We are privileged to have Dr. Ari Rosenberg, MD, and Dr. Maha Elsebaie, MD, MSc, from the University of Chicago, join us to discuss groundbreaking research in neoadjuvant head and neck cancer treatment. This episode explores how circulating HPV DNA, measured through a simple blood test, is emerging as a powerful tool to guide therapy decisions, personalize treatment, and potentially reduce the need for aggressive surgery or radiation.

The discussion highlights early results from trials combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before standard treatment, showing promising improvements in tumor response while reducing long-term side effects. This research is shaping the future of HPV-related head and neck cancer care and could change how clinicians plan treatments—bringing us closer to a more precise and less invasive approach.

Groundbreaking research presented at ASCO with Dr. Elinor Barsh, MD, and Dr. Jacob Keeling, MD, focuses on advances in immunotherapy for CTLA-4 resistant melanoma. This episode highlights the importance of recent progress, including the Phase I study of the antibody–drug conjugate ozuriftamab vedotin. Dr. Barsh and Dr. Keeling discuss new clinical trial data, evolving treatment pathways, and the significant reduction in mortality rates achieved with novel therapies. Their collaboration with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute underscores how innovative research can transform patient outcomes making melanoma more manageable despite its aggressive nature.

Dr. Sharlene Gill, MD, joins the MedInsights Unleashed podcast to discuss the Challenge Study's promising results on exercise in cancer care. Conducted over 17 years, the study revealed that colon cancer patients engaging in structured exercise post-treatment exhibited improved survival rates. The trial involved a comprehensive three-year program incorporating both in-person and virtual components, emphasizing physical activity alongside psychological support. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer) these findings could shift cancer treatment paradigms, advocating for the inclusion of formal exercise programs in post-chemotherapy care to enhance life expectancy and recovery in cancer patients.

In this episode of MedInsights Unleashed, Dr. Ari Goldman, MD, FAAOS, and Lewis Collins, OPA-C, ATC, OTC, from the Northwell Health Orthopedic Trauma and Surgery Team, uncover the facts on knee replacements. The discussion kicks off with a detailed look at knee anatomy and the factors leading to knee replacements, such as arthritis and genetic predispositions. The episode delves into the importance of maintaining knee health through exercise and weight management. They also explore how alignment issues elsewhere in the body can impact knee integrity and the outcomes of replacement surgery. The episode wraps up with insights into dietary considerations for bone quality and joint health.

Professor Philip A. Philip, MD, PhD, FRCP, Professor of Medical Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, returns to the MedInsights Unleashed podcast discusses the intricate topic of neuroendocrine tumors(NETs), including their rarity, the non-aggressive nature of many cases, and their potential functional characteristics. Prof. Phillip clarifies common misconceptions, advising listeners on the crucial role of accurate diagnosis and the use of grading systems to assess tumor aggressiveness. This episode not only benefits patients seeking understanding of their condition but also serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals dealing with these complex cancers.

In this episode of MedInsights Unleashed, Dr. Kriti Dhamija, MD, a second-year resident in the Department of Internal Medicine at Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, challenges the misconceptions around palliative care, particularly in pancreatic cancer. She explains why palliative care should begin at diagnosis, not at the end of life, and how early referral can reduce ER visits, hospital stays, and ICU admissions. Dr. Dhamija also explores the role of multidisciplinary teams, tackles persistent stigmas, and highlights how even resource-limited settings can improve care using team-based approaches and free guidelines. A must-listen for clinicians, patients, caregivers, and students alike.

In a recent episode of MedInsights Unleashed, Dr. Danny Rischin, MD, medical oncologist/clinician researcher at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Professor, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, discusses the groundbreaking C-POST study focused on cutaneous squamous cell cancer. By utilizing the immunotherapy drug, cemiplimab, the study achieves a 68% reduction in the risk of recurrence, marking a significant step forward in adjuvant cancer therapy. Dr. Rischin explains the study's meticulous approach to identifying high-risk patients and its impressive 87% disease-free survival rate at two years. He also discusses the role of multidisciplinary care in effectively managing complex cancer cases, emphasizing the need for continued research in uncovering reliable biomarkers.

In this episode of MedInsights Unleashed, Professor Philip A. Philip, MD, PhD, FRCP, Professor of Medical Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, shares vital insights into one of the most challenging cancers to detect and treat—pancreatic cancer. He highlights the urgent need for early recognition of symptoms and the growing understanding of genetic risks, including BRCA mutations and family history.

The discussion also covers emerging research into KRAS, common DNA mutation in tumors that is playing a major role in changing future targeted treatment strategies. With perspectives from both U.S. and global healthcare systems, this episode emphasizes the power of awareness, timely action, and the promise of personalized medicine in improving outcomes for patients.

In this hard-hitting episode of MedInsights Unleashed, we tackle the escalating crisis of drug-related medical emergencies with guest speaker Eric Prach, MAS, BPsych—an EMT and police officer on the frontlines. This episode uncovers the harsh realities of fentanyl-laced overdoses, the rise of synthetic additives like Xylazine, and the increasing concern over Kratom use among young individuals.

Eric provides critical insights into the life-saving role of Narcan, the challenges EMS teams face in overdose response, and the alarming prevalence of drug use in schools. As volunteer EMT numbers decline, hybrid staffing models are becoming the new norm. This conversation serves as a wake-up call, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and preparedness in combating the street drug epidemic.

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Episode Summary:

This is the second episode in our series on colorectal cancer. In this episode of MedInsights Unleashed, we sit down with Prof. Paulo Hoff, MD, PhD, from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, to discuss the latest developments in colorectal cancer treatment. With cases increasing, especially among younger adults, the conversation underscores the importance of early screening and detection. Prof. Hoff explains how tumor location—right vs. left side—affects treatment strategies, the role of genetic markers in guiding decisions, and how immunotherapy is shaping new treatment options. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of molecular profiling, personalized care, and what these advancements mean for patients facing colorectal cancer.