Conversations in Lung Cancer Research

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Prunella Blinman (Medical Oncologist from Concord Hospital, Sydney) is joined by world-leading thoracic medical oncologists Prof Nick Pavlakis (Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney) and Prof Sanjay Popat (The Royal Marsden Hospital, London) to discuss the evolving role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in thoracic malignancies. Together, they explore the biology of VEGF and its impact on the tumour microenvironment, trace the history and safety lessons of anti-VEGF therapies from early trials like ECOG 4599 to IMpower150, and highlight emerging breakthroughs and examine emerging approaches including PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies, HARMONi-2 and novel combinations with ADCs.

This podcast was proudly sponsored by BioNTech. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers.
 

(00:00) Welcome and Overview

(02:20) VEGF Basics and Angiogenesis

(05:42) Tumour Vessels and Immune Effects

(09:14) VEGF in Thoracic Cancers

(12:54) Squamous Bleeding Risk Explained

(15:23) UK Experience and Modest Gains

(20:14) IMpower150 and Combo Era

(26:34) Bispecifics PD1 VEGF Rationale

(30:02) HARMONi Trials and New Signals

(33:49) Future Combos With ADCs

(35:39) Safety Toxicities and Wrap Up

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Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Steven Kao, Medical Oncologist at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, is joined by A/Prof Venessa Chin, Medical Oncologist at St Vincent's Hospital and Researcher at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and Dr Ben Kong, Medical Oncologist at Prince of Wales Hospital. Together, they explore the clinical features of ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, the evolving diagnostic and treatment landscape in Australia, and how the recent PBS listing of repotrectinib is influencing first-line treatment decisions. The discussion also covers CNS disease, treatment sequencing, resistance mechanisms, and emerging therapies that may further improve outcomes for patients.

This podcast was proudly sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers.

(00:00) Introduction, Host Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country  

(01:33) The "Unicorn" Mutation: Clinical Characteristics & Prevalence  

(03:22) Diagnostic Testing: IHC, FISH vs. Gold Standard NGS  

(05:15) Clinical Red Flags: High Thromboembolic Risk & CNS Predilection  

(08:18) Treatment Landscape in Australia: Crizotinib, Entrectinib, Repotrectinib  

(10:11) Managing Unique Repotrectinib Side Effects (Dizziness, Dysgeusia, Ataxia)  

(13:42) Intracranial Response & Choosing First-Line TKIs  

(19:20) Post-TKI Progression Strategies: Biopsy, Chemo-IO, & Local Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRS)  

(26:15) The Horizon: Emerging Next-Generation TKIs & Resected ROS1 Disease  

(29:05) Closing Remarks

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Mel Moore welcomes Prof Zarnie Lwin OAM (University of Queensland; Medical Oncologist at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital) to discuss her pathway from Burma to training in South Africa and Australia, and a two-year lung cancer fellowship at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. Prof Lwin reflects on choosing medical oncology, the value of leaving one’s institution for fellowships, and how international training shaped her professionalism, networks, and research direction. She explains health services and qualitative research, highlighting a project interviewing interpreters that revealed cultural and language gaps around cancer and palliative care. The episode also covers equity-focused solutions (community and clinician education, in-person interpreters, cultural competency, and potential AI tools), challenges to clinical trial recruitment due to increasingly niche criteria and geographic distance, limited experience with teletrials, and her commitment to mentorship and humility in a rapidly evolving lung cancer field.

00:00 Welcome and Acknowledgement

00:37 Meet Professor Lwin

04:25 Training Across Countries

07:19 Choosing Medical Oncology

08:34 Medicine and Creativity

11:56 Fellowship Advice and Mentors

16:42 Health Services Research

19:06 Interpreters and Culture

25:40 Clinical Trial Barriers

30:43 Teletrials and Equity

32:29 Mentorship and Teaching

35:24 Episode Wrap Up

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Gavin Wright sits down with a multidisciplinary panel of experts to tackle the critical and complex issue of smoking-related stigma in lung cancer. The conversation explores how social constructs and industry blame-shifting fuel psychological distress, create barriers to the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, and potentially compromise equitable patient care. The panel offers clinical, psychological, and biological perspectives on how the healthcare system can dismantle this stigma to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. 

Host A/Prof Gavin Wright is a thoracic surgeon, director of Surgical Oncology at St. Vincent's Hospital, and the surgical representative on TOGA's scientific committee—is an esteemed panel of specialists leading the charge against lung cancer stigma. He is joined by Dr. Allison Black, an oncology consultant at the Royal Hobart Hospital who sub-specialises in gynecological and lung cancers; A/Prof Henry Marshall, a thoracic physician at the Prince Charles Hospital and the University of Queensland Thoracic Research Center; and Professor Suzanne Chambers, a health psychologist, psycho-oncology researcher, and Executive Dean of Health Sciences at the Australian Catholic University. Together, they bring a vital combination of surgical, oncological, respiratory, and psychological expertise to this crucial discussion. 

00:00 Welcome and Acknowledgement

00:55 Meet the Panel

01:54 What Stigma Means

04:43 Tobacco Industry Blame

06:11 Why Screening Matters

08:44 Treatment Without Judgment

12:15 Fixing Stigma Systemwide

17:13 Equity and Access Gaps

18:35 Shared Decisions and Support

21:24 Quitting Without Shame

24:33 Language and Closing Takeaways

26:49 Episode Wrap Up

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of 'Conversations in Lung Cancer Research,' host A/Prof Mel Moore interviews Dr. Jazmin Eckhaus, a practising surgeon in the subspecialty of thoracic surgery, and specialising in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and pleural disease. Dr. Eckhaus discusses her extensive training and experience, groundbreaking work in robotic lung surgery, and her contributions to the development of the Binational Australian and New Zealand Thoracic Surgical Database. The conversation also explores Dr. Eckhaus' academic pursuits in clinical ethics at Oxford University and the practical implications for informed consent in surgical procedures. This episode provides an in-depth look into the evolving field of thoracic surgery, advancements in robotic technology, and the essential role of comprehensive data collection in improving patient outcomes.

(00:00) Introduction and Acknowledgements

(00:39) Meet Dr. Jazmin Eckhaus

(01:52) Journey to Thoracic Surgery

(04:57) Robotic Surgery Innovations

(11:53) Thoracic Surgical Database

(15:53) Clinical Ethics and Consent

(26:19) Personal Interests and Conclusion

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this second part of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research two-episode series, A/Prof Adnan Nagrial, a Medical Oncologist at Westmead Hospital, leads a panel discussing the clinical implications of the March 1st broad Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of ipilimumab and nivolumab in Australia. Joined by Prof Nick Pavlakis (Senior Staff Specialist at Royal North Shore Hospital, Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney, former chair of TOGA), Dr. Sam Bowyer (Medical Oncologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Clinical Researcher at Linear Clinical Research) and Dr. Lavinia Tan (Medical Oncologist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre), the conversation explores how this newly granted flexibility alters treatment paradigms across various thoracic malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mesothelioma, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and rare thymic tumours while also addressing toxicity management and the growing demands of patient survivorship.

Podcast Sponsor Note: This podcast was proudly sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers.

(00:00) Welcome and Acknowledgement

(01:33) Panel Introductions

(02:52) First Reactions in Clinic

(05:01) Frontline NSCLC Evidence

(06:48) Who Gets Ipi Nivo?

(11:29) Chemo Free and Rechallenge

(15:20) Stopping or Continuing IO

(20:34) Mesothelioma Treatment Choices

(27:20) Small Cell Reality Check

(30:21) Thymic Malignancies Debate

(34:54) Governance and Toxicity Safety

(38:44) Survivorship and Follow Up

(43:43) Real World Data Next Steps

(48:05) Wrap Up

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this first part of a special two-episode series of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research podcast, A/Prof Deme Karikios, a Medical Oncologist at the Nepean Hospital in NSW, is joined by Prof Ken O'Byrne, a Consultant and Professor in Medical Oncology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Queensland University of Technology, and A/Prof Rachel Roberts-Thomson, a Medical Oncologist at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Cancer Care Adelaide.

The panel discusses the recent, groundbreaking broad PBS listing of certain immunotherapy agents in Australia, including the removal of 'once in a life time' rule. This major structural shift moves oncology prescribing away from rigid, indication-specific silos and toward clinician discretion guided by a patient's individual biology and the best available clinical evidence. This episode also covers what this means for advanced and metastatic thoracic malignancies, the biological rationale behind single versus doublet immunotherapy, and the practicalities of managing these clinical decisions.

Podcast Sponsor Note: This podcast was proudly sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers.

Resource Links:

CM816 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2202170

CM9LA https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30641-0/abstract

CM227-https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1910231

CM227 was a clinical trial that examined ipi/nivo, nivo alone or chemotherapy in pts with NSCLC with PD-L1 expression level of 1%

(00:00) Welcome and Acknowledgement

(02:00) New PBS Listing Explained

(04:18) Defining Advanced and Sensitive

(07:18) Dual vs Single Immunotherapy

(12:27) Early Stage and Recurrence

(14:26) Duration Stopping and Restarting

(20:57) Other Thoracic Cancers

(23:55) System Impact and Wrap Up

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Rachel Roberts-Thomson, a Medical Oncologist at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Cancer Care Adelaide, leads a panel discussion focusing on the landscape of BRAF-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Joined by Prof Ahn Myung-ju, a Medical Oncologist at Hanyang University Medical Centre in South Korea as well as Co-chair for the upcoming World Lung Cancer Conference, and A/Prof Adnan Nagrial, a Medical Oncologist at Westmead Hospital in Sydney. The panel discusses the clinical characteristics and incidence of this molecular subset, the critical need for upfront comprehensive genomic testing, key clinical trial data for targeted therapies, and practical strategies for managing treatment-specific side effects like pyrexia syndrome.

This episode is sponsored by Pierre Fabre.

(00:00) Welcome and Acknowledgement

(00:47) Introducing the Topic and Panel

(01:56) BRAF Incidence Overview

(02:43) Testing Pathways in Australia

(06:16) Mutation Classes and Tools

(07:47) Korea Testing Perspective

(09:03) Pivotal Targeted Therapy Trials

(13:33) Choosing First Line Treatment

(16:40) Australian Sequencing Approach

(20:23) Managing Pyrexia and Toxicities

(25:49) Wrap Up

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Malinda Itchins, a medical oncologist and clinician researcher at Royal North Shore Hospital and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse , leads a practical overview of managing thymic cancers in Australia and New Zealand. She is joined by an expert panel featuring Prof Steven Kao, a thoracic medical oncologist at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Dr. Felicity Meikle, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Waikato District Health Board in Hamilton, and Dr. Dasantha Jayamanne, a radiation oncologist at Royal North Shore Hospital and Genesis Care in Sydney. Despite being a "forgotten area" in thoracic oncology, these rare tumours remain a key focus for research and multidisciplinary care.

(00:00) Introducing the Topic and Experts

(02:10) Epidemiology and Risk Factors

(04:26) Symptoms and Initial Workup

(06:40) PET Scans and Biopsy Decisions

(11:40) Pathology and Staging Basics

(15:05) MDT Strategy

(16:08) Postoperative Treatment

(19:46) Perioperative Systemic Therapy

(23:08) Stage IV Management and Surgery

(25:47) Immunotherapy in Thymic Carcinoma

(34:51) Next Line and Targeted Options

(42:04) Wrap Up and Thanks

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's 'Conversations in Lung Cancer Research,' A/Prof Mel Moore interviews A/Prof Surein Arulananda, the interim Director of Medical Oncology and Thoracic Oncology Trials Lead at Monash Health and Convenor at the 2026 TOGA ASM. They discuss his academic background, his unexpected journey into oncology, a fellowship in Boston and MBA in London and his vision for the future of lung cancer treatment.

[0:00] Introduction

[2:05] Career Foundations

[3:19] Choosing Oncology 

[6:39] Translational PhD 

[12:00] Finding the Balance 

[13:36] The Boston Fellowship

[18:00] The MBA Journey in London

[25:35] Targeted Therapies + SCLC

[30:10] Convening the TOGA ASM

[32:53] Future Ambitions

---------------

Support TOGA

Thank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---------------

Connect with TOGA

Attend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/

Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/

Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/

Follow Us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology

---------------

Acknowledgement of Country

The Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.