Is it time to rethink the definition of “cure” for stage IV colorectal cancer? In this episode of BackTable Tumor Board, medical oncologist Jun Gong interviews Dr. Cathy Eng about updates from the phase III CheckMate-8HW trial in centrally confirmed MSI-high/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, comparing nivolumab/ipilimumab, nivolumab, and chemotherapy. They discuss initial findings demonstrating improved progression-free survival and response rates with combination immunotherapy, as well as safety considerations and how comorbidities and frailty guide the choice between single-agent and combination regimens.

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This podcast is supported by

Bristol Myers Squibb

https://www.bms.com/

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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:40 - Trial Design Breakdown
03:37 - Initial Efficacy Results
09:47 - ASCO Update Highlights
13:18 - Induction Tolerability
15:12 - Rechallenge After Relapse
17:26 - COMMIT Trial Breakdown
22:55 - BRAF Mutant MSI High Strategy
24:54 - Closing Remarks

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More about this episode
The conversation reviews the ASCO post-hoc update with 55.1 months follow-up, highlighting higher 4-year survivor rates and longer treatment-free intervals for patients on combination therapy. Drs. Gong and Eng also discuss the implications of the underpowered COMMIT trial, the unexpectedly poor performance of atezolizumab monotherapy, and why chemo-immunotherapy is not currently recommended. The episode concludes with impressions from ESMO GI, including a negative second-line KRAS G12C adagrasib plus EGFR study, and broader reflections on the evolving definition of cure in advanced colorectal cancer.

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Resources

Checkmate-8HW Phase III Trial
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2402141

Keynote 177
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2017699

COMMIT Phase III Trial
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2026.44.2_suppl.14

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.
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What first-line therapies should be considered for patients with higher-grade, metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)? In this new episode of BackTable Tumor Board, Drs. Lingling Du, Chih-Yi Liao, and Robert Ramirez discuss the use of systemic or radioligand therapies for metastatic well-differentiated NETs.

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This podcast is supported by

Novartis
https://www.novartis.com/

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
02:31 - NGS Testing in NETs
05:45 - Starting with Somatostatin Analog (SSA)
08:01 - NETTER-2 Trial and Front-Line PRRT
11:58 - High Dose SSA After Progression
14:59 - Sequencing Systemic Therapy Options
18:56 - Picking the Right PRRT Candidate
21:28 - PRRT: Responses, Toxicities & Risks
31:58 - Lung NET Treatment Strategy
34:16 - Using Immunotherapy for Low-Grade NET
36:05 - First-Line Treatment for Poorly Differentiated Extrapulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
41:40 - What’s Next: Ongoing Clinical Trials

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More about this episode

The doctors cover the use of next generation sequencing for newly diagnosed patients, highlighting that although results rarely changes upfront management, it can occasionally reveal actionable findings such as high tumor mutation burden and mismatch repair deficiency. In addition to NGS, care should prioritize imaging, pathology review, and multidisciplinary collaboration and planning. They then review several clinical trials, including the NETTER-2 and CLARNET FORTE trials to evaluate the role of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) and somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy while considering sequencing of multimodal treatments. The episode wraps up with ongoing and future clinical trials investigating other potential therapies for NETs.

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Resources

Phase 3 NETTER-2 Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38851203/

Phase 2 CLARINET FORTE Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34597974/

Corticosteroid Prophylaxis for for Patient with Neuroendocrine Tumors
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12609636/

Phase 3 CABINET Trial (Alliance A021602)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41524552/

SWOG S2012 Trial
https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/213198

DAREON-Lung-1 Trial
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07472517

212-lead VMT-ɑ-NET Safety Study
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06148636

RayzeBio Phase 3 ACTION-1 Study
https://www.ncf.net/clinical-trials-1/action-1%3A-alpha-prrt-with-ac-225-in-gep-nets

RayzeBio Phase I RYZ401 Trial
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07165132

Phase I & II CHM-2101 Trial
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2026.44.16_suppl.2536

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

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When breast cancer treatment ends, recurrence surveillance can easily overshadow the symptoms and concerns that continue to affect daily life. In this episode of the BackTable Tumor Board Podcast, Dr. Kate Baker and Dr. Lindsay Peterson discuss how effective survivorship care can address recurrence anxiety, endocrine therapy toxicities, bone health, sexual health, and the broader emotional and practical needs of patients after treatment.

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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
03:29 - First Survivorship Visit & Clinic Workflow
13:40 - Addressing Recurrence Anxiety in Breast Cancer Survivors
18:41 - Endocrine Therapy Side Effects
20:01 - Managing Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgias & Joint Pain
23:56 - Hot Flash Treatment Options
26:20 - Addressing Sexual Side Effects
30:14 - Bone Health, Bisphosphonates & Dental Clearance
35:20 - Calcium and Vitamin D Dosing in Diet vs Supplement
36:54 - Survivorship Care Takeaways

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More about this episode

The conversation begins with different models for survivorship clinics and the priorities of an initial survivorship visit. Drs. Baker and Peterson explore how clinicians can address recurrence anxiety while also evaluating patients’ emotional, social, and financial needs. They then review common endocrine therapy toxicities, including arthralgias, hot flashes, fatigue, reduced bone density, and sexual side effects.

The discussion includes practical strategies for managing aromatase inhibitor–associated joint pain, available treatments for hot flashes, and approaches to sexual health concerns. Drs. Baker and Peterson also examine bone-health management, including bisphosphonate therapy, dental clearance, and appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake. The episode concludes with guidance for building a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to breast cancer survivorship.

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

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What factors come into play when deciding whether to use liver-directed therapy or systemic therapies for neuroendocrine tumors? In this episode of the BackTable Tumor Board Podcast, Dr. Lingling Du, Dr. Chih-Yi Liao, and Dr. Abdul Khan discuss the structure of a multidisciplinary tumor board and how they approach decision-making for patients with neuroendocrine tumors. The conversation explores who benefits most from liver-directed therapy, optimal timing for intervention, and the importance of individualized treatment planning.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
02:04 - How The NET Tumor Board Works at UChicago
04:15 - Patients Who Benefits From Liver-Directed Therapy
10:45 - Non-candidates for Liver-Directed Therapy
13:37 - Choosing Modalities of Therapy: Bland TACE, Y90 and Ablation
15:16 - RETNET Trial Takeaways
21:38 - Histotripsy for Neuroendocrine Tumors
25:42 - Sequencing Liver-Directed Therapy With Systemic Therapy or PRRT
28:11 - Case One: Heavy Liver Burden
33:12 - Case Two: Aggressive NEC & Miracle Response
38:23 - Wrap Up and Credits

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More about this episode

The doctors review contraindications, modality selection, and sequencing with systemic therapy and PRRT before breaking down the RETNET trial, which shows similar hepatic progression-free survival between bland embolization and conventional TACE. They then discuss two patient cases, highlighting upfront embolization for heavy low-grade liver burden and repeat Y90 for oligometastatic high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma with durable control.

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Resources

RETNET Trial
https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(25)00027-2/fulltext

---

BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

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With multiple clinical trials evaluating PARP inhibitor combinations, how do clinicians determine the best approach for advanced prostate cancer? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Alan Tan is joined by Dr. Rana McKay and Dr. Emmanuel Antonarakis to discuss how evolving evidence, patient selection, timing, toxicity, and genetic testing are shaping the use of PARP inhibitor combinations in clinical practice.

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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Pfizer.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
02:51 - PARPi Basics
14:12 - Major Study Differences
19:00 - Timing and Selection of PARPi Combinations
26:39 - Case: Somatic BRCA2 loss and mHSPC
35:51 - Case Continued: BRCA2 Reversion
39:57 - BRCAAway Study
42:59 - Takeaways from the 2026 APCCC

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More about this episode

The conversation reviews lessons learned from major clinical trials, including PROpel, MAGNITUDE, TALAPRO-2, and AMPLITUDE, and addresses how these studies inform real-world treatment choices. The doctors dig into case examples, such as BRCA2 loss and reversion, and highlight practical strategies for using germline and somatic testing to personalize care. Key insights from the 2026 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference are also shared, emphasizing the importance of precision medicine in this rapidly evolving field.

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Resources

Study on Olaparib Plus Abiraterone as First-line Therapy in Men With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (PROpel) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03732820

A Study of Niraparib in Combination With Abiraterone Acetate and Prednisone Versus Abiraterone Acetate and Prednisone for Treatment of Participants With Metastatic Prostate Cancer (MAGNITUDE) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03748641?tab=study

Talazoparib + Enzalutamide vs. Enzalutamide Monotherapy in mCRPC (TALAPRO-2) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03395197

A Study of Niraparib in Combination With Abiraterone Acetate and Prednisone Versus Abiraterone Acetate and Prednisone for the Treatment of Participants With Deleterious Germline or Somatic Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) Gene-Mutated Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mCSPC) (AMPLITUDE) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04497844

BRCAAway: A randomized phase 2 trial of abiraterone, olaparib, or abiraterone + olaparib in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) bearing homologous recombination-repair mutations (HRRm) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39115414/

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

How do you unravel the complexity of diagnosing and managing neuroendocrine tumors, where every case demands a tailored approach? In this episode of BackTable TumorBoard, host Dr. Lingling Du is joined by Dr. Chih-Yi Liao and Dr. Xavier Keutgen to break down the essential steps from first symptoms to staging, imaging, and early treatment decisions for NET patients. The discussion covers the spectrum of NET biology, individualized imaging strategies, and when surgery or systemic therapy is the best path forward.

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---

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
07:16 - Imaging Approaches for Staging Neuroendocrine Tumors
16:47 - Biomarkers for Neuroendocrine Tumor Diagnosis
22:33 - Surgical Candidacy Guidelines
26:03 - Ki-67 and Tumor Biology Consideration
30:11 - Co-morbid Obesity and GLP-1 Use
35:11 - Working Therapies to Manage Neuroendocrine Tumors
38:02 - Tumor Board Case Walkthrough and Closing Statements

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More about this episode

The doctors review the strengths and limitations of DOTATATE PET, MRI, CT, and FDG PET for diagnosis and staging, and clarify the limited role of biomarkers such as chromogranin A and serotonin. They outline key factors in surgical candidacy, including tumor location, burden, grade, and comorbidities like obesity, and discuss the use of GLP-1 and pancreas-sparing surgery in high-risk cases. The episode also examines managing discordant imaging, evolving guidelines for adjuvant therapy, and a case study where CAPTEM is used for tumor shrinkage in locally advanced pancreatic NET. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary decision-making and the need for experienced pathology review in this heterogeneous disease.

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Resources

SWOG S2104
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05040360

Postoperative long-acting somatostatin analog therapy during surgical debulking
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039606025006142

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

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How can clinics minimize toxicity and maximize outcomes in intravesical bladder cancer treatment? In this episode of BackTable Urology, host Dr. Vignesh Packiam talks with nurse practitioners Mary Dunn (UNC) and Meredith Donahue (Vanderbilt) about how advanced practice providers (APP) workflows and hands-on management are transforming care for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The discussion highlights innovative strategies for symptom management, patient education, catheter techniques, and streamlined operational protocols across both established and emerging intravesical therapies.

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

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
04:25 - Non Drug Symptom Tips
09:39 - Day Of Treatment Clearance
14:50 - Post Treatment Triage
20:36 - Treatment Fatigue Strategies
24:48 - Pelvic Floor And IC Tools
27:33 - Teamwork Final Pearls

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More about this episode

They share individualized pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches for managing lower urinary tract symptoms, such as NSAIDs, anticholinergics, beta-3 agonists, Pyridium, timed voiding, avoidance of irritants, and constipation management. The episode covers patient education resources from the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), catheterization techniques tailored to patient needs, and a gravity installation method to reduce spasms. The conversation also reviews day-of-treatment clearance and triage protocols, operational considerations for new agents like Enlexo, Adstiladrin, and gemcitabine/docetaxel, as well as financial workflows that prevent drug wastage. Additional topics include managing cumulative bladder toxicity, pelvic floor PT, addressing treatment fatigue, and integrating multifactorial evaluation and exercise into patient care.

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Resources

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) Basic Handbook & Patient Resources
https://bcan.org/bladder-cancer-basics-handbook/

---

BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

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Can the latest therapies, lessons from clinical trials, and a focus on emotional support improve outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer? In this BackTable Tumor Board episode, GI medical oncologist Dr. Greg Botta and medical oncologist Dr. Dawood Findakly discuss current treatment options, the importance of emotional support, and strategies for overcoming barriers such as insurance delays. They highlight the value of personalized care, from diagnosis and staging scans to tumor markers, tissue biopsy, and genomic profiling, as well as the expanding role of clinical trials and targeted therapies.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
02:57 - Workup and Biopsy in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
07:33 - Approach to Care for Metastatic Patients
10:39 - Managing Symptoms Early and Personalizing Therapy
16:52 - Assessing Combination Chemo and Clinical Trials
22:30 - Discussing Alternatives with Patients
28:19 - Measuring Treatment Response
32:51 - Emerging Role of Liquid Biopsy
35:34 - RAS Revolution: Oral Pill vs. Chemotherapy
40:49 - Wrap Up

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More about this episode

The doctors cover common patient presentations, early management of complications, and the rationale behind systemic chemotherapy choices and regimen selection. They discuss practical methods for monitoring response to treatment, the growing access to clinical trials, including the promise of KRAS/RAS-targeted oral therapies, and the critical role of ongoing communication, psychological support, and individualized care planning. The episode offers insights on integrating palliative care, supporting patients through side effects, and tailoring conversations around prognosis and quality of life.

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Resources

PANThEON Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41318310/

RAS Revolution
https://www.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/multi-selective-ras-inhibitor-nearly-doubles-survival-pancreatic-cancer

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

Why does up to 10% of bladder cancer pathology change on expert review, and what does that mean for your intermediate and high-risk patients? In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Bogdana Schmidt interviews urologists Dr. Kristen Scarpato and Dr. Sunil Patel to explore the complexities of diagnosis and risk assessment in non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). They discuss the real-world challenges of pathology interpretation, risk-group assignment, evolving diagnostic tools, and the impact these factors have on treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

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

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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:02 - Risk Stratification
07:22 - Upstaging to High Risk
10:06 - Calculators and Patient Education
15:22 - Specific Tests Use Cases
18:50 - Conflicting Biomarker Results
21:36 - Adjunct Tests and Counseling
24:03 - Recurrence After Chemo Next Steps
27:01 - Escalation Deescalation Balance
32:48 - Future Research Priorities
35:43 - Biology Based Risk Stratification
38:03 - Clinical Pearls and Wrap Up

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More about this episode
The conversation highlights the heterogeneity of intermediate-risk disease, the role and importance of expert pathology over-reads, and the need to accurately document the risk category for ongoing care. They discuss selective use of urinary and genomic assays and how these tests fit alongside cystoscopy and blue light endoscopy. Practical treatment approaches are reviewed, including when to use intravesical gemcitabine or BCG, managing care during BCG shortages, and balancing escalation versus de-escalation of therapy. Additional topics include strategies for long-term surveillance, upper tract imaging, rising rates of bladder cancer in younger patients, and why thorough TURBT and strong patient-provider communication remain central to optimal management.

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Resources

The Memorial Study
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/clinical-trials/19-288

The BRIDGE Study
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1501035

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.
► https://www.backtable.com/app

How do seasoned clinicians navigate the complex web of complications that accompany pancreatic cancer? In this episode of BackTable Tumor Board, Drs. Greg Botta, Rebekah White, and Zachary Berman discuss real-world strategies for managing pain, digestive complications, and the many challenges patients face. They explore multidisciplinary approaches, emphasizing the importance of tailored pain management, careful use of enzyme supplementation, and anticipating both surgical and medical risks, especially after procedures like the Whipple.

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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:36 - Interventional Radiology Approach to Pain Relief
05:37 - Nerve Blocks and Neurolysis for Treatment
09:05 - Expectations for Post-operative Recovery
10:46 - Whipple Anatomy and Side Effects
13:49 - Clot Prevention After Surgery
19:11 - Managing Nutritional Challenges and Gastric Outlet Obstruction
24:37 - Treating Malignant Ascites
29:54 - Mental Health Support for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
31:16 - Setting Expectations When Communicating with Patients
39:41 - Stent Choices and Sequencing

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More about this episode
The conversation covers classifying and treating pain (visceral, neuropathic, somatic, and existential), multimodal and non-opiate therapies, and targeted nerve blocks for symptom relief. The doctors address nutrition and cachexia, strategies for managing post-surgical clotting risk, and the use of stents and interventional radiology to restore digestive flow. They also highlight the need for psychosocial support, exercise to combat fatigue, and streamlined team communication for standardized, patient-centered care. The episode wraps up with practical advice on setting patient expectations, troubleshooting persistent symptoms, and leveraging clinical trials and multidisciplinary expertise.

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Resources
CASSINI Study
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7476843/

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BackTable Tumor Board is the go-to multidisciplinary podcast for medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.
► https://www.backtable.com/app