Cancer.Net Podcast

Research into new forms of biologic therapy, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, have made dramatic advances in treating and managing cancer, but these therapies can be very expensive. You may be familiar with generic drugs, which are identical copies of brand-name drugs, and are often much cheaper. However, the manufacturing process for biologic therapies is so complex, it is not possible for a different manufacturer to make an identical copy.

In this podcast, Dr. Gary Lyman discusses biosimilar agents, which are similar, but not identical, copies of these drugs. Dr. Lyman discusses some of the differences in manufacturing biosimilar agents, the criteria that are used to ensure they are as effective as the original drug, and some of the ways that biosimilars can help reduce the cost of cancer care.

In today's podcast, Dr. Noelle LoConte discusses the relationship between alcohol use and cancer, and explains why ASCO has released a statement on this topic.

There are many benefits to being physically active during and after cancer treatment. However, the side effects of cancer treatment can make it challenging to get to a gym or complete standard exercises. In this podcast, we discuss these challenges, tips for staying physically active, and the benefits of participating in a fitness program designed for cancer survivors, like LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has some specific neurological effects. In today's podcast, Annette Goldberg talks with Dr. Roy Strowd about this diet, its history, and its potential benefits in people with certain types of brain tumors.

Many people with cancer receive long-term therapy after their primary cancer treatment—such as surgery or chemotherapy—has ended, in order reduce the risk of their cancer returning or worsening. In today's podcast, Dr. Ryan Nipp discusses the unique challenges faced by people who receive this extended therapy and their caregivers. Dr. Nipp also talks about the importance of survivorship care plans and having open communication between patients and their health care team in addressing these challenges.

In today's podcast, Dr. Judith Paice discusses options for managing cancer-related pain, including opioid medications, and medication-free alternatives. She also discusses the use of cannabinoids, which are derived from marijuana, including recent clinical research and associated risks and barriers.

In today's podcast, Dr. Erika Ramsdale and Dr. Andrew Chapman discuss new options for improving care for older adults with cancer, including online tools and telecommunications options. Dr. Ramsdale is a board-certified specialist in geriatric medicine and medical oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Chapman is the co-director of the Jefferson Senior Adult Oncology Center and a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at Thomas Jefferson University.

A therapy animal has been trained to visit hospitals and other healthcare environments to provide comfort, help decrease a patient's pain or discomfort, encourage movement, and even serve a role in a patient's treatment program. In today's podcast, Leslie Horton will discuss what is involved in training a dog or other pet to become a therapy animal.

Genetic testing can help estimate a person's chance of developing cancer in their lifetime based on changes, or mutations, in their genetic code. Genetic counselors are specially trained medical professionals who can assess and advise people on their individual risk of cancer based on their family's history of cancer and the results of genetic testing. In this podcast, Tiffani DeMarco explains the role of a genetic counselor and discusses how genetic testing has changed over time.

Voices on Cancer is a Cancer.Net Blog series where advocates share their stories and the lessons they have learned about being a cancer advocate. In this Voices on Cancer podcast, young adult cancer survivor Matthew Zachary shares his advocacy story and shares tips to help advocate for young adults with cancer.