Podcasts about Radiation therapy

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.  

Sean Morrison, Ph.D., from the Children's Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern, investigates how stem cells function, regenerate, and interact with their surrounding environment in the bone marrow. His research reveals how leptin receptor-positive cells—key components of the bone marrow niche—regulate hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and regeneration, influence platelet production, and respond to physiological stress like pregnancy. Morrison uncovers a reciprocal relationship between these niche cells and peripheral nerves, showing that disrupting nerve signals impairs bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy or radiation. His work also links retrotransposon activation during pregnancy to increased red blood cell production, with implications for maternal health and transplant medicine. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40449]

Sean Morrison, Ph.D., from the Children's Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern, investigates how stem cells function, regenerate, and interact with their surrounding environment in the bone marrow. His research reveals how leptin receptor-positive cells—key components of the bone marrow niche—regulate hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and regeneration, influence platelet production, and respond to physiological stress like pregnancy. Morrison uncovers a reciprocal relationship between these niche cells and peripheral nerves, showing that disrupting nerve signals impairs bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy or radiation. His work also links retrotransposon activation during pregnancy to increased red blood cell production, with implications for maternal health and transplant medicine. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40449]

Cancers continue to change, or mutate, as time goes on, often acquiring the ability to outmaneuver treatments. Valsamo Anagnostou, a cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins, has used repeated blood sampling for cancer cells with treatment strategies like radiation to stay … Can peripheral blood sampling be combined with radiation therapy for cancer? Elizabeth Tracey reports Read More »

Radiation oncologist Dr. Julian Hong explains how radiation therapy works and its central role in treating prostate cancer, both when the disease is localized and when it has spread to limited areas. He outlines major radiation options, including external beam radiation, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and brachytherapy, and describes how treatment plans are carefully tailored using imaging, planning scans, and computer modeling to maximize precision and minimize side effects. Hong highlights advances in targeting and beam modulation, which allow for safer, more effective treatment. He also discusses typical timelines for treatment, short- and long-term side effects, and the importance of ongoing follow-up to manage late effects of therapy. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40803]

Radiation oncologist Dr. Julian Hong explains how radiation therapy works and its central role in treating prostate cancer, both when the disease is localized and when it has spread to limited areas. He outlines major radiation options, including external beam radiation, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and brachytherapy, and describes how treatment plans are carefully tailored using imaging, planning scans, and computer modeling to maximize precision and minimize side effects. Hong highlights advances in targeting and beam modulation, which allow for safer, more effective treatment. He also discusses typical timelines for treatment, short- and long-term side effects, and the importance of ongoing follow-up to manage late effects of therapy. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40803]

Radiation can feel overwhelming — whether it's your first session or your last. In this episode, Jen and Darren share their very different experiences with radiation: Jen's journey through breast cancer radiation, including the fears, mindset shifts, and tips that made it easier. Darren's two rounds of brain radiation and what he learned along the way. Then, they dive into powerful healing modalities to support your body after treatment. If you're in treatment, recovering, or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you practical tools, hope, and encouragement to help you feel stronger after radiation.

Radiation for skin cancer - with Dr. Jacob Scott! -Lipedema - not just for social media (?) - Inebilizumab for IgG4 disease -HTN and PWS -Learn more about radiation therapy and other non-surgical options for skin cancer treatment at The Dermatology Association of Radiation Therapy: https://dermassociationrt.org/Join Luke's CME experience on Jak inhibitors! ⁠rushu.gathered.com/invite/ELe31Enb69⁠Learn more about the U of U Dermatology ECHO model!https://physicians.utah.edu/echo/dermatology-primarycare#:~:text=ECHO%20Model,being%20presented%20in%20the%20session.Want to donate to the cause? Do so here!Donate to the podcast: ⁠uofuhealth.org/dermasphere⁠Check out our video content on YouTube:⁠www.youtube.com/@dermaspherepodcast⁠and VuMedi!: ⁠www.vumedi.com/channel/dermasphere/⁠The University of Utah's DermatologyECHO: ⁠⁠physicians.utah.edu/echo/dermatology-primarycare⁠ -⁠ Connect with us!- Web: ⁠⁠dermaspherepodcast.com/⁠⁠ - Twitter: @⁠DermaspherePC⁠- Instagram: dermaspherepodcast- Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/DermaspherePodcast/⁠- Check out Luke and Michelle's other podcast,SkinCast! ⁠⁠healthcare.utah.edu/dermatology/skincast/⁠⁠ Luke and Michelle report no significant conflicts of interest… BUT check out ourfriends at:- ⁠Kikoxp.com ⁠(a social platform for doctors to share knowledge)- ⁠⁠www.levelex.com/games/top-derm⁠⁠ (A free dermatology game to learnmore dermatology!

Join Salinas Valley Health interventional radiologist, Juan Rodriguez, MD, as he explores the science and promise of Y-90 radioembolization, a groundbreaking treatment reshaping the fight against liver cancer. Learn how this targeted therapy works, what the procedure entails, and its impact on managing this complex disease.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Baywatch' Pin-Up Nicole Eggert's Brutal Cancer Fight Comeback Revealed in Full - Including Mastectomy, Chemotherapy and Radiation TherapyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Radiation Therapy can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Tune in to TALRadio English on Spotify & Apple Podcasts for a compelling interview with Dr. K.C. Goutham Reddy, Senior Consultant Oncologist and Founder & Managing Director of Cancer Shield Pvt Ltd. With a rich background in Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Palliative Care, Dr. Reddy shares valuable insights into the role of radiation therapy in cancer treatment, addressing common myths, clinical facts, and patient-centered approaches. Hosted by Suhasini, this episode offers clarity and confidence to those facing cancer.Host : SuhasiniGuest : K.C.Goutham ReddyYou Can Reach K.C.Goutham Reddy @linkedin.com/in/k-c-goutham-reddy-534b183b#TALRadioEnglish #CancerCare #RadiationTherapy #Oncology #HealthcareLeadership #PatientSupport #TALHospitals #MedicalOncology #PalliativeCare #CancerAwareness #HolisticHealing #ClinicalInsight #TouchALife #TALRadio

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter In this quarterly podcast summary (QPS) episode, Peter summarizes his biggest takeaways from the last three months of guest interviews on the podcast. Peter shares key insights from his discussions with Jeff English on the journey to healing from trauma; Ashley Mason on improving sleep and CBT-I; Sanjay Mehta on misconceptions around radiation and its use in cancer therapy and treating inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis and tendonitis); Sean Mackey on understanding and treating acute and chronic pain; and Susan Desmond-Hellmann on insights from her extraordinary career that pertain to the use of AI in medicine, understanding cancer, and the development of cancer therapeutics. Additionally, Peter shares any behavioral changes he's made for himself or his patients as a result of these fascinating discussions. If you're not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you'll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the episode #347 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here. We discuss: Summary of episode topics [1:45]; Jeff English episode: how trauma shapes behavior and identity, and the value of understanding personal adaptations and working through unresolved emotional wounds [3:45]; Practical behavioral changes and emotional tools Peter has applied since the Jeff English episode [13:00]; Ashley Mason episode: treating insomnia using CBT-I and practical behavioral techniques for improving sleep quality [19:15]; When to seek professional care for sleep issues [30:30]; Sanjay Mehta episode: radiation therapy's evolution, its underused potential in treating inflammatory conditions, and the cultural misconceptions surrounding radiation exposure [33:45]; Peter's predictions and insights for the upcoming Formula 1 season [43:15]; Sean Mackey episode: the neuroscience, classifications, and treatment strategies for chronic pain, and the importance of personalized care [57:45]; Susan Desmond-Hellmann episode: how AI is revolutionizing medicine through advancements in drug development, biomarker discovery, and the potential of training models on private clinical data [1:05:45]; More from Susan Desmond-Hellmann: why cancer is so difficult to treat with drugs, the promise of immunotherapy, and the long-term hope for systemic treatments [1:14:00]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Cohort study evaluated the use of ablative radiation therapy (A-RT) as a noninvasive alternative to surgery in 25 patients with technically resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who were ineligible for surgery due to comorbidities. Conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 2016 and 2022, the study found that A-RT, delivered with high precision and dose intensity, provided promising local control and overall survival, with a 2-year OS rate of 43.7% and manageable toxicity. Despite advanced age, poor performance status, and limited chemotherapy use in the cohort, outcomes suggest A-RT may be a viable local therapy for select patients with resectable PDAC, warranting further prospective investigation.Link to Arcticlehttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2832566

Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation—X-rays, gamma rays, or subatomic particles such as neutrons—to destroy cancer cells. Learn how it works, the types of radiation, and early and late side effects you may see. https://bit.ly/4cEClyUIn this Episode:01:52 - Road Trip - Louisiana, and Crunch Cake Recipe03:30 - Anna Quindlin - The Dividing Line06:52 - Radiation Therapy Explained12:16 - Radiation Side Effects17:35 - Late Effects of Radiation Therapy20:54 - Discussion - Not Being Able to Swallow26:06 - The Mole Agent and The Man on the Inside30:48 - OutroRelated Content:S6E2: Understanding Cancer Treatment Options: SurgeryS5E52: Cancer Gone Wild – Learn All About MetastasisS5E45: Why Does Cancer Exist? Empower Yourself With UnderstandingS5E46: “Why Do I Have Cancer?” Kismet, Chastisement or Coincidence?S5E47: MythBusters – Cancer Edition; Clarifying Common Cancer Myths & MisconceptionsS5E48: How to Read a CT Scan Report – Learn the Sections Relevant to Your DiagnosisS5E49: Are there Miracle Cures for Cancer? With Dr. Jeanna FordS5E50: What is Meant by Cancer Staging? Learn the Language of a Cancer DiagnosisSupport the showGet show notes and resources at our website: every1dies.org. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | mail@every1dies.org

In this episode of the Dr. Geo Prostate Podcast, we welcome Dr. Jonathan Lischalk, Director of Genitourinary Cancers at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and former Medical Director at NYU's NYCyberKnife Center. Dr. Lischalk breaks down the evolution of radiation oncology and how cutting-edge imaging and targeted SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) are reshaping prostate cancer treatment.We explore how imaging advances like MRI and PSMA PET scans are enabling unprecedented precision, the future of genetic-based personalization in prostate cancer therapy, and why fewer, more focused radiation sessions might soon become the new standard. From understanding the biology of radiation dosing to upcoming trials eliminating ADT in select patients, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed on the forefront of cancer care.

Commentary by Dr. Sophie Jacob.

This podcast discusses an updated systematic review of the literature and provides new recommendations for the role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the treatment of adult patients with Vestibular Schwannoma. Brad Elder, MD Isabelle Germano, MD

Welcome to another insightful trailer episode of A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast , hosted by the experienced medical imaging professional, Chaundria | Radiology Technologist . With over 22 years in the field, Chaundria | Radiology Technologist is here to share essential tips and tricks to help you elevate your career as an MRI Technologist.The ASRT is more than continuing education management. Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy professionals are leaving career growth opportunities on the table when they aren't members or taking advantage of the ASRT membership. Listen to the full episode to learn more and visit www.asrt.orgSubscribe & Leave a ReviewDon't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it and leave a review.© 2025 A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast website

Radiation therapy or radiotherapy, is a common treatment for cancer, but its effectiveness differs across patients. A recent study published as the cover for Volume 17, Issue 2 of Aging explored why this happens. The findings provide valuable insights, particularly for brain cancers like glioblastoma (GBM) and low-grade gliomas (LGG). Understanding Glioblastoma and Low-Grade Gliomas Glioblastoma and LGG are both brain tumors, but they behave in very different ways. GBM is highly aggressive, with most patients surviving only 12 to 18 months, even with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. LGG, on the other hand, grows more slowly, and many patients live for decades with proper care. Despite their differences, LGG and GBM are biologically linked. Some LGG tumors eventually transform into GBM, making early treatment decisions critical. Given radiation therapy's effectiveness in GBM, it has often been assumed that LGG patients would also benefit from it. However, a new study titled “Variability in radiotherapy outcomes across cancer types: a comparative study of glioblastoma multiforme and low-grade gliomas” challenges this assumption. Full blog - https://aging-us.org/2025/03/how-radiation-therapy-affects-tumors-glioblastoma-vs-low-grade-gliomas/ Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206212 Corresponding author - Morten Scheibye-Knudsen - mscheibye@sund.ku.dk Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j91rzDJHXTE Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article - https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206212 Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts Keywords - aging, cancer, biomarkers, radiotherapy, GBM, LGG, survival About Aging-US The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population. The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.) Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AgingJournal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

In this PRO podcast, Bisham Chera MD, FASTRO, Danielle Margalit, MD, MPH, and David Sher, MD, discuss the recently published ASTRO clinical practice guideline of Radiation Therapy for HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This manuscript was published in print in the September/October 2024 issue and was the 3rd most downloaded PRO article in 2024. Listen for their lively and meaningful discussion of the key recommendations and controversies.

In this episode, Dr. Geo welcomes Dr. Jonathan Haas, Director of Radiation Oncology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in Long Island, to discuss the latest advancements in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer. Dr. Haas, a pioneer in CyberKnife radiation, shares the latest research, treatment options, and what's on the horizon for prostate cancer care.Episode Highlights:✔ SBRT & CyberKnife Technology – How high-dose, highly targeted radiation is replacing traditional 9-week radiation therapy.✔ New Developments – Research is underway to reduce SBRT treatment from five sessions to just two, making therapy even more convenient.✔ Prostate Motion & Radiation Accuracy – The prostate moves during treatment—learn how advanced imaging and AI-powered tracking compensate for movement to improve precision.✔ Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) & SBRT – Not all patients may need ADT. New studies explore whether men with Gleason 4+3 can avoid hormone therapy.✔ Who is a Candidate? – Understanding the differences between Gleason 6, 7, 8, and 9 patients and who may benefit most from SBRT.✔ Side Effects & Risk Factors – Discussing common side effects like bladder bleeding (2%), rectal irritation (5%), erectile dysfunction (25% over 5 years), and strictures (2%).✔ Artificial Intelligence & Radiation Therapy – The RayStation AI system is now optimizing radiation planning, increasing precision, and making treatments more effective.✔ Choosing the Right Treatment Center – Why it's crucial to seek multidisciplinary care, get second opinions, and explore clinical trials for the best possible outcome.Takeaway: The landscape of prostate cancer treatment is evolving rapidly. If you or a loved one is considering radiation therapy, ask about SBRT, AI-driven imaging, and new clinical trials to ensure you receive the most advanced and effective care.Join Dr. Geo each week for expert insights, science-backed advice, and empowering conversations designed to help you live better with age. ----------------Thank you to our partnersThe ProLon 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet is a plant-based meal program designed to provide fasting benefits while allowing food intake. Developed by Dr. Valter Longo, it supports cellular renewal, fat loss, and metabolic health through low-calorie, pre-packaged meals that maintain the body in a fasting state.Special Offer: Thank you for listening, you can purchase the ProLon kit for just $148 by using this link.We'd also like to thank our partner AG1 by Athletic Greens. AG1 contains 75 high-quality vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced ingredients, probiotics, and adaptogens to help you start your day right. This special blend of ingredients supports your gut health, nervous system, immune system, energy, recovery, focus, and aging. All the essentials in one scoop. Enjoy AG1 by Athletic Greens.----------------Thanks for listening to this week's episode. Subscribe to The Dr. Geo YouTube...

Robert Den, Chief Medical Officer at Alpha Tau Medical, is changing cancer treatment using their Alpha DaRT technology to deliver a potent form of alpha radiation directly into solid tumors with minimal side effects. There is potential for the Alpha DaRT to be combined with immunotherapy and chemotherapy to further invoke an immune response. This one-time alpha radiation treatment has shown the ability to treat all solid tumors, only limited by the ability to deliver the Alpha DaRT directly to the tumor. Robert explains, "So alpha radiation is one of the three types of radiation that occur naturally, and it's been known as a very potent form of radiation for several decades now. The challenge with alpha radiation in the treatment of patients with localized disease and with solid tumors, meaning tumors not like leukemias or lymphomas but more like pancreas, lung, and prostate cancer, is that the alpha particles themselves aren't only able to travel a very short distance inside tissue or inside the cancer itself." "Before Alpha Tau and the Alpha DaRT technology, there was no pragmatic way to use this super potent and very safe type of radiation because you could not put enough alpha particles inside a tumor to cover the tumor with the radiation dose. What Alpha DaRT technology does is rely on the movement of what's called alpha-emitting daughter atoms." "So essentially, we take a biocompatible inert metal seed, which means that if you were to put this seed into the body, there would be no immune effect. Patients could have it inside them for the entirety of their life. Essentially, what we do is we cover this seed with a radiopharmaceutical called Radium-224. We just put Radium-224 on the outside of the seed. Then, we insert it either through a minimally invasive approach or using a different endoscopic approach inside the tumor directly. So now we have the seed covered with the radium inside the tumor, and this is basically where the magic happens."   #AlphaTauMedical #Cancer #TargetedRadiation #ClinicalResearch #RadiationOncology #Oncology #CancerTreatment #AlphaRadiation  alphatau.com Download the transcript here

Robert Den, Chief Medical Officer at Alpha Tau Medical, is changing cancer treatment using their Alpha DaRT technology to deliver a potent form of alpha radiation directly into solid tumors with minimal side effects. There is potential for the Alpha DaRT to be combined with immunotherapy and chemotherapy to further invoke an immune response. This one-time alpha radiation treatment has shown the ability to treat all solid tumors, only limited by the ability to deliver the Alpha DaRT directly to the tumor. Robert explains, "So alpha radiation is one of the three types of radiation that occur naturally, and it's been known as a very potent form of radiation for several decades now. The challenge with alpha radiation in the treatment of patients with localized disease and with solid tumors, meaning tumors not like leukemias or lymphomas but more like pancreas, lung, and prostate cancer, is that the alpha particles themselves aren't only able to travel a very short distance inside tissue or inside the cancer itself." "Before Alpha Tau and the Alpha DaRT technology, there was no pragmatic way to use this super potent and very safe type of radiation because you could not put enough alpha particles inside a tumor to cover the tumor with the radiation dose. What Alpha DaRT technology does is rely on the movement of what's called alpha-emitting daughter atoms." "So essentially, we take a biocompatible inert metal seed, which means that if you were to put this seed into the body, there would be no immune effect. Patients could have it inside them for the entirety of their life. Essentially, what we do is we cover this seed with a radiopharmaceutical called Radium-224. We just put Radium-224 on the outside of the seed. Then, we insert it either through a minimally invasive approach or using a different endoscopic approach inside the tumor directly. So now we have the seed covered with the radium inside the tumor, and this is basically where the magic happens."   #AlphaTauMedical #Cancer #TargetedRadiation #ClinicalResearch #RadiationOncology #Oncology #CancerTreatment #AlphaRadiation  alphatau.com Listen to the podcast here

In this in-depth expose, veterinary oncology technician specialist Jenny Fisher joins Molly Jacobson to explain the ins and outs of radiation therapy for dogs with cancer. Whether you're fearful as you consider radiation for your dog or just curious about how it works, this episode provides invaluable insights.  Topics Covered:  How radiation therapy works and the two types: diagnostic vs. therapeutic  The difference between teletherapy and brachytherapy  What to expect during radiation treatments, including anesthesia use  Short-term and long-term side effects of radiation therapy  When radiation therapy is recommended for dogs with cancer  How stereotactic radiosurgery like CyberKnife offers precision treatment  Tips for preparing your dog for radiation therapy and managing side effects  Your Voice Matters!   If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.   Related Videos:  Radiation for a dog with TCC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoyn-1TBsA  What a veterinary technician does: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m7pjiHLhGA   Related Links:  An overview of radiation therapy for dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/radiation-for-dogs/  An in-depth article on stereotactic radiation: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/stereotactic-radiation-therapy-for-dogs/   Chapters:  00:00 Introduction  0:15 What Is Radiation Therapy for Dogs?  01:00 Types of Radiation: Teletherapy vs. Brachytherapy  02:45 Common Misconceptions About Radiation Safety  04:00 How Teletherapy Works for Dogs  06:30 The Role of Anesthesia in Radiation Therapy  08:45 How Radiation Targets Tumors  10:30 Curative vs. Palliative Radiation Intent  12:15 Stereotactic Radiosurgery Explained  14:00 Managing Side Effects: Short-Term and Long-Term Effects  18:00 Radiation-Induced Tumors: Risks and Realities  20:30 Preparing Your Dog for Radiation Therapy  23:00 How Technicians Create a Healing Environment  25:15 Tips for Dog Owners: What to Ask Your Vet  27:00 Closing Thoughts: Changing Perceptions Around Radiation    Get to know Jenny Fisher: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/jenny-cassibry-fisher-rvt-vts-oncology/  For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn our latest episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, Debra Schindler talks with MedStar Health breast surgeon, Maen Farha, MD, medical director of the Breast Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, about the most common breast cancer diagnosis: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Learn more about the contained, early-stage disease, the intricacies of diagnosis, and the personalized treatment options available. Dr. Farha shares valuable experience and a wealth of knowledge with hope for outstanding results, possible with proper care.For more episodes of MedStar Health DocTalk, go to medstarhealth.org/doctalk.

ABOUT THIS EPISODEWhat is radiation oncology, and how is it used for neuroendocrine cancer? UCSF radiation oncologists Dr. Will Chen and Dr. Alexandra Hotca-Cho describe external radiation therapy (SBRT) and how, when, and where it may be used for select patients with neuroendocrine cancers. They address common concerns about the planning process, safety concerns, and treatment sequencing.TOP TEN QUESTIONS ABOUT EXTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY FOR NEUROENDOCRINE CANCERS:1. What is radiation oncology? How does it work? How is it different from other types of radiation?2. What are the types of radiation therapies used for neuroendocrine cancer? 3. Which neuroendocrine cancers are they used for, and when are they used? How do you decide who is a good candidate and if it will be effective?Where in the body can SBRT be used? (bone, liver, pancreas, rectal?) Where can it not be used in the body, and when is SBRT NOT used?Is there a number or size limit of the tumor(s)?4. For Bone: How do NETs affect the bones? Are they “on” or “in” the bone, and does the tumor tend to weaken it?If given to the bone, does SBRT weaken the bone? What are the chances of fracture with radiation to the bone? Does it matter which area of the bone/body is treated? What other factors influence fracture risk? (age, dose, number of treatments)? Should patients have a bone density scan before SBRT?If bone lesions are causing pain, how soon after treatment might a patient expect to have pain alleviated?How common is increased pain after treatment to the bone? What causes that?5. Safety: How much radiation is given with these procedures? Is there a concern about radiation safety following the procedures? (Do patients need to avoid others in the hours or days after the treatment?)Is there a lifetime limit to the amount of radiation one can receive, especially considering surveillance CT & PET scans?How often can these procedures be repeated? Does it damage other tissues or organs? How common are secondary cancers? What types and how treatable are they?Is there a risk with fertility?What other risks are there?6. How do these therapies compare to PRRT or radioembolization in terms of safety? If someone has had PRRT or radioembolization, can they also receive radiation therapy to the liver or bones? Is there increased risks if someone has had PRRT, radioembolization or CAPTEM or alkylating agents? 7. Is there an optimal sequence for treatments? 8. What is SBRT like for patients? What is the planning and preparation process? How do you determine how many treatments and what dose to give?9. What does the patient experience during and after the procedure? Does it hurt? What are the side effects? How much time do I need to take off of work? 10. How effective is SBRT in terms of managing symptoms? How effective is SBRT in controlling or destroying the tumor?  How do you know if the treatment “worked”?Bonus: What is the future of radiation therapy in neuroendocrine cancer treatment?For more information, visit LACNETS.org.

In late 2018, Samina Cepal went in for her routine pap smear, but her visit turned out to be anything but routine.  It led to a CT scan, a pelvic ultrasound and a diagnosis of cervical cancer.  Samina underwent a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  She experienced acute fatigue, weight loss, hair loss and despair, but three months later, her doctor said she had no evidence of disease.  These days, Samina can exercise, which includes vigorous use of a hula hoop, and has regained her appetite and her pre-diagnosis weight.

Join host Rick Bangs and expert Dr. Kent Mouw, a radiation oncologist from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, as they dive deep into the transformative role of radiation therapy in treating bladder cancer. From debunking myths about radiation to exploring cutting-edge advancements like adaptive radiation and personalized treatment plans, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how modern techniques are improving outcomes and patient experiences. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation about the future of bladder cancer treatment.

Marc Mlyn is the President and CEO of RaySearch Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of RaySearch Laboratories AB in Stockholm, Sweden.  Marc began work in medical physics doing research as an undergraduate in the late 1980's, and went on to become a certified medical dosimetrist (https://www.medicaldosimetry.org/about/medical-dosimetrist/). He worked in Radiation Therapy hospitals until 1997, when he went to work as a customer service specialist for ADAC, which was soon acquired by Philips Medical System in 2000. He worked as a senior service manager, traveling the world and working with distributors, sales staff and customers all over the globe.  In 2007 Marc went to CIVCO and became the vice president of Marketing, developing software and hardware systems for radiation therapy. When RaySearch Laboratories released a new software platform in 2011, he was asked to start up the Americas organization to provide sales, support and training.  RaySearch Americas grew from three people to fifty people over the next few years, and has built a successful organization with offices in New York City and Santa Clara California. Marc has an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology, and an MS in Cybersecurity from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

What does recent research say about the role of perirectal spacers in prostate cancer treatment? In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, host Dr. Jose Silva discusses the use of perirectal spacers for prostate radiotherapy with guests Dr. Eric Chenven, Chief of Urology at Broward Health Medical Center, and Dr. Nadim Nasr, a radiation oncologist at Arlington Radiation Oncology. --- This podcast is supported by: Boston Scientific SpaceOAR Hydrogel https://www.spaceoar.com/about-spaceoar-hydrogel/how-spaceoar-hydrogel-works/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=uro-ph-us-spaceoar-dtp&utm_content=nf-cs-prostatecancer_search_en_us_brand_conversion_dtp_uro-spaceoar-651995397243-res&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9eO3BhBNEiwAoc0-jTE63KEHSnZ1soXre9ovVRqweY2QctIuZ_iN2QUjk6Px4k6fK1757BoCVNgQAvD_BwE --- SYNPOSIS Their conversation delves into the use of Boston Scientific's SpaceOAR hydrogel to reduce radiation exposure to the rectum. The experts elaborate on the techniques and logistical challenges of placing spacers, as well as their effects on patient outcomes. They also discuss insurance hurdles, use of sedation, fiducial marker placement, and the impact of large prostate size on treatment efficacy. Finally, they touch on Barrigel, the newest spacer option. This episode emphasizes the need for collaboration between urologists and radiation oncologists to improve patient care. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 06:33 - Importance of Perirectal Spacing 11:17 - Techniques and Protocols 13:00 - Barrigel: The New Option 14:58 - Challenges and Practical Considerations 24:55 - Future Directions --- RESOURCES Boston Scientific SpaceOAR https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/hydrogel-spacers/spaceoar-hydrogel.html URO108 - Minimizing Radiation Therapy Side Effects https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/108/minimizing-radiation-therapy-side-effects URO123 - Perfecting Rectal Spacer Placement for Optimal Care https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/podcasts/123/perfecting-rectal-spacer-placement-for-optimal-care

Cameron Tharp, MPH, RTT joins The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh), and we host radiation therapist Shaun Caldwell, EdD, RTT to discuss the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) role. Here are some things we discussed during the show:Mohan et al. on record and verify systems (1984)American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)Health Education England Advanced Clinical Practice DefinitionHere are some peer reviewed publications on the APRT role:Lawlor and Leech. Scoping review of established APRT rolesSkubish et al. Exploring possibilities for the APRT in the USThe Accelerators Podcast is a production of Photon Media, a division of the Cold Light Legacy Company.If you'd like to support our efforts, please visit the Cold Light Legacy Company to learn more.

In this powerful episode of the Balancing Chaos podcast, Kelley Nemiro sits down with Dr. Katie Deming, oncologist and healthcare leader who has dedicated her career to making the cancer experience just a little bit easier. After caring for thousands of patients and achieving major milestones in her career in traditional Western Medicine, Katie's life took a dramatic turn following a near-death experience in 2020. At the height of her professional success, having been nominated for the prestigious position of National Medical Director of Cancer Services for a healthcare system serving over 12 million Americans, Katie realized she needed to leave traditional oncology behind. This pivotal experience led her on a new path to explore deeper healing methods for cancer patients. While she continues to recognize the value of traditional cancer treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, Katie now focuses on the mind-body connection and the conditions that support true wellness and healing. She is passionate about helping cancer patients navigate the bridge between conventional cancer care and integrative healing approaches.In this episode, Kelley and Katie dive deep into:The limitations of chemotherapy and radiation—how these treatments kill cells but don't cure cancer—and the critical role of bolstering the immune system to truly heal.The debate on whether cancer is driven more by genetics or lifestyle, and the surprising insights that Katie has discovered through her research.The importance of holistic well-being, including emotional, mental, and spiritual health, in both cancer prevention and recovery.Effective strategies to mitigate the stress of modern living and how reducing stress can prevent the development of cancer.How emotional management, supportive environments, and empowering communication are essential components of cancer treatment.Rethinking healthcare to emphasize patient independence and self-reliance on their healing journey.Katie's insights into the right diet and supplements for cancer prevention and supporting the healing process.This conversation is full of eye-opening revelations for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how to approach cancer treatment holistically. Whether you're navigating cancer yourself, supporting a loved one, or interested in proactive health strategies, Katie's expertise and perspective will inspire and empower you.Tune in to learn how we can go beyond traditional treatments and embrace a more comprehensive approach to cancer care that addresses the root causes of illness and fosters true wellness.Links & Resources:Learn more about Katie Deming's integrative oncology services HEREFollow Kelley on Instagram HEREBook a lab review with Kelley HEREDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Balancing Chaos podcast!

The Accelerators (Drs. Matt Spraker and Simul Parikh) host Christine Gnaster, MS, DABR, FAAPM, Vice President of Product of Radformation and medical physicist Chelsea Page-Robertson for a #MedEd discussion of AutoContour, ClearCheck, and the use of AI in Radiation Oncology. Christine kicks us off with an approachable overview of how tools like AutoContour actually work. We discuss how Radformation have trained hundreds of models to help you contour in clinic. She also shares how they are approaching current challenges in the field of automated contouring. We then discuss ClearCheck, how it is linked to AutoContour, and why it is so much more than a checklist for dosimetry review. Chelsea shares how her and Matt have implemented AutoContour and ClearCheck in their practice. We close with a discussion of the "psychology" of implementing AI tools in the Radiation Oncology clinic. Should we trust the computer to draw clinical target volumes? Are we planning to green boxes? Are these tools going to us worse clinicians? Plus, all the (live) music that makes us happy.Here are some other things we discussed during the show:See a list of AutoContour's included modelsRadformation Acquires Limbus AITAP Re-irradiation EpisodeAAPM TG 132Dean et al., CB-CHOP plan review strategyChen et al., Physician vs. AI Chat Bot for cancerPhysics World, "Automation in the radiotherapy workflow"Batumalai et al., Survey of RO professionals perceptions of automationEditor's Note: While our love for their products is genuine, The Accelerators were compensated for this episode and Radformation participated in planning the content. The discussions in this episode are the opinions of the participants and are not clinical advice.Please see our website for complete information on our past and current sponsors.The Accelerators Podcast is a Photon Media production. 

As a dermatologist who treats skin cancers, I can't stress enough how important it is to understand skin cancers and how to prevent them. Skin cancers are one of the most common types of cancer, but with the right knowledge and actions, it's also one of the easiest to prevent and treat.  Regular check-ups, protecting your skin from the sun, and knowing your treatment options are key to keeping your skin healthy. If you have any concerns about your skin or need advice on how to treat or prevent skin cancer, it's important to talk to a dermatologist. Don't miss this week's podcast with Dr. Abigail Waldman, where she covers common and rare skin cancers, prevention and treatment methods. Key Takeaways: - The majority of skin cancers have a good prognosis when treated with surgery. - Sun exposure during childhood and cumulative sun exposure increase the risk of skin cancer. - Starting good sun protection habits early is really important for keeping your skin healthy in the long run - Discussing treatment options and preventive measures with a dermatologist is crucial. - Mohs surgery is considered the 'gold standard' for skin cancer treatment especially on the head and neck area. - If you need advice on how to treat or prevent skin cancer, it's important to talk to a dermatologist.  Check out Dr. Mina's top picks for skin care here. Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here. In This Episode: (9:52) Importance of Sun Protection (11:46) Nicotinamide and Sun Damage (13:49) How to Get Vitamin D (16:11) Laser Treatment for Pre-cancers and Early Skin Cancers (18:39) Merkel Cell Carcinoma (22:08 )Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer (26:56) Overview of Mohs Surgery (34:33) Top Three Takeaways Dr. Abigail Waldman Abigail H. Waldman, MD, FAAD Director, Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Center Director, Mohs Surgery, VA Boston Healthcare System Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School Dermatology Leadership Title Director, Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Center Director, Mohs Surgery, VA Boston Healthcare System Follow Dr. Waldman here: https://www.instagram.com/abby.waldmanmd/ https://www.youtube.com/@doctor-abby https://www.tiktok.com/@drabby6?_t=8otzFxFpbUF&_r=1 Follow Dr. Mina here:- https://instagram.com/drminaskin https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin For more great skin care tips, subscribe to The Skin Real Podcast or visit www.theskinreal.com Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery, LLC Email - scheduling@atlantadermsurgery.com Contact - (404) 844-0496 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baucomminamd/ Thanks for listening! The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice.

JCO PO author Dr. Jonathan D. Tward, M.D., Ph.D., FASTRO, at the HCI Genitourinary Cancers Center and the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, shares insights into his JCO PO article, “Using the Cell-Cycle Risk Score to Predict the Benefit of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy Added to Radiation Therapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer.” Host Dr. Rafeh Naqash and Dr. Tward discuss how the cell-cycle risk score predicts the benefit of androgen-deprivation therapy in prostate cancer treatment. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Hello and welcome to JCO Precision Oncology Conversations, where we bring you engaging conversations with authors of clinically relevant and highly significant JCO PO articles. I'm your host, Dr. Rafeh Naqash, Assistant Professor at the OU Health Stephenson Cancer center. Today, we are excited to be joined by Dr. Jonathan Tward, Leader at the HCI Genitourinary Cancer Center, and Vincent P. and Janet Mancini Presidential Endowed Chair in Genitourinary malignancies at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. Dr. Tward is also the lead author of the JCO Precision Oncology article titled “Using the Cell-Cycle Risk Score to Predict the Benefit of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy Added to Radiation Therapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer.”  At the time of this recording, our guest's disclosures will be linked in the transcript.  Doctor Tward, welcome to the podcast and thank you for joining us today. Dr. Jonathan Tward: Thank you so much, Dr. Naqash. I'm excited to share this important research with your audience.  Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Awesome. For the sake of simplicity, we'll refer to each other using our first names, if that's okay with you.  Dr. Jonathan Tward: That's great.  Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Okay. So, Jonathan, this complex but very interesting topic revolves around a lot of different subtopics as I understand it. There is genomics, there are implications for treatment, there is machine learning and computational data science research. So, to start off why you started this project or why you did this research, could you, for the sake of our audience, try to help us understand what androgen deprivation therapy is? When is it used in prostate cancer? When is it used in combination with radiation therapy? And that would probably give us a decent background of why you were trying to do what you actually did in this research. Dr. Jonathan Tward: Yes, thank you very much. So, men who are diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, which is the majority of prostate cancer diagnosis, are faced with a lot of treatment decisions. And those decisions range all the way from, “Should I just go on active surveillance with the idea that it might be safe to treat later?” to “Should I consider surgery or radiation?” And then there's various forms of radiation. Now, as a radiation oncologist, one of the things that I have to consider when I meet a patient with localized prostate cancer who is pondering receiving radiation therapy, is whether or not we want to intensify treatment by doing more than just radiation alone. And androgen deprivation therapy, very specifically also thought of as chemical castration, what that really is is some kind of therapy where you are trying to reduce a man's testosterone levels to nearly zero. And the rationale for using androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer and in this case, specifically localized prostate cancer, is that one can think of testosterone almost as the food and growth signal for prostate cancer. There have been numerous prospective randomized trials that have been performed in the past that have clearly demonstrated that adding androgen deprivation therapy to certain contexts of patients with localized prostate cancer receiving radiation improves the outcome, including risk of metastasis and overall survival.  The problem is, we don't want to just intensify therapy for everybody who walks through our doors with localized prostate cancer. Some men have lower risk disease, and some men have higher risk disease. And conventionally, the way we make this decision is by looking at things like NCCN risk groups, which kind of lump patients into a few different boxes, generally speaking, called low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk. And if you think of those risk groups, the patients with the contemporary standard of who to add ADT to are men who are considered high risk localized, or men who are considered unfavorable intermediate risk localized. That being said, I think there's a recognition that we're overtreating some unfavorable intermediate risk men and undertreating them, and the same could be said of high-risk disease. So, I think we're always looking for better tools that make it a little bit more personalized, rather than lumping men into just one of several boxes. Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Sure. And this sort of reminds me of the oncotype DX, in a way, trying to connect people with ER/PR, breast cancer, and where chemotherapy, plus anti-estrogen and progesterone therapy may be applicable. So, I think you were trying to do something similar in this research, and as far as I remember, please correct me if I'm wrong, this is knowledge that I remember from my board exams, we classify this high risk, intermediate risk, and low risk based on the Gleason score. Is that correct? Is that still true, or has this changed? Dr. Jonathan Tward: It's still true. Conventional risk stratification, which is still used, literally only looks at a few parameters. You mentioned one, which is the Gleason score, which is really a human subjective judgment by a pathologist about how deranged cells look under a microscope. That's one parameter. The second parameter is the PSA value at the time of diagnosis. And the third parameter is the cT stage, which is really based on the digital rectal exam. Now, when you ponder that the entirety of our risk classification system is based on two subjective and one objective pieces of information, meaning what a Gleason score looks like, what the T stage is based on human interpretation, and then the only objective piece of data, PSA, it's rather rudimentary way of classifying men. I mean, it's done us well since the late ‘90s, when that particular classification system was derived. But it strikes me as odd that we should take all newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer patients and say you fit into one of three boxes, when we know there's so much more complexity to people and so many different treatment options and choices out there, which we're trying to match to the patient to ensure that we right size the treatment for them. Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Understood. Now, as we go into the precision medicine component of this research, there's genomics research in metastatic cancers. But is there any genomics research in early-stage prostate cancer where there have been differences that have been identified between the intermediate low risk, high risk? Is that something that has been explored to date? Dr. Jonathan Tward: Well, there are certainly somatic mutations that track with certain aggressive features. But I think when I think about the spirit of your question, within the localized prostate cancer space, there's been several molecular signatures that have been developed and, in fact, been commercialized that have been shown quite clearly that if you have a certain array of gene expressions, let's say, that that can correlate with metastasis or risk of recurrence or death. And the work that we're talking about today is one that actually uses one of the commercially available biomarkers, commercially it's known as Prolaris. But very specifically, in the work that I think we're discussing today, what we're looking at is cell cycle progression genes. And these are genes that maybe, to simplify it, are sort of hallmarks of how quickly cells are turning over. And what's interesting about looking at cell cycle progression is it's not certainly particular to prostate cancer. I mean, you could make an argument that cell cycle progression genes are probably relevant measures in any cancers, but there's been much work done over the past 15 to 20 years that have clearly validated that this particular cell cycle progression gene signature, which is now commercially available, clearly correlates with risk of progression, risk of metastasis in localized prostate cancer patients, whether they're receiving surgery or radiation. But what we've done is we've built upon this molecular work and added clinical risk features and added results of prospective randomized trials to use this test to personalize the precise risk reduction of what would happen to a man who is pondering adding ADT to radiation therapy. So, it's a very powerful precision tool.  Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Sounds very interesting. When you go deeper into this platform, is this genomic testing platform, does it incorporate RNA transcriptome or is it DNA, or is it a composite of both? Dr. Jonathan Tward: There are various molecular tests that are out there. In this particular case, these are mRNA expression levels of cell cycle progression genes, and they are kind of calibrated against some normal housekeeping genes, which is how the test is run. Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Understood. So, from what I understand in the discussion, you very appropriately said, in fact in your first paragraph, the goal here is to match patient level precision medicine approaches and reconcile them with population level therapeutic options. It's a very catchy statement. Can you help explain for our audience how you tried to do that? And this goes back to the question that you were trying to understand, where to use combination therapy in a localized prostate cancer based on risk stratification and deriving that risk stratification from the cell cycle score and then arriving to certain thresholds. So could you go through that in simple terms to help us understand how you tried to do it and what was the outcome and what are the implications of that? Dr. Jonathan Tward: Sure, there's a lot to unpack there, but I'll do my best to simplify it. So, we'll start with the basic question that faces a patient and their radiation oncologist, which is, if they're going to receive radiation, should you add hormone therapy? And if hormone therapy was completely nontoxic, you'd say, “Sure, just add it to everybody if there's a benefit.” But the problem is, of course, hormone therapy is associated with all kinds of unpleasant side effects and additional risks, so we don't want to utilize it unless we're sure that the benefit is clear. When you think about the way most of oncology decides whether or not adding an intervention should be done in a particular patient context, it's actually been derived originally from prospectively randomized trials, which usually assigned a hazard ratio or some kind of known relative reduction to doing ‘thing B' versus ‘thing A' or ‘thing B' in addition to ‘thing A'. But what's curious about always looking at hazard ratios and saying that those are the reasons why you should do additional things, discounts a really important fact, which is the baseline risk of something bad happening has to be accounted for first before you decide whether or not it a relative risk reduction matters. So to state more clearly, if I knew a prostate cancer patient sitting in front of me only had a 2% risk of developing metastasis within 10 years, if I just did radiation alone, if I then say adding hormone therapy might cut that in half from 2% to 1%, a patient might say, “You know what? I'm not sure I want to accept the toxicity of many months of hormone therapy to cut my risk of metastasis from 2% to 1%.” But if you had a patient where that risk was 20% risk of metastasis with radiation alone, and you told them I can cut that risk down to 10% or 12%, then that's something they would seriously consider.   And so what this work really does is precisely that. It gives us a tool where, using the molecular signature of the cell cycle progression genes, which afford a patient a certain risk of metastasis, and also taking into account clinical risk factors that we know are prognostic, Gleason score, PSA, their age, how many cores of the biopsy were possible. We use all this information, and I'll use a strange term, multiplex it into a robust risk model that will prognosticate extremely clearly what that patient's precise risk of metastasis will be within the next 10 years, and this is the key point, if they receive radiation alone.   So, think of this work in two phases. Phase one is calibrate the risk in a patient if they get radiation alone, by using both molecular and clinical prognosticators. But then take the power of numerous randomized trials, which have clearly set the hazard ratio reduction for adding the hormone therapy, and then using mathematical principles, applying that hazard ratio risk reduction to the absolute risk. And then what you ultimately do is, at a very individual level, have a patient sitting in front of you where you can say, “Mr. Jones, I've run this test on you, and I can tell you definitively that if you receive radiation therapy for your localized prostate cancer, the risk of metastasis will be 12%. But if you add, let's say, six months of hormone therapy, that could be reduced to 7%, and the absolute risk reduction might only be 5%.” And if you think about that number in a number needed to treat mentality, then you could say, “Listen, I have to give 20 men identical to you, hormone therapy for one to benefit. Is that worth it to you?”   And what it really does is it empowers the patient. Rather than following a guideline that says, “Effectively, thou shalt do this for this risk group,” you really want to engage the patient in the conversation about the risk benefit of what you're going to do. And I think it's uncommon in oncology for physicians to be able to very precisely tell a patient sitting in front of them, if you do ‘thing A', this is the risk, something bad happen. If you do ‘thing B', this is how the risk reduces. And I think now we really get into shared decision making, rather than a, “Trust me, I'm a doctor,” paternalistic situation. Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: That's a very interesting approach. Again, you're basically personalizing the personalized medicine approach, refining it further, and involving the patient in discussions, which helps them understand why something would make sense. And some of this, as you might already know, people have tried to do in some other tumor types, hasn't necessarily led to significant clinical decision-making changes. But I think the way the field is evolving, especially this research that you published on and others are working towards, will hopefully result in more personalized approaches for individual decision making for these patients.   Now, I do understand that simplicity sometimes results in more uptake of some information versus when sometimes things get more complex. So, in your assessment, when you came up with these results, you looked at the genomic score, you took the randomized clinical trial data, you did the absolute risk reduction. From what I understood in the manuscript, it does look like you did come up with a threshold of what would appropriately risk stratify individuals, meaning individuals that are at a higher risk if they cross that threshold, versus individuals that are at a lower risk if they cross that threshold. Is that a fair statement or is this a continuum? So there is no binary, but this is over a scale that this assessment can be made. Dr. Jonathan Tward: So, there are elements of your summary that are fair, but this is a continuum which allows any individual to accept whatever risk reduction they want. That being said, there is no standard in oncology for what percent risk should you intensify a treatment for? And when you poll physicians and doctors as to how much reduction in death or how much reduction in metastasis, doctors and patients are all over the map at what they consider to be a threshold. But we designed these thresholds actually from prior work, based on surveying both patients themselves, as well as experts who were on cooperative trial group steering committees, and ask them, essentially, “At what level of risk reduction would you want to intensify treatment?” And what's interesting is most people who are asked that question are willing to do more treatment intensity for an important outcome like metastasis if the absolute risk reduction of that event happening is 5%. So as a general principle, that's how it was set.  These thresholds in the current paper we're discussing actually weren't defined in this current work. They were defined in prior works, where we had clearly shown in retrospective data sets that they could discriminate very well who does or doesn't benefit from hormone therapy. What's, I think, novel about this paper, even though we had previously validated those thresholds, is that now that we're using the randomized trial data, it's extremely robust in our risk estimates, and we can say that it's truly a predictive biomarker. Because it's one thing to prognosticate an outcome, but predict a difference in treatment A versus treatment B usually requires randomized trial data so that you get the highest level of evidence and the confidence that it works. Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: So the next steps for this very, very provocative research, is it something prospective validation or are you going to try to utilize maybe proper group trial data or other pharma trial data, individual patient data to risk stratify these individuals and validate?  Dr. Jonathan Tward: So these thresholds, for example, that you refer to are very well validated. There's multiple prior studies, well over at this point, 1500 patients where there's validation. And yes, we have reached out to cooperative groups to do some additional validation. That being said, this work is already ready for prime time and being used. In fact, this test is the commercially available Prolaris test. The results gleaned from this work are published on the score report that a patient and a physician receives. So the reality is that this is already existing as a clinical tool in the community. And the NCCN guidelines also support the use of this and other tests to move from a stratification to personalized medicine. So it's not like this is so much in the experimental realm as it is effectively a complete tool that is being used today. And effectively, it's available for any patient or physician diagnosed with localized prostate cancer to immediately order on biopsy tissue. Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: One naive question, Jonathan, I wanted to ask is most prostate cancers tend to be prostatic adenocarcinoma. So if it's a neuroendocrine localized prostate cancer, does the same risk assessment apply? Because neuroendocrine tumors in general seem to be higher replication stress or higher tendency to metastasis. Does it change from your perspective, from the genomic assessment standpoint, the CCR score standpoint? Dr. Jonathan Tward: That's a very interesting question, because what I will tell you is that there are probably a lot of, well, I wouldn't say a lot, but there are some neuroendocrine cancers mixed in with the adenocarcinomas that no one identified as neuroendocrine, which in a way were baked into the cake of the risk signature. Even though that is so, I dont think we've independently looked very specifically at known neuroendocrine cancers and compared them to the adenocarcinomas. What I would actually argue though, is that if you have a neuroendocrine cancer sitting in front of you, the point about whether or not you're adding ADT is relatively moot because neuroendocrine cancers may or may not respond to ADT, and you have to start considering chemotherapeutic-like decisions.   So the question, which is very interesting and academic, is that I would presume the cell cycle progression score should be elevated, although I don't know that in a neuroendocrine cancer, this tool doesn't appear to be useful at this moment for neuroendocrine cancers because we're not making decisions about chemo. That's an interesting and provocative question, and now you make me want to study that. So potentially, the next paper would be neuroendocrine cancers, whether or not it might prognosticate using a topicide or something else like this. But we would have to rely on prospective trial data as well to see whether or not we could use it the same way.  Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Hopefully, if you do work on it, then you can submit the manuscript again to JCO PO for us to talk again. Dr. Jonathan Tward: Yeah, and you'll be on the author bar.  Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Appreciate the inclusion. So thank you so much, Jonathan, for talking to us about the science. And a few quick minutes about yourself. Can you tell us a little bit about your career trajectory, how you ended up doing what you're doing, and maybe some lessons learned and some advice for early career junior investigators that would be helpful for them?  Dr. Jonathan Tward: Yes, that's a happy memory. When I was a young undergrad, I was fortunate to do some volunteer work in a radiation oncology department and had mentors there who guided me into considering a career in medicine and specifically a career as a physician scientist. So I'll start with the best advice is to get mentors early on and throughout your career who are really interested in your career development and who are accomplished that can kind of help you along. But I went to medical school with an open mind and continued to love oncology. I think it has some of the most complex questions that are unanswered. It is very high stakes oncology. There's still a lot of death and disability and consequences of our therapies. And I just love the idea of working in an environment, both clinically and as a researcher, to try to solve some of those questions like, how do I improve outcomes? How do I make therapy less toxic?  And radiation oncology for me, was a nice fit in genitourinary cancer, I guess, specifically because mid GU cancer realm patients are presented with a menu of treatment options. It's kind of interesting. It's a little bit unlike other cancers. But I had fantastic mentors throughout both my medical school as well as residency program who really helped guide me and encourage me along the way. And so without spending too much time, I would say go out of your way to find people who are successful at what they do, are interested in making you better, and really sit at their knee and listen to them when they are trying to guide you because they really have your best interests in mind. And I think as a mentor and a mentee, what makes me most proud is watching people I've trained go out and succeed. I mean, the reward of being a mentor is watching your mentees succeed.  Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: Thank you. Appreciate all those words of wisdom, Jonathan, and excited to see all the subsequent steps and results from the research that you're doing. Thank you again for joining us today and providing a very simple summary of a very complex topic which I think our audience and perhaps some of the trainees listening to this podcast will appreciate. We really appreciate your time.  Dr. Jonathan Tward: Thank you so much, Rafeh.  Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash: And thank you for listening to JCO Precision Oncology Conversations. Don't forget to give us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can find all ASCO shows at asco.org/podcast.     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.     Dr. Tward Diclosures:   HonorariaCompany name: Bayer Consulting or Advisory RoleCompany name: Myriad Genetics, Blue Earth Diagnostics, Janssen Scientific Affairs, Merck, Bayer, Boston Scientific, Myovant Sciences, Myriad Genetics, Lantheus Medical Imaging Research FundingCompany name: Bayer, Myriad Genetics Travel, Accommodations, ExpensesCompany name: Myriad Genetics, Bayer

Our Editor in Chief Sue Yom hosts a discussion of two related articles, "Diagnostic CT-Enabled Planning (DART): Results of a Randomized Trial in Palliative Radiation Therapy" and its accompanying editorial, "'Sim-free' Palliative Radiation Therapy Greatly Reduces Time Burden for Patients." Guests are Melissa O'Neil, MSc, MRT(T), an Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist and Leader of the Rapid Response Clinic at London Health Sciences Center in Canada, who was the first author of the DART trial publication, as well as Dr. Katrina Woodford, Lead Radiation Therapist Clinician Scientist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Monash University, and first author of the accompanying editorial.

Homily - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Spiritual Radiation Therapy

Don't Face Cancer Alone"The 6 Pillars of Healing Cancer" workshop series provides you valuable insights and strategies to support your healing journey - Click Here to EnrollCould changing what you eat dramatically improve your odds against cancer?Dr. Katie Deming sits down with radiation oncologist Dr. Hans Kim to explore how the ketogenic diet combined with radiation treatment could be the future of personalized medicine and empowered patient care.You'll learn about the science behind why cancer cells are more vulnerable when your body is in ketosis. Dr. Kim shares real-world examples from his practice, including how some patients have experienced surprising benefits from incorporating a ketogenic approach during their cancer treatment.References from episode:Trial at Cedar Sinai:  https://www.ljamaral.com/new-page-1The University of Iowa paper on ketogenic diet as an adjuvant treatment option for cancer: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231714000925Dr. Jethro Hu's trial on glioblastoma and ketogenic diet: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03451799 Together, they explore how our modern diet might be at odds with our evolutionary biology. Prepare to gain a new perspective on nutrition that could influence your approach to overall health and wellness, whether you're dealing with a specific condition or simply aiming to optimize your well-being.You'll hear about ongoing clinical trials and the potential future of this innovative therapy combination. Plus, practical tips on how to safely explore ketosis.Listen and learn how the foods you eat could potentially enhance your body's ability to fight disease and support healing. Keto Mojo Blood Glucose and Ketone Meter:  Send us a Text Message.Don't Face Cancer Alone"The 6 Pillars of Healing Cancer" workshop series provides you valuable insights and strategies to support your healing journey - Click Here to Enroll MORE FROM KATIE DEMING M.D. Free Guide - 3 Things You Need to Know About Cancer: https://www.katiedeming.com/cancer-101/Work with Dr. Katie:www.katiedeming.comFollow Dr. Katie Deming on Instagram:The.Conscious.Oncologist Take a Deeper Dive into Your Healing JourneyFollow Dr. Katie Deming's Linkedin Here 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.

With new advances in the treatment of brain cancer, patients have more options than ever. This week, Faith talks with Dr. Kathryn Beal, a radiation oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, to explore how breakthroughs in immunotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery can successfully treat metastatic cancer in the brain. In recognition of Glioblastoma Awareness Day, Dr. Beal also explains treatment options for gliomas, and her hope for the future for patients with brain tumors and brain metastases.

In this episode, host Kathe Kline and guest Barbara delve into crucial aspects of end-of-life planning and the importance of safety for older adults. They discuss bathroom accessibility improvements, emphasizing the need for thoughtful renovations to prevent falls. Barbara shares her personal journey as a breast cancer patient, highlighting her experiences with radiation therapy and the significance of humor during such challenges. They stress the necessity of legal preparations like wills, medical directives, and trusts to ease future burdens on loved ones, and offer practical advice on managing personal belongings and organizing essential information for emergencies. The conversation underscores the emotional and practical aspects of aging and the importance of embracing comprehensive planning for retirement and beyond.

Sue Yom, our Editor in Chief, leads a discussion of Overview and Recommendations for Prospective Multi-institutional Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy Clinical Trials, a critical review from AAPM and NRG Oncology. Guests are first author Dr. Heng Li, Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at Johns Hopkins University and Chief Proton Physicist of the Johns Hopkins National Proton Center, supervising author Dr. Stanley Benedict, Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Physics in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of California Davis, and co-author Dr. Nina Mayr, Professor in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University.

Host Talaya Dendy celebrates National Cancer Survivor Month with Dr. Thomas Eanelli, a radiation oncologist from New York. Dr. Eanelli shares his extensive experience and approach to compassionate cancer care. He discusses his involvement with Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer (CROC), a grassroots organization supporting cancer survivors and their families. Dr. Eanelli elaborates on his unique methods, such as wearing sports jerseys to make patients more comfortable, and emphasizes the importance of teamwork, information dissemination, and approachable care in oncology. The episode also touches on the historical context of cancer survivorship, the emotional and practical challenges faced by patients, and the four pillars of improving cancer care. Dr. Eanelli encourages new cancer patients to reframe their diagnosis, and offers insights on post-treatment life, stressing continual support and information. The episode highlights Dr. Eanelli's dedication to improving oncology care through patient empowerment and system reforms.✨Highlights from the show:[04:28] Dr. Eanelli's Jersey Tradition[08:51] Lessons from Patients[21:55] Defining Cancer Survivorship[30:09] Challenges in Cancer Care[40:35] Reframing the Cancer Diagnosis[47:11] The Broken Healthcare System[47:25] Introduction to CROC: Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer[01:02:12] The Power of Survivor NetworksReflection Question: Do you agree with Dr. Eanelli's perspective? Why or why not?

Host Kathe Kline sits down with guest Barbara, who shares her emotional journey after undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Barbara discusses the challenges of the surgical process, the physical and emotional toll of post-surgery recovery, and the impact of her diagnosis on her retirement plans. The conversation delves into the complexities of accessing medical care and the importance of addressing health issues as we age. Barbara's resilience and determination to find hope amidst uncertainty provide insights and inspiration for listeners navigating similar experiences. Tune in as they explore the snow globe analogy and discuss the integral role of mental, emotional, and spiritual support in pursuit of holistic healing.

Featuring perspectives from Ms Meetal Dharia, Dr Robert L Ferris, Dr Robert Haddad and Ms Lynsey P Teulings, including the following topics: Introduction (0:00) The Biology of Head and Neck Cancer (15:41) The Multidisciplinary Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (18:14) Ongoing Screening and Prevention After Potentially Curative Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer (33:03) Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy Side Effects (41:02) The Potential Short- and Long-Term Effects of Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer (49:50) Emerging Treatment Strategies Aimed at Improving Outcomes Associated with Localized or Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (56:46) Tolerability Considerations with Xevinapant (1:06:13) The Established Role of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies in Therapy for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (1:17:35) Newly Approved Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (1:19:27) The Tolerability of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (1:24:09) NCPD information and select publications

Link for the discussion on Alzheimer's disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8935565/Link to Dr. Koneru's team: http://www.gopog.com/ ­­

This week, we are joined by Dr. Nina Sanford, Assistant Professor and Chief of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology Service, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, for a discussion about the role of radiation in colorectal cancer, with an emphasis on the role of radiation in rectal cancer. Dr. Sanford is a wealth of knowledge so this is an episode you do NOT want to miss. Of note, rectal cancer episodes will be released in a few weeks so if all of this does not make sense, don't worry. It nicely sets the stage for what is to come! Content: - What is the role of radiation in rectal cancer vs. colon cancer? Why do we use it more in rectal cancer?- How to evaluate your patients for radiation and how to decide long course vs. short course radiation - Side effects of radiation therapy for rectal cancer- Role of radiation for oligmetastatic colorectal cancer** Want to review the show notes for this episode and others? Check out our website: https://www.thefellowoncall.com/our-episodesLove what you hear? Tell a friend and leave a review on our podcast streaming platforms!Twitter: @TheFellowOnCallInstagram: @TheFellowOnCallListen in on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcast

Thomas Zilli and Pierre Blanchard discuss this topic from Lugano.

Jason Efstathiou and Piet Ost discuss the data for and against this approach.

Today Debbie talks to Patty Ivey about life changes and opportunities opening up for her after being diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer last year. Inspiring doesn't really cover it as a way to describe Patty. Neither does [b]old, as in [B]OLD AGE. Patty and Debbie go back at least 15 years, when Debbie was a regular at Patty's Down Dog yoga studio in DC. It was always special when Patty, the owner, taught a class. Her classes were different. They offered all the benefits that practicing yoga offers beyond what happens on the mat; with Patty teaching, the class was mind-expanding. She made yoga open up new possibilities for how to live. So when Debbie saw Patty posting beautiful, bald photos of herself on her LinkedIn page, she immediately got in touch to find out how she was doing. As Patty explains it, she is using life principles from yoga, which include leaving room for what we don't know and focusing on something bigger than ourselves, as she looks ahead.  She acknowledges an identity shift that has come with cancer. Some older version of herself is no longer there, but she's okay with that. Like most women, Debbie is terrified of getting breast cancer, but with Patty as a guide (she's also a mentor and a life coach as well as being a serial entrepreneur), it seems there could be an upside. We hope you are as inspired by this conversation as Debbie was.  //////////Don't miss the Behind The Scenes  for every podcast episode in Debbie's [B]OLD AGE newsletter on Substack.////////// Mentioned in this episode or useful:Patty's website: https://thepattyivey.com/Patty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattyiveyHer studio in DC: https://www.downdogyoga.com/Her yoga teacher Baron Baptiste: https://www.baptisteyoga.com/Connect with Debbie:debbieweil.com[B]OLD AGE podcast[B]OLD AGE newsletter on SubstackEmail: thebolderpodcast@gmail.comDebbie and Sam's blog: Gap Year After SixtyFacebook: @debbieweilInstagram: @debbieweilLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/debbieweil Our Media Partners:CoGenerate (formerly Encore.org)MEA and with thanks to Chip ConleyNext For Me (former media partner and in memory of Jeff Tidwell) How to Support this podcast:Leave a review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or Spotify Credits:Host: Debbie WeilProducer: Far Out MediaMusic: Lakeside Path by Duck Lake

In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Aaron Fritts interviews guest Dr. John Qiao about exploration of physicians' role in medical innovation, particularly among interventional radiologists. Dr. Qiao shares insightful information about the origin of RadioClash and details his journey as an entrepreneur. Through this discussion, Dr. Qiao covers the challenges encountered during the startup phase, the invention of a single-probe electroporation device, and the future applications of this novel medical technology. The episode concludes with broader advice on how to manage the demands of professional work, entrepreneurship, and personal life. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Reflow Medical https://www.reflowmedical.com/ Medtronic Concerto https://mobile.twitter.com/mdtvascular --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 02:39 - Dr. Qiao's Journey into Medicine and Entrepreneurship 11:40 - Birth of Radioclash: A Unique Solution for Cancer Treatment 17:58 - Future of RadioClash: Targeting Metastatic Cancer 25:20 - Future of Electroporation Therapy 35:21 - Challenges of Building a Company 44:37 - Path to Market and Future Plans 47:28 - Balancing Clinical Practice and Entrepreneurship --- RESOURCES RadioClash website: https://www.radioclash.co/ News Article on Dr. John Qiao: https://voyagehouston.com/interview/meet-john-qiao-m-d-of-radioclash-ltd-co/ Radiation Therapy as a Modality to Create Abscopal Effects: Current and Future Practices: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7086111/ The Abscopal Effect: A Reemerging Field of Interest: https://ascopost.com/issues/november-25-2018/the-abscopal-effect-a-reemerging-field-of-interest/ BackTable VI Episode #402 - Immunotherapy in HCC: Evolving Treatment Paradigms: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/402/immunotherapy-in-hcc-evolving-treatment-paradigms Tavo and Pembrolizumab in Patients With Stage III/​IV Melanoma Progressing on Either Pembrolizumab or Nivolumab Treatment (Keynote-695): https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03132675 PANFIRE-3 Trial: Assessing Safety and Efficacy of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) + Nivolumab + CpG for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04612530 Radiofrequency Ablation for the Palliative Treatment of Bone Metastases: Outcomes from the Multicenter OsteoCool Tumor Ablation Post-Market Study (OPuS One Study) in 100 Patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33129427/ The improvement of irreversible electroporation therapy using saline-irrigated electrodes: a theoretical study (Northwestern study): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21728392/ Irreversible electroporation reverses resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in pancreatic cancer: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08782-1