CancerCast

Pain is one of the most common, but complex symptoms for cancer patients. Both cancer and its treatments can cause pain and managing this pain is a personalized process. While there are numerous pharmacological and non-drug based approaches, improving pain can significantly impact quality of life. Oncology care teams and pain management specialists can help patients navigate options. 

Guest: Abhilasha Solanki, MD, pain management physician and anesthesiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Kidney cancer is among the ten most common forms of cancer with about 79,000 new cases annually. It is often found incidentally but certain variables may increase risk, including factors such as family history, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and more. Kidney cancer can present in many ways, but common signs and symptoms, such as blood in urine, can indicate a problem with your kidneys and should be discussed with your care team. Exciting research advancements continue to improve overall survival and quality of life for patients.

Guest: Ana Molina, MD, genitourinary oncologist and kidney cancer specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, may evoke certain stigmas and associations, but when used in medicine, marijuana is a highly regulated botanical. If prescribed under proper guidance, medical marijuana can often be a helpful tool in cancer symptom management, from nausea and lack of appetite to chronic pain and beyond. Multidisciplinary cancer care teams can offer knowledge and support in navigating state-by-state legislation and prescription logistics, as well as in determining if this treatment would improve quality of life.


Guest: Michelle Loy, MD, physician and integrative medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital who specializes in nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, and cancer prevention and recovery.

Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Precision medicine leverages genetic and genomic information to help create individualized treatment plans for cancer patients. One example is an emerging test called a liquid biopsy. While traditional biopsies use more invasive tissue samples, liquid biopsies use blood tests to detect circulating tumor cells throughout the body. This technique can provide easier access to information, helping determine next steps in the cancer care journey. Liquid biopsies are a powerful tool with potential in many areas, from monitoring treatment responses to detecting cancer earlier than other screening methods.

Guest: Pashtoon Kasi, MD, MS, gastrointestinal oncologist and researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine, Director for Colorectal Cancer Research, and Precision Medicine Director for Liquid Biopsy Research at the Englander Institute of Precision Medicine.

Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

While cancer screening methods and treatments have improved over the years, there are still significant barriers that prevent access to care for many individuals. Community outreach and engagement can help to combat these health disparities and dismantle myths and stigmas surrounding cancer. Through the help of community health workers and dedicated teams, efforts are underway to bring health equity issues to the forefront in healthcare and work towards a better tomorrow with optimal health for all.


Guest: Erica Phillips, MD, MS, internal medicine physician at Weill Cornell Medicine, Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, and Co-Associate Director of Community Engagement at the Cornell Center for Health Equity.

Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Procedures involving stem cell and bone marrow transplants were one of the first successful forms of immunotherapy in cancer care. Recent scientific and medical advances have led to novel approaches making transplant safer and more effective than ever before. Innovations continue to transform the field, offering alternative treatments that help the body’s immune system better recognize and fight the cancer. CAR T-cell therapy is one example which has demonstrated promising results and continues to be studied in clinical trials across a variety of diseases.

Guest: Koen Van Besien, MD, PhD, hematologist and medical oncologist, Director of Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program, and Director of Cellular Therapy Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common form of women's cancer worldwide. While cervical cancer used to be the most common cause of cancer death for women, advances in testing and prevention – from the pap smear to the HPV vaccine – now makes it one of the most preventable forms of cancer. With all gynecologic cancers, regular check-ups are key to early diagnosis and treatment.

Guest: Eloise Chapman-Davis, MD, gynecologic oncologist and Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. John Leonard shares his list of the 10 most interesting and impactful lymphoma and blood cancer abstracts – with 5 “bonus” podcast-only selections – to be presented at the 2021 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist, and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Testicular cancer is an uncommon form of cancer and yet remains the #1 cancer among young men. Testicular cancer is highly treatable and curable, especially when caught early, but it’s not often talked about. Normalizing the topic and increasing awareness for regular self-checks is critical to proper detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Guest: Doug Scherr, MD, urologist and Clinical Director of Urologic Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital