In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, discusses the critical topic of alcohol consumption and its link to cancer risk with Dr. Lauren Nye, medical oncologist at the cancer center and associate professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. They delve into the recent advisory from the US Surgeon General highlighting the increased cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption, explore how alcohol can promote cancer development through various mechanisms, and offer practical advice for reducing alcohol intake. Dr. Nye underscores the importance of public awareness and the role of healthcare professionals in disseminating this information, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable lifestyle changes.

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:

• Read the US Surgeon General's Advisory "Alcohol and Cancer Risk"
• Read "Understanding Breast Cancer Prevention" by Dr. Lauren Nye on the KU Cancer Center blog
• Learn about cancer prevention and risk reduction on the KU Cancer Center website

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. Lisa Harlan-Williams, associate director for education at the cancer center, to discuss the variety of careers involved in the field of cancer care and research, beyond doctors and nurses. Dr. Harlan-Williams shares her own career path and talks about various initiatives at KU Cancer Center to attract and train for the oncology workforce. They highlight the importance of early exposure to different career opportunities and the educational programs available, including shadowing professionals and summer research internships. The discussion also touches on the growing demand for cancer care professionals due to increasing cancer cases and workforce shortages.

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 educational opportunities and programs for students considering a career in cancer research at KU Cancer Center
• Learn about the Accelerate Cancer Education summer research program at KU Cancer Center
• Read about the C-CLEAR summer internship program at KU Cancer Center
• Learn more about the Jewell Summer Research Training Program at 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, hosts Dr. Marc Hoffmann, associate professor specializing in Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics at the University of Kansas Medical Center and medical director of the lymphoma program at KU Cancer Center, where he also serves as medical director for quality improvement initiatives. Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Hoffmann has contributed significantly to research in lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and he actively participates in national cooperative group clinical trials. Dr. Hoffmann shares his career path into the field of oncology, innovations in lymphoma and CLL treatments, as well as the unique aspects of KU Cancer Center's lymphoma program. The conversation also covers Dr. Hoffmann's Peace Corps experience in West Africa, his involvement in clinical trials, and advice for medical students interested in hematology and oncology.

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 the lymphoma program at KU Cancer Center
• Learn about chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Learn more about CAR T-cell therapy at KU Cancer Center
• Learn more about Dr. Marc Hoffmann
• Watch a video of Dr. Hoffmann explaining how blood cancer is diagnosed

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. Andrew Godwin, director of KU Cancer Center's Biospecimen Shared Resource. They discuss the critical role that volunteers who donate biospecimens play in advancing cancer research. The podcast delves into the types of biospecimens collected, their use in medical studies, and how the KU Cancer Center's repository has grown to include over one million samples. Dr. Godwin shares insights on successful projects, including the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Registry and emerging technologies in biomarker analysis. He also emphasizes the importance of community participation in the biobank and offers advice for young investigators in the field of biomedical research.

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 KU Cancer Center's Biospecimen Shared Resource
• Learn how to donate to the KU BioBank
• Read more about how the Biospecimen Shared Resource supports the Early Detection Program within the KU BioBank
• Learn more about Dr. Andrew Godwin

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Robert Winn, Director and Lippman Chair in Oncology at Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. They discuss Dr. Winn's pioneering work in cancer research and health equity, especially focusing on underserved communities. The episode highlights the significance of the Inclusive Excellence initiative Dr. Winn is leading as president of the American Association of Cancer Institutes (AACI), as well as disparities in cancer care in rural areas, the exciting advancements in immunotherapy and molecular therapies, and the essential role of trust and communication in healthcare. The dialogue underscores the critical need for appropriate investment in cancer research to continue making significant strides in reducing cancer mortality and improving patient outcomes.

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 Dr. Robert Winn
• Read about the AACI Inclusive Excellence initiative
• Learn about the National Cancer Institute and the designated cancer centers program

In this special mini episode of the Bench to Bedside Podcast, Dr. Elizabeth Muenks, director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center's Onco-Psychology Program, addresses listener-submitted questions on managing the holiday season while navigating a loved one's cancer journey. The episode provides thoughtful advice on keeping loved ones involved without overwhelming them, adjusting holiday traditions to accommodate dietary restrictions and energy levels, and balancing caregiving responsibilities with holiday preparations. In this conversation, Dr. Muenks emphasizes the value of open conversations, giving oneself grace and seeking support during this emotionally challenging time. The episode concludes with practical tips for creating special, low-energy holiday activities suitable for cancer patients and their families.

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 Dr. Muenks
• Listen to Dr. Muenks in Bench to Bedside episode 20, "Coping with Cancer During the Holiday Season"

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside Podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, discusses exciting advancements in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with Dr. Tara Lin, director of the adult leukemia program at KU Cancer Center and site principal investigator for myeloMATCH (Myeloid Malignancies Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice), a precision-medicine initiative sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). MyeloMATCH is an "umbrella trial," a group of clinical substudies for people with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. In this conversation Dr. Lin explains the challenges of AML, as well as the innovative aspects of the myeloMATCH trial, such as rapid diagnostic testing and specialized clinical trial options based on genetic and molecular features.

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 the myeloMATCH trial
• View the myleoMATCH trial on the NCI's clinical trials database
• Learn more about AML
• Read about clinical trials at KU Cancer Center
• Learn more about Dr. Tara Lin

In this poignant episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, speaks with Cheryl Jernigan, Lead Patient Research Advocate with Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together (PIVOT). Cheryl shares her powerful story of being both a cancer survivor herself and a co-survivor and caregiver to her husband, who battled both prostate cancer and tonsil cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Their discussion explores the emotional and physical challenges of caregiving, the importance of research and patient advocacy, and the vital support systems needed for caregivers. Cheryl's experience offers invaluable insight into balancing personal health while providing care, highlighting resources such as Turning Point and Gilda's Club to aid caregivers on their journey.

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 KU Cancer Center's patient research advocacy program, PIVOT
• Read Cheryl's blog post about PIVOT on the KU Cancer Center website
• Find cancer caregiver resources at KU Cancer Center
• Learn more about Turning Point's services for cancer patients and caregivers at KU Cancer Center

Being overweight or having obesity is linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer. These cancers comprise 40% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year. 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. John Thyfault, professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, as well as director of the University of Kansas Diabetes Institute and co-leader of the Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research (KC-MORE), a new research hub based at the University of Kansas Medical Center to study human obesity and obesity-related disease. They discuss the significant impact of obesity on cancer incidence and mortality, as well as Dr. Thyfault's work developing translational research to improve patient outcomes. The discussion also explores how hormonal disruptions caused by obesity affect tumor growth, the potential of pharmacologic interventions like Ozempic, and the importance of maintaining physical activity and a healthy diet in cancer prevention and management.

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 KC-MORE
• Read about KC-MORE's research into obesity and cancer
• Learn more about Dr. Thyfault

In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast Joseph Hines, II, MPH, senior director of research operations at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, joins Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director, to discuss the launch and success of the CAREERS in CLINICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (C-CLEAR Program). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to introduce college students in the region to the dynamic and impactful field of clinical research. Hines, along with students Mariah Slaughter, Hilary Tallman, and Angel Tchamnou, share their experiences and the program's impact on their understanding of clinical research and oncology. The conversation covers the program's objectives, the challenges of its inception, as well as the achievements of its first cohort. The students also offer advice for future participants and express gratitude towards their mentors. Future developments and application details for the program are also highlighted.

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 the C-CLEAR Program
• Watch "A Day in the Life" with the C-CLEAR student interns
• Learn more about high school and undergraduate programs at KU Cancer Center