In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, speaks with researchers Dr. Nikki Nollen and Dr. Lisa Sanderson-Cox about building lasting collaborations to reduce tobacco use and cancer disparities, particularly in African American communities. They describe how their partnership began at KU Medical Center and grew through a long-term, trusted collaboration with Swope Health, a federally qualified health center in Kansas City. Drs. Nollen and Cox explain how community and patient advisory boards shape their clinical trials, influencing study questions, counseling protocols, and attention to issues like menthol use, tobacco marketing, spirituality, and unmet social needs. They also highlight broader collaborations that advanced genetic and pharmacotherapy insights and helped inform higher-dose nicotine replacement approaches for lighter smokers, and they discuss e-cigarettes as harm reduction for adults but a risk for youth.

00:00 Welcome and Episode Focus

00:59 How Their Collaboration Began

01:54 Building Trust with Swope Health

03:24 Community Advisory Boards in Action

06:50 Letting the Community Lead

08:18 Unmet Social Needs and Study Design

10:28 Genetics and Broader Research Partners

12:09 Updating Nicotine Replacement Dosing

13:32 Lessons from Long Term Teamwork

15:40 E-Cigarettes Harm Reduction Debate

17:21 Closing Thanks and Takeaways

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more the partnership with Swope Health

· Learn about Dr. Nikki Nollen

· Learn more about Dr. Lisa Sanderson Cox

· Learn more about research on e-cigarette usage

To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

Dr. Roy Jensen introduces the season's focus on the people behind cancer research and hands hosting duties to Dr. Ronald Chen, chair of Radiation Oncology and associate director for Community Outreach and Engagement at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Dr. Chen highlights the KU Cancer Center's K12 Paul Calabresi Career Development for Clinical and Translational Oncology program, which mentors and trains early career clinician-investigators, and interviews K12 scholar Dr. Yiduo Hu, a breast medical oncologist who joined KU after training at Yale and completing research and degrees at Case Western, Dana-Farber/Harvard, and Columbia University. Dr. Hu describes translational research as bridging communication between bench science and patient care, explains how the K12 Program's protected time and mentorship support his work on DNA damage repair and genome integrity in breast cancer, and discusses his newly activated pragmatic trial comparing two commonly used chemotherapy regimens for high-risk breast cancer. They also emphasize collaboration, including engagement with KU Cancer Center's PIVOT patient advocate group, to keep research patient-relevant and team-based.

00:00 Season Introduction

00:28 Guest Host Handoff

00:44 K12 Program Overview

01:18 Dr. Hu's Background

01:58 Translational Research Explained

03:08 K12 Support and Focus

04:09 Building A Clinical Trial

05:38 Protected Time Matters

06:22 Mentorship at KU Cancer Center

07:39 Community and PIVOT Collaboration

09:41 Career Reflections

10:33 Closing Thanks and Resources

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about the K12 Paul Calabresi Career Development for Clinical and Translational Oncology Program

To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, interviews Dr. Brent Sear, director of the Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource at KU Cancer Center. Brent shares his unique career journey into clinical pharmacology, the role of clinical pharmacology in advancing cancer therapies, and the critical work his team does in guiding clinical trials and personalizing cancer treatment. They also discuss emerging technologies and their potential impact on the future of cancer research. Tune in to learn more about the intricate processes that ensure safe and effective cancer therapies.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:06 Brent Sear's Journey into Cancer Research

03:21 Understanding Clinical Pharmacology

04:54 The Role of Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource

06:40 Importance of Precise Measurement in Cancer Treatment

08:40 Collaborative Projects and Scientific Insights

09:55 Advice for Aspiring Researchers

11:52 Future of Clinical Pharmacology in Cancer Research

13:33 Conclusion and Farewell

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about the Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource at KU Cancer Center

· Learn about Brent Sear, director of the Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource

· Learn about Shared Resources and Core Facilities at KU Cancer Center

To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, hosts Dr. Kristy Brown, a nationally recognized expert in cancer metabolism and hormone signaling. Dr. Brown discusses the latest breakthroughs in understanding the relationship between obesity, estrogen, and cancer, along with how these discoveries shape more effective treatments. She reflects on her career and shares moving accounts of patient interactions that fuel her research. The conversation delves into emerging opportunities in cancer treatment and prevention, the role of artificial intelligence in research, and offers advice for early-career scientists on making a meaningful impact. Dr. Brown expresses optimism for future cancer research advancements and the potential for improved patient outcomes.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic

00:28 Meet Dr. Kristy Brown: Expert in Cancer Metabolism

01:02 Optimism in Cancer Research: Key Developments

02:31 Proud Moments in Cancer Research

04:15 Obesity, Metabolism, and Cancer: Emerging Discoveries

06:10 Translational Research: From Lab to Clinic

09:08 Advice for Early Career Scientists

12:18 Hope for the Future: Personal Reflections

13:24 Conclusion and Resources

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about Dr. Kristy Brown

· Learn about Dr. Brown's research

· Learn about cancer prevention at KU Cancer Center

To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen speaks with Dr. Anna Arthur and Dr. Gregory Gan about their innovative cross-disciplinary work at the intersection of nutrition and radiation oncology. They explore how their combined expertise leads to holistic cancer treatment approaches, focusing on the effects of diet, inflammation, and treatment response on patient outcomes. Both experts share their personal and professional journeys into their respective fields, the collaborative projects they have undertaken, and the way they integrate multidisciplinary insights into improving cancer care. They also highlight their efforts to mentor the next generation of researchers, underscoring the value of collaboration in scientific innovation.

00:00 Introduction to Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

00:41 Meet the Experts: Dr. Anna Arthur and Dr. Gregory Gan

00:48 Journey into Their Respective Fields

02:02 Challenges and Realizations in Cancer Research

05:22 The Intersection of Nutrition and Radiation Oncology

10:28 Collaborative Projects and Their Impact

19:31 Mentoring the Next Generation of Researchers

23:14 Future Directions in Integrating Nutrition and Cancer Treatment

25:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about Dr. Anna Arthur

· Learn about Dr. Gregory Gan

· Learn about the Nutrition Shared Resource at the cancer center

· Learn about head and neck cancer

To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, talks with Marilyn Mahan and Karl Frees, members of Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together (PIVOT) – KU Cancer Center's patient research advocacy group – and co-chairs of the PIVOT Educational Task Force. They discuss PIVOT, an initiative bringing patients, survivors, caregivers, and researchers together to enhance cancer research. Marilyn and Karl share how PIVOT integrates patient perspectives into research, the ways advocates collaborate with researchers, and the program's impact on studies and researcher motivation. Both guests recount their personal cancer journeys and their dedication to influencing cancer research to become more patient-centered and effective. They stress the importance of patient advocacy, the empowerment that comes with shared knowledge, and the future goals of expanding PIVOT's reach and impact.

00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside

00:18 What is PIVOT?

02:03 How PIVOT Advocates Collaborate with Researchers

04:15 Impact of Patient Involvement on Research

06:34 Personal Cancer Journeys

13:53 Future Goals for PIVOT

18:58 Encouraging Advocacy and Involvement

21:17 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about PIVOT and how to join

· Learn about Lynch Syndrome

· Learn about oral cancer

· Follow PIVOT on Instagram

To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, speaks with Dr. Ronald Chen, chair of Radiation Oncology and associate director for Community Outreach and Engagement at KU Cancer Center. Dr. Chen shares his personal and professional journey from growing up in Topeka to Harvard and a career on the East Coast and back to Kansas, focusing on his motivation to return home and how his work impacts rural communities. He discusses his efforts in cancer care, telehealth and clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of bringing skills back to Kansas to improve local healthcare.

00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside

00:47 Meet Dr. Ron Chen

01:33 Dr. Chen's Educational Journey

03:41 Returning to Kansas

05:40 Advice for Young Kansans

07:19 Midwest Reflections

09:50 Addressing Rural Healthcare Challenges

12:35 Community Engagement and Partnerships

14:46 Balancing Clinical Care and Research

17:02 Future of Cancer Care at KU

19:30 Conclusion and Farewell

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about Dr. Ronald Chen

· Read this Q&A with Dr. Chen focused on eliminating health disparities

· Learn more about community outreach and engagement at KU Cancer Center

· Read about the Masonic Cancer Alliance

To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, is joined by Dr. Anthony Sung and Dr. Jennifer Klemp, leaders in cancer survivorship research. They discuss their personal motivations, the importance of comprehensive survivorship care starting from diagnosis, and the innovative programs and research efforts at the KU Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by cancer survivors, the need for individualized care, and the role of community support and research in improving survivor outcomes. The episode emphasizes KU Cancer Center's mission to become a national leader in patient-oriented survivorship care and research.

00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside

00:33 Exploring Cancer Survivorship

01:09 Personal Motivations in Cancer Research

04:21 Defining Cancer Survivorship

07:40 Vision for the KU Center for Survivorship and Patient Oriented Research

13:29 Future of Cancer Survivorship Research

26:45 Conclusion and Resources

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about Dr. Anthony Sung

· Learn more about Dr. Jennifer Klemp

· Learn more about the KU Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research

To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In the season six premiere of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, sits down with his friend and colleague Dr. Gary Doolittle, medical director of the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA) and melanoma expert. Dr. Doolittle shares his personal and professional experiences in oncology, including his own cancer diagnosis and how it has influenced his approach to patient care. They discuss the unique challenges rural communities face in accessing cancer treatment and the role initiatives like the Masonic Cancer Alliance and telemedicine play in improving care accessibility. Dr. Doolittle offers insights from his dual perspective as a physician and a cancer survivor, emphasizing the importance of empathy, swift patient management and building trust in healthcare systems.

00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside

00:33 Meet Dr. Gary Doolittle

01:29 Dr. Doolittle's Personal Cancer Journey

03:01 Impact on Patient Care

06:36 Challenges in Rural Cancer Care

12:59 Telemedicine and the MCA

18:50 Advice for Patients and Physicians

21:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about Dr. Gary Doolittle

· Learn more about the Masonic Cancer Alliance

· Learn more about the MCA's community outreach and engagement efforts

For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, sits down with Dr. David Akhavan, a physician-scientist pioneering cell therapy research for brain cancer. Dr. Akhavan discusses the revolutionary potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in treating cancers like glioblastoma, the complexities involved and the innovative approaches his team is employing, such as smarter engineered T-cells and nanoparticles. Highlighting the collaboration within KU Cancer Center, Dr. Akhavan also shares personal insights into his motivation and the future of cancer treatment.

Do you have questions about cancer? Call our Bench to Bedside Hotline at (913) 588-3880 or email us at [email protected], and your comment or question may be shared on an upcoming episode! If you appreciated this episode, please share, rate, subscribe and leave a review. To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

Links from this Episode:

• Learn more about cell therapy at KU Cancer Center
• Learn more about brain cancer
• Read more about Dr. Akhavan's work on the KU Cancer Center blog, "Exploring Immunotherapy Treatments to Treat Brain Cancer"
• Learn about Head for the Cure
• Read how physician-scientists at KU Cancer Center bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic