A Biomarker Dialogue Between Patient and Scientist

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

This episode features a powerful conversation between two scientists, one now navigating life as a Stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer patient. Most lung cancer patients only learn the significance of biomarkers like ALK+, soon after their diagnosis. Our guest Marc Muskavitch, however, arrived at this knowledge with a distinct advantage: he is a scientist himself. With a background spanning drug development, biochemistry, and genetics, and holding seventeen patents, Marc’s understanding shaped his emotional and strategic response to his diagnosis and ongoing journey. His compelling conversation with scientist Zach Rogers, a previous podcast guest who addressed recurrence and drug response in lung cancer, gains even greater meaning in this context. Marc also sheds light on the significant community brought together by the ALK Positive patient organization that is now collaborating with the scientific research organization, Break Through Cancer. Our guests discuss their vision for hopeful future advancements in cancer treatment.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

Lung cancer treatment is undergoing a revolution. In the last 15 years, we’ve transitioned from broad chemotherapy to precision medicine, targeting the specific genetic drivers of each patient’s cancer. This shift, along with the rise of immunotherapy, offers unprecedented hope. Today, we speak with Dr. Zachary Rogers, a post-doctoral researcher at MIT’s Koch Institute, whose work on ALK mutations illuminates these advancements. He’ll explain how targeted therapies and immunotherapies combat cancer, and delve into crucial questions: why do some patients respond while others don’t, and why does recurrence occur even after apparent remission? Dr. Rogers will also share insights into groundbreaking research on new cancer markers. Join us for a critical discussion on the future of lung cancer treatment – a conversation that provides a vital look at the forefront of cancer research.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

James and Hildy had a similar experience in having their lung cancer found by accident. James, a “streaker” who runs daily, epitomized health. So, a lung cancer diagnosis—discovered accidentally during a bout of the flu—came as a devastating shock. A routine X-ray revealed a tumor of the size of a tennis ball. This unexpected twist led James to uncover a family history of the disease: his grandmother and great-uncle both succumbed to lung cancer. Driven by this knowledge, he joined a research study exploring the genetic links to lung cancer. James’s story is one of resilience. He shares the profound impact of lung cancer on his life, offering an “optimistic realist’s” perspective on daily life and the challenges he and his wife face. Initially declared “cured” after surgery, James’s world was rocked a year later by the cancer’s return. This time, he learned he had the KRAS biomarker, a discovery that proved crucial in guiding his treatment. He details his treatment journey, the setbacks, and the hope that came with targeted therapies. James’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of medical research. From accidental diagnosis to recurrence, he’s facing the ups and downs with resolute positivity. Hear how he’s using his experience to inspire others through “Streak for A Cure.” Don’t miss this powerful podcast!”

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

This podcast delves deeper into the evolving understanding of the HER2 biomarker in lung cancer, twenty years after its discovery. We’re joined by Dr. Zofia Piotrowska, renowned oncologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, to build on our previous discussion, “HER2 Isn’t Just About Her!” Dr. Piotrowska explores the intricate nuances of HER2 in lung cancer, explaining how subtle genetic variations can significantly impact treatment outcomes. While HER2 biomarkers are more frequently observed in non-smokers, women, and younger patients, it’s crucial to remember that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer. Of critical importance in diagnosis and treatment decisions is comprehensive biomarker testing. This valuable information empowers clinicians to tailor treatment plans with precision. This episode highlights the remarkable progress made in precision medicine in combating HER2-positive lung cancer, offering renewed hope for patients, their loved ones, and the entire medical community.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

Hildy shares her experience of losing a friend who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal system. Knowing that neuroendocrine cells are present in the lungs prompted Hildy to wonder if lung cancer drugs would possibly be viable in treating her friend’s condition. This podcast looks at small cell lung cancer which is a kind of aggressive neuroendocrine tumor and less aggressive, carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors. Experts Dr. Carl Gay and Dr. Misty Shields discuss how little is known about the neuroendocrine system, even among oncologists. Neuroendocrine small cell tumors in the lungs and other areas of the body are associated with tobacco use and vaping. The less aggressive, low grade, carcinoid tumors have unclear causes. The discussion includes how these tumors are diagnosed, challenges for treatment, drug resistance and recurrence. Our guests also highlight the importance of research, and new therapies that give hope to these patients.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

Our guests, Jane Wilkinson and Jaime Cheah join the conversation to tell us about some incredible work to expand the use of a drug beyond its original treatment target. Jane Wilkinson discusses why this is not only important for lung cancer, but particularly in rare cancers for which the time and cost of developing new drugs is prohibitive. Repurposing drugs is a powerful approach to developing new therapies, because they have already been approved by the FDA and been shown to be safe and effective for at least one indication. Jaime Cheah discusses the work at the Broad Institute at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in terms of how drugs are repurposed and the scale of this remarkable process. You won’t want to miss how thinking so creatively leads to the beginning of a new drug discovery path.

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

With so many misunderstandings about clinical trials, this podcast aims to clarify what a clinical trial is, how they have changed over time, why it is important to inform patients about them and how to increase access. With only about 7% participation in clinical trials by patients, the question is how to make trials more available to patients. Dr. Geoffrey Oxnard, VP Clinical Development, Global Head Thoracic Cancer, Lilly, is our guest. He is both a treating oncologist as well as a scientist helping to develop new drugs to treat cancer. He discusses different phases in clinical trials, how to partner with his patients in making decisions about whether to join a new trial, and how to expand access to trials to diverse populations. Listen now and learn more.

HOST: Hildy Grossman CO-HOST: Jordan Rich

As Albert Einstein said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” That said, our guests on this podcast share groundbreaking research that investigates new ways of using one’s own immune system to fight cancer. Understanding how immunotherapy works is a complicated topic. Our guests, David Barbie, MD and Elliott Brea, MD, PhD of Dana Farber Cancer Institute, do a masterful job in managing to simplify concepts, and in the most enjoyable way. They discuss the workings of immunotherapy and groundbreaking directions within this form of treatment, simplifying terms even the best educated strain to understand. Take a listen now.