How do leading oncologists interpret the abundance of molecular tests, genomic data, and biomarkers to create a lung cancer patient’s treatment plan? In this episode of the 2025 NSCLC Cancer Creator Weekend™ series, our tumor board discusses the complexities of lung cancer treatment, including new systemic therapies, lung cancer staging, and the role of molecular diagnostics and liquid biopsies.

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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian.

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SYNPOSIS

The panel, featuring specialists from various institutions, discusses the specifics of sequencing therapies, the impact of targeted and immunotherapies, and the nuances of treating different patient profiles, including non-smokers and those with specific genetic mutations. The conversation also touches on the integration of new staging systems, the benefits of multidisciplinary clinics, and the ongoing evolution of cancer treatment trials. The discussion aims to provide clarity on the latest advancements and future directions in managing lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment plans and the potential of emerging technologies.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
05:16 - Molecular Diagnostics and Liquid Biopsy
21:43 - Targeted Therapy Options
27:29 - Managing Toxicities and Treatment Strategies
33:13 - Challenges with Immunotherapy in Special Cases
34:07 - Lung Transplantation in Cancer Patients
48:38 - Multidisciplinary Clinics and Collaboration
01:06:29 - Future Directions

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RESOURCES

ADAURA Trial
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2027071

Gomez NSCLC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5143183/

When cancer spreads to the brain, what is the best approach: immediate local treatment or systemic immunotherapy first? Part two of the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series focuses on a complex case involving a 75-year-old woman with a history of breast malignancy, presenting with new dyspnea and a large mass in the left lower lobe.

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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian.

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SYNPOSIS

Our mock tumor board consists of surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to deliberate and determine the best treatment plan. The specialists explore diagnostic and treatment options, including neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, invasive mediastinal staging, and the potential for surgical resection or radiation therapy.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
05:01 - Approach to Isolated Brain Metastasis
09:09 - Radiation Therapy Considerations
12:06 - Imaging and Follow-Up Strategies
14:39 - Resectability and Surgical Decisions
19:10 - Conclusion

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RESOURCES

PACIFIC Clinical Trial
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1709937

As lung cancer treatments become more complex, is a collaborative tumor board more essential than ever? We’re kicking off the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series with an in-studio panel discussion on the multidisciplinary management of lung cancer. The panel includes experts from medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, and interventional pulmonology from major institutions in Los Angeles.

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SYNPOSIS

They discuss the operation of tumor boards at their respective institutions, the impact of virtual meetings, optimal strategies for mediastinal staging, the management of early-stage lung cancer, and the emerging role of ablation therapy. The conversation dives into the complexities of treating patients with recurrence or metastatic disease, highlighting the importance of collaborative decision-making in navigating these challenging scenarios. The episode emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary tumor boards in providing informed, patient-centered care.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
06:59 - Role of Pulmonologists in Tumor Boards
12:08 - Importance of Tissue Diagnosis
24:52 - Lung Cancer Screening and Stigma
34:01 - Interventional Radiology and Biopsies
46:21 - Challenges with Immunotherapy and Radiation
53:44 - The Importance of Multidisciplinary Teams
54:24 - Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

American Lung Association 2024 Data
https://www.lung.org/getmedia/12020193-7fb3-46b8-8d78-0e5d9cd8f93c/SOLC-2024.pdf

National Lung Screening Trial
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1102873

Checkmate 816
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2202170

PACIFIC Trial
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1709937

When treating head and neck cancer, how can you tell the difference between true disease progression and pseudoprogression? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, we discuss the practical implementation of the KEYNOTE-689 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which demonstrated the benefit of adding neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy to standard head and neck cancer care. Our tumor board panel includes Dr. Mihir Patel, a head and neck surgeon from UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Siddharth Sheth, a head and neck medical oncologist from UNC, Dr. Jennifer Johnson, a professor of medical oncology and otolaryngology at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Adam Luginbuhl, a head and neck surgical oncologist at Thomas Jefferson University.
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors address the trial's practical implications, patient selection, case management, dealing with tumor progression, and the integration of multidisciplinary care. They also emphasize the importance of communication, real-world application of trial protocols, and the potential benefits and challenges of such therapies.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
03:18 - Discussing the New Indication for Immunotherapy
11:42 - Challenges and Practical Implementation
22:48 - Managing Tumor Progression: A Case Study
28:07 - Exploring Treatment Options: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy
36:46 - Operational Challenges and Future Directions
43:58 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
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RESOURCES
Keynote 689
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2415434

While the standard for adjuvant head and neck cancer treatment hasn't changed since 2004, a new trial using perioperative pembrolizumab is forcing clinicians to rethink their entire workflow, starting with diagnosis. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, head and neck surgical oncologist Dr. Adam Luginbuhl is joined by colleagues Dr. Dylan Roden and Dr. Ravindra Uppaluri to discuss the implementation and implications of the Keynote-689 trial, which introduced neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors discuss the trial details, FDA approval, and practical challenges of integrating this new paradigm into clinical practice. The conversation covers critical points such as the necessity of CPS score testing, timely drug administration, patient monitoring, and the importance of collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
02:18 - Keynote-689 Trial Explained
04:42 - Implementation Challenges and Strategies
06:40 - Practical Considerations for CPS Testing
13:59 - Case Studies and Real-World Applications
30:48 - Future Directions and Final Thoughts
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RESOURCES
Keynote-689
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2415434
2004 Cisplatin Phase III Trial
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa032646

One of the most common dilemmas in urologic oncology: what do you do when a patient has T1 disease in both the bladder and the ureter? In the final episode of the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, Dr. Vignesh Packiam, Dr. Mark Tyson and Dr. Sarah Psutka share how they approach complex bladder cancer cases with upper tract involvement.

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This podcast is supported by:

⁠Ferring Pharmaceuticals⁠

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SYNPOSIS

The doctors discuss complex bladder cancer cases, sequencing treatments for patients with dual ureteral and bladder T1 disease, the impact of cystectomy on quality of life, and the use of blue light cystoscopy and intravesical therapy. They also delve into the rise of bladder cancer in younger patients, considerations for low-grade intermediate-risk disease, and emerging therapeutic options.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
05:52 - Upper Tract Positive Cytology Dilemma
09:10 - Cystectomy Considerations
15:55 - Developing Better Patient-Reported Outcomes
20:26 - Challenges with New Therapeutics
26:31 - Deescalating Treatment for Low-Grade Cancer
33:29 - Closing Remarks

When standard therapy fails, it does not have to be the end of the road for high-risk bladder cancer patients. Modern treatments, biomarkers, and clinical studies have opened up new avenues for treating recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The penultimate episode of the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features urologic oncologists Dr. Vignesh Packiam, Dr. Mark Tyson, and Dr. Sarah Psutka discussing how they navigate complex bladder cancer scenarios.

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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

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SYNPOSIS

The doctors share treatment strategies, staging processes, and post-therapy patient management techniques. They address recurrent disease, approaches to different stages of cancer, the role of biomarkers in determining treatment paths, and considerations for both high-risk and intermediate-risk patients. Additionally, the episode touches on new treatments, clinical trials, and patient quality of life post-treatment.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:08 - Case Study: Initial Patient Assessment
04:59 - Surgical Considerations and Techniques
10:22 - Managing Bladder Cancer Recurrence
11:15 - Treatment Options and Clinical Trials
15:12 - Advanced Treatment Strategies
28:14 - Closing Remarks and Credits

With the right protocols (and the right team!), urology clinics can proactively manage the side effects of intravesical therapy. This in-studio episode from the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features unique perspectives from Vanderbilt nurse practitioner Meredith Donahue and surgical neuro-oncology nurse Brynn Moore, both with focuses in urologic oncology. Hosted by Dr. Ruchika Talwar, we cover the practical and logistical considerations in intravesical therapy administration.

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This podcast is supported by:

⁠Ferring Pharmaceuticals⁠

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SYNPOSIS

Donahue and Moore share their experiences with intravesical therapy, discussing practical issues such as patient management, scheduling, and handling side effects. They emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment in clinics, proactive treatment plans, and ensuring effective communication among the multidisciplinary team. They also share resources and tips for nurses and nurse practitioners new to urologic oncology.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
07:09 - Multidisciplinary Team Dynamics
11:34 - Resources for Patients
18:55 - Transvaginal Estrogen Cream
26:56 - Optimizing Intravesical Therapy Clinics
35:57 - The Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration
36:27 - Conclusion

As new genetic and AI-powered tools emerge for bladder cancer screening, are we getting closer to reducing the need for invasive cystoscopies? In part five of the 2025 BackTable NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Vignesh Packiam engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Sarah Psutka from the University of Washington and Dr. Katie Murray from NYU about the complexities and potential benefits of using biomarkers in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

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This podcast is supported by:

⁠Ferring Pharmaceuticals⁠

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SYNPOSIS

The conversation covers the current challenges of interpreting positive biomarkers without clinical correlates, the gold standard of biopsies, and the potential of various biomarkers such as urine cytology, FISH, and newer genomic tests like the Decipher Bladder Genomic Classifier. They also touch upon the role of AI in pathology, the cost implications of biomarkers, and how these tools might influence future clinical practices and patient decisions. The episode emphasizes the need for precision medicine, careful patient counseling, and the impact of false positives and negatives on both patients and healthcare providers.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
05:25 - Challenges with Current Biomarkers
08:10 - New Biomarkers and Genomic Classifiers
21:10 - AI and Pathology in Bladder Cancer
35:13 - Screening and Future Directions
41:20 - Challenges and Future Directions in Bladder Cancer Surveillance
57:51 - Conclusion

With the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors into non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) management, who’s on point for planning, administering, and optimizing combination therapies? Is it still the urologist, or does medical oncology play a more significant role now than it did before? In this episode of the BackTable 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Bogdana Schmidt sits down with Dr. Tyler Stewart, medical oncologist from the University of California San Diego, to discuss the contemporary role of medical and surgical oncology in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

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This podcast is supported by:

⁠Ferring Pharmaceuticals⁠

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SYNPOSIS

The conversation covers the efficacy and safety of checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, and the challenges of balancing systemic and localized treatments. They also touch upon the potential future role of biomarkers in reducing invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:04 - The Role of Medical Oncologists in Bladder Cancer
12:58 - Combination Therapies and Patient Outcomes
21:18 - The CREST Study
26:59 - Managing Adverse Events
34:44 - Collaboration Between Urologists and Oncologists
41:06 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts