those with larger tumors, multiple positive nodes, or residual nodal disease after neoadjuvant therapy, PMRT remains essential, consistently lowering local-regional recurrence and improving survival. But for patients at intermediate or lower risk, the recommendations support a more selective approach. So instead of a blanket rule, we now integrate tumor biology, response to systemic therapy, and individual patient factors to decide when PMRT adds meaningful benefit. So the impact for patients is really important because those at high risk continue to get the survival advantage of radiation while others can be spared the unnecessary treatment and side effects. So in short, we are aligning PMRT with modern systemic therapy and biology, making sure each patient receives the right treatment for their situation. Brittany Harvey: Absolutely. Individualizing treatment to every patient will make sure that everyone can achieve the best outcomes as possible. So then, Dr. Jimenez, to wrap us up, I believe Dr. Horst mentioned earlier that data continues to evolve in this field. So in your opinion, what are the outstanding questions regarding the use of PMRT and what are you looking to for the future of research in this space? Dr. Rachel Jimenez: So there are a number of randomized phase III clinical trials that are either in active accrual or that have reported but not yet published that are exploring further de-escalation of postmastectomy radiation and of axillary surgery. And so we do not yet have sufficient data to understand how those two pieces of information integrate with each other. So for example, if you have a patient who has a positive lymph node at the time of diagnosis and forgoes axillary surgery aside from a sentinel lymph node biopsy, we do not yet know that we can also safely forgo radiation entirely in that setting. So we expect that future studies are going to address these questions and understand when it is appropriate to simultaneously de-escalate surgery and radiation. Additionally, there is a number of trials that are looking at ways in which radiation could be omitted or shortened. So there is the RT CHARM trial, which has reported but not yet published, looking at a shorter course of radiation. And so we do make recommendations around that shorter course of radiation in this guideline, but we anticipate that the additional data from the RT CHARM study will provide further evidence in support of that. Additionally, there is a study called the TAILOR RT trial, which looks at forgoing postmastectomy radiation in patients who, to Dr. Abdou's point, have a favorable tumor biology and a low 21-gene recurrence score. And so we are going to anticipate the results from that study to help guide who can selectively forgo postmastectomy radiation when they fall into that favorable risk category. So there are a number of questions that I think will help flesh out this guideline. And as they publish, we will likely publish a focused update on that information to help provide context for our colleagues in the field and clarify some of these recommendations to suit the latest data. Brittany Harvey: Absolutely. We will look forward to those de-escalation trials and ongoing research in the field to build on the evidence and look for future updates to this guideline. So I want to thank you for your work to update these guidelines, and thank you for your time today, Dr. Horst, Dr. Jimenez, and Dr. Abdou. Dr. Rachel Jimenez: Thank you. Dr. Yara Abdou: Thank you. Dr. Kathleen Horst: Thank you. Brittany Harvey: And then finally, thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in to the ASCO Guidelines podcast. To read the full guideline, go to www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines. You can also find many of our guidelines and interactive resources in the free ASCO Guidelines app, which is available in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. If you have enjoyed what you have heard today, please rate and review the podcast and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement.  

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight the limited role of axillary dissection in breast cancer, the benefits of SBRT in oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma, more data on ultra central lung cancer radiation, and much more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

What if prostate cancer treatment weren't months of daily radiation—but five ultra-precise sessions guided in real time by MRI? Today, Dr. Michael J. Zelefsky (Professor of Radiation Oncology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine) explains how MRI-LINAC and adaptive planning are redefining accuracy, reducing side effects, and personalizing care. A pioneer behind IMRT and image-guided radiotherapy, Dr. Zelefsky breaks down SBRT vs. IMRT, protons vs. photons, HDR brachytherapy, when to add hormone therapy, and how genomics + AI are shaping what's next.In this conversation, Dr. Zelefsky charts the evolution from long-course radiation to short-course SBRT with outcomes comparable to 7–9 week regimens—thanks to precision imaging and planning. He clarifies where IMRT ends and SBRT begins, why protons haven't shown superiority over photons in prostate cancer, and where HDR brachytherapy (Ir-192) shines—especially as a boost in higher-risk disease. We dig into dose equivalence (why 5×8 Gy can match ~80–90 Gy long-course), risk-based treatment + ADT duration, and how Decipher/Artera scores can refine decisions. Most exciting: MRI-LINAC with continuous motion monitoring keeps the prostate in a virtual “bullseye,” enabling whole-gland treatment with focal boosts today—and potentially true focal therapy tomorrow as biologic imaging and AI mature.Time-Stamped Highlights00:00 – Welcome 02:00 – Why Dr. Zelefsky's work is so respected; career arc and impact04:00 – What changed: CT/MRI planning → 3D-CRT → IMRT → SBRT12:45 – IMRT vs. SBRT: definitions, session counts, who gets what19:10 – Energy sources overview: photons, protons, brachytherapy20:30 – Protons vs. photons: evidence, indications, cost, access24:00 – HDR brachytherapy (Ir-192) as a temporary “in-and-out” boost28:00 – Dose logic: why 5×8 Gy (~40 Gy) ≈ long-course 80–90 Gy29:30 – Risk groups (low/intermediate/high) and when ADT is crucial33:00 – ADT durations (6–36 months): what trials actually showed37:00 – Genomics (Decipher/Artera): resolving risk discrepancies39:00 – What MRI-LINAC adds: real-time adaptive planning43:00 – Continuous Motion Monitoring (CMM): beam stops if target moves47:00 – Treat whole gland + boost the DIL (FLAME study approach)49:00 – Toward focal therapy with better biologic imaging + AI54:00 – How to choose: values, side-effects, lifestyle, comorbidities01:01:00 – Final guidance: don't be overwhelmed—multiple good option

Check out this week's QuadCast where we highlight the pros and cons of dose de-escalated RT for resected HPV+ oropharynx cancer, another trial showing that SBRT for oligometastatic prostate cancer improves outcomes, a model for predicting brain radiation necrosis with SRS, and more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

In this episode, Mason sits down with Dr. Carol Haddad to explore a topic close to the hearts of so many—how traditional medical treatments and complementary approaches can work together for deeper healing. Instead of choosing one path over the other, Dr. Carol shares how integration creates a more personalized, compassionate, and effective journey toward wellness. You'll hear real-world examples, practical strategies, and encouraging insights that remind us healing isn't just about treating the body—it's about nurturing the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or simply curious about integrative approaches, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on what's possible when different worlds of medicine come together. By the end of this episode, you'll feel empowered with new ways to think about health, inspired by stories of resilience, and encouraged to see healing as more than a diagnosis—it's a journey.   Key Insights & Timestamps 02:15 The importance of blending science with holistic approaches 05:42 Why patients shouldn't feel forced to choose “either/or” in treatment 09:10 Dr. Carol's story of how she embraced integrative care 14:27 The role of nutrition and lifestyle in healing 18:55 How mindset and emotional health impact physical recovery 23:40 The science behind complementary therapies 28:05 Stories of patients who found strength through integrative care 33:12 How caregivers can support the journey with compassion 38:46 The future of medicine: collaboration over competition 42:19 Practical steps to begin your own integrative path About Dr. Carol Haddad Dr. Carol is a highly trained physician who bridges the gap between conventional oncology and holistic healing. With a background that includes a Medical Science degree from UNSW, a postgraduate degree in Medicine from the University of Sydney, specialty training in Radiation Oncology, and certification in Functional Medicine, she has more than a decade of experience treating patients within hospital and cancer center settings. Her journey led her beyond traditional medicine into the world of integrative oncology, where she combines evidence-based treatments with complementary therapies such as natural medicine, psycho-energetic healing, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions. This unique approach allows her to deliver truly holistic cancer care—addressing not just the disease, but the whole person. Dr. Carol believes that patients deserve a more balanced model of treatment, one that draws from the strengths of both science and spirituality to improve outcomes and quality of life. Today, she consults with patients and healthcare professionals worldwide, offering guidance on functional medicine, integrative cancer strategies, and ways to minimise side effects while maximising recovery. Her mission is to empower individuals to embrace long-term wellbeing, reduce recurrence risk, and experience healing in a more sustainable way. If you're curious about functional medicine, holistic oncology, or integrative cancer support, this episode is for you.   Resources Mentioned: Email: drcarolhaddad@gmail.com Website: www.drcarolhaddad.com

Access the FREE Water Fasting Masterclass Now: https://www.katiedeming.com/the-healing-power-of-fasting/What lifestyle choices can reduce your risk before cancer develops? (Video ReRelease)Dr. Katie Deming sat down with Dr. Thomas Seyfried, professor of biology at Boston College and author of Cancer as a Metabolic Disease. Together, they explore how cancer cells depend on sugar and glutamine for fuel, why the mitochondria, not DNA mutations, may be at the heart of the disease, and what this understanding means for prevention and treatment.Key Highlights:Can dietary changes, fasting, and exercise support treatment once cancer is diagnosed? Why should patients and doctors pay attention to the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) to measure how the body is fueling itself?What can you do today to reduce your risk of chronic illness?Dr. Seyfried explains the Warburg Effect, the role of dysfunctional mitochondria in cancer growth, and why standard treatments may sometimes work against us by feeding cancer's energy needs.Listen, learn the surprising story of how weight loss, not a new drug, led to dramatic tumor reduction in lab studies. Dr. Thomas Seyfried: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/biology/people/faculty-directory/thomas-seyfried.htmlAccess the FREE Water Fasting Masterclass Now: https://www.katiedeming.com/the-healing-power-of-fasting/ Transform your hydration with the system that delivers filtered, mineralized, and structured water all in one. Spring Aqua System: https://springaqua.info/drkatieMORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Save your spot for the next LIVE fasting call here: https://www.katiedeming.com/the-healing-power-of-fasting/ Work with Dr. Katie: www.katiedeming.comEmail: INFO@KATIEDEMING.COM 6 Pillars of Healing Cancer Workshop Series - Click Here to Enroll Follow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedemingmd/ Please Support the Show Share this episode with a friend or family member Give a Review on Spotify Give a Review on Apple Podcast DISCLAIMER: The Born to Heal Podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual medical histories are unique; therefore, this episode should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease without consulting your healthcare provider.

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight the ability to skip a mediastinal nodal dissection with small GGOs, how Pluvicto improves outcomes in mCRPC with higher tumor volume, the lack of general knowledge about the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer, and much more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight how intranasal mupirocin decreases radiation dermatitis associate with nasopharynx radiation, the lack of benefit of immunotherapy in MGMT-unmethylated GBM, the role of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in unresectable pancreatic cancer, and more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight long term results from FLAME on DIL SIB in prostate cancer, how the benefits of Pluvicto are growing, the thought provoking question of surgical omission in breast cancer, and much more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight de-escalated therapy for cutaneous SCC based on pembro response, a comparison of fluciclovine vs. PSMA PET scan in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, an important change to HPV+ oropharyngeal staging, and more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom

Check out this week's QuadCast as we highlight the impact of perilesional edema on local failure risk for brain SRS, the benefits of RT in high risk prostate cancer, and much more. Check out the website and subscribe to the newsletter! www.quadshotnews.com Founders & Lead Authors: Laura Dover & Caleb Dulaney Podcast Host: Sam Marcrom