What does it actually look like to do cancer research as a high school student?

In this episode of Hope Heals, I share my experience completing my first independent research project through the UCLA Emerging Scientist Program. I explored whether clinical and genomic information collected at diagnosis could be used to predict relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using machine learning.

I explain what AML is, why relapse is so difficult to predict, how I used publicly available TCGA data, the machine-learning models I tested, and what I discovered from my results. I also discuss one of the biggest questions my research raised: could measurable residual disease (MRD) and information collected throughout treatment improve relapse prediction?

Most importantly, I share what this project taught me about research—and why sometimes, the most valuable result isn't an answer, but a better question.

Here are some resources that guided me during my research, and also for you to learn more:

Dataset: https://www.cbioportal.org/study/clinicalData?id=laml_tcga_pub

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/15/4/338

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/15/13/3512

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11286513/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajh.27625

https://www.catallyst.com/understanding-mrd/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268960X25000852?via%3Dihub

https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/news-and-features/persistent-mutations-throughout-remission-linked-with-poor-survival-in-leukemia/

https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/140/12/1345/485817/Diagnosis-and-management-of-AML-in-adults-2022

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1516192

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1301689

In this episode of Hope Heals, I’m joined by breast cancer survivor, physical therapist, and cancer rehabilitation advocate Ashlynne Bachman. Ashlynne shares her personal journey through breast cancer, the challenges of treatment and recovery, and how her experience inspired her to support other cancer survivors. We talk about resilience, finding a new normal after cancer, and turning a difficult experience into a source of hope for others.

In today's episode of Hope Heals, Tanvi has an empowering conversation with Apurva Agarwal. Just one month before her wedding, Apurva's life changed forever when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Though she faced many obstacles thrown her way, Apurva talks about how she found unwavering support through every challenge, from her parents, brother, and especially her husband.

Apurva talks through the emotions she felt when she was first diagnosed and how the tables turned in an instant. She talks about the difficulty and vulnerability in accepting diagnosis and continuing to remain hopeful. Apurva mentions how important it is to remain strong and never let cancer be the entirety of your story. Now she leads a life of strength and purpose, continuing to find was to raise awareness about cancer, especially in South Indian communities.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, survivor, or simply looking for a story of courage and perseverance, this conversation is a reminder that even in the darkest moment, hope can still shine through.

In today’s episode of Hope Heals, we meet with Paul Weigel, a cancer survivor, author, and Ironman triathlete to explore what true perseverance really means. Having been diagnosed with an advanced stage of colorectal cancer, Paul turned his life into an example of endurance and activism and has managed to inspire many people around the world through his story.

Together, we will speak about how to stay hopeful when you receive your diagnosis, how to find your purpose after hardships, what lessons you can learn from endurance sports, and the importance of being proactive on checking for symptoms. Whether you've been personally impacted by cancer or are simply looking for a story of courage and determination, this conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest obstacles can become our greatest sources of strength.

In this episode of the Hope Heals podcast, Tanvi has a conversation with breast cancer survivor survivor and founder of POST SWIM, Lauren Yerkes. We discuss how difficult it was to navigate cancer diagnosis during the first couple of weeks and to find support during situations where it felt confusing. We also discuss about how life is after cancer, and how important it is to take diagnosis "minute by minute" and remain hopeful for the future.

As someone that was part of the fashion industry, she decided that she wanted to make an impact after her cancer diagnosis. She founded POST SWIM - a swimwear brand designed to help women feel comfortable and confident after mastectomies, lumpectomies, C-sections, hysterectomies, and other life-changing surgeries. 

Support POST SWIM today: https://www.postswim.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq8mtognVjX4UbPgW5bCbrPNg5Lq5hX1qu5BAzsK8I370L0-X8s

In this episode of Hope Heals, I speak with Tanya Zelikov, whose life has been deeply shaped by her family’s journey through cancer. She shares a powerful and emotional story about her journey with breast cancer and her daughter, Vita's experience with breast cancer. Both women have made a prominent affect on progressing treatment options for advanced stages of breast cancer.

Today, Vita's life is honored through the non-profit organization Vita's Light. They provide personalized care packages for those who are underserved and fighting breast cancer. Through this organization, the positivity Vita continued to hold throughout her life lives on.

Support their mission today:

https://www.vitaslight.org/our-story

Listen to the inspiring journey of Ms. Mani Sharma and her fight against breast cancer. We talk about how to remain hopeful beyond diagnosis and the importance of having a good support system as you continue to lead your life beyond cancer.