Oncology Insights with Petros Grivas

On this episode of Oncology Insights, Fred Hutch virologist Keith Jerome, MD, PhD joins Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO to discuss his decades-long pursuit of better ways to prevent, treat and ultimately cure viral infections including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Their conversation explores the biology of HSV, the barriers that have slowed progress in the field and the translational research required to turn bold scientific ideas into real-world therapies.

One theme runs throughout the episode: the importance of taking more shots on goal. Despite infecting well over half the world's population, HSV has historically attracted less research attention and investment than many other diseases. Jerome argues that progress will require more scientists, more approaches and more opportunities to test promising ideas in parallel. Whether through gene editing, epigenetic silencing, vaccines or other emerging strategies, advancing the field depends on building a broader pipeline of potential solutions.

Key topics

• Jerome's path from MD-PhD training and cancer research into virology, and how Fred Hutch's culture of challenging scientific dogma shaped his career.
• Early advances in viral diagnostics, including PCR-based monitoring of cytomegalovirus in transplant patients, and the importance of improving outcomes for immunocompromised people.
• Why HSV became a major focus of Jerome's research, including its lifelong persistence, recurrent disease burden and impact on vulnerable patients.
• The role stigma has played in limiting public discussion, funding and scientific momentum around HSV, and efforts to normalize conversations about the virus.
• The challenge of translating laboratory discoveries into therapies, where safety, efficacy and prioritization guide every step toward clinical trials.
• Emerging strategies for HSV control and cure, including gene editing, gene-drive concepts, epigenetic regulation and vaccines, and why the field needs more researchers pursuing multiple paths at once.

Timestamps

· 00:00 – Introduction and Keith Jerome's path to Fred Hutch

· 01:28 – From cancer immunology to virology

· 04:22 – Building an infectious diseases program: CMV and beyond

· 07:14 – Challenging scientific dogma in cancer and infectious diseases

· 09:15 – Turning laboratory discoveries into clinical trials

· 13:56 – The foundations of HSV research

· 15:22 – HSV biology, persistence and the search for a cure

· 17:13 – Stigma, prevalence and why HSV needs more attention

· 22:22 – Funding, advocacy and community support

· 24:52 – Why HSV research needs more "shots on goal"

· 26:29 – Durable control versus cure

· 28:27 – Safety and the path to first-in-class cure trials

· 30:23 – Future strategies: gene editing, gene drives, epigenetic silencing and vaccines

· 32:26 – Closing thoughts

Host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO sits down with Ajay Gopal, MD, medical director of clinical research in hematologic malignancies and hematology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present and future of lymphoma care. They cover how clinical trials are changing treatment duration, how translational science is helping overcome immunotherapy resistance and why bringing research closer to patients matters.

Key topics

• A career shaped by lymphoma research, mentorship and immunotherapy

• Using clinical trials to deliver more personalized care

• ctDNA, bispecific antibodies and the next generation of lymphoma treatments

• Tackling treatment resistance through translational science

• Expanding access to research and outpatient cancer care

• AI's potential to accelerate discovery and trial matching

• The future of lymphoma treatment: more cures with less therapy

• Leadership lessons and a tribute to mentor Oliver Press

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Ajay Gopal

(01:05) How fellowship in 1997 led to a lifelong focus on lymphoma and immunotherapy

(02:49) Why clinical research starts with unmet patient need

(03:41) Intensifying curative regimens for aggressive lymphomas

(05:02) Using ctDNA to de-escalate chemotherapy duration

(06:37) Translational strategies to overcome checkpoint inhibitor resistance

(08:17) Low-dose bispecific antibody therapy and immune correlates

(10:59) Getting comfortable with bispecifics in community practice

(13:10) The mission of scientific review at an NCI-designated cancer center

(14:35) Bringing trials to community sites like Northwest Hospital

(16:38) The move toward outpatient-first care and the role of the ACE clinic

(18:58) The future of aggressive and indolent lymphoma treatment

(21:41) How AI could support trial matching and research hypothesis generation (24:13) Leadership lessons: humility, mentorship, and leading from behind

(25:52) What Oliver Press meant as a mentor and role model

In this episode, host Petros Grivas MD, PhD, FASCO speaks with Heather Cheng, MD, PhD, professor at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington and director of the genetics program at Fred Hutch. They discuss how germline and tumor testing inform cancer care, the growing role of telehealth in expanding access to genetics services, and efforts to ensure more people with metastatic prostate cancer can benefit from testing and counseling.

• Dr. Cheng's path from physician-scientist to cancer genetics leader

• How genetics became a focus of her prostate cancer research and care

• The value of multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care

• Expanding access through telehealth and at-home testing

• Evolving approaches to genetic counseling and education

• Understanding germline testing vs. tumor testing

• How clinicians interpret variants of uncertain significance (VUS)

• Closing gaps in access to genetic testing through research and outreach

• Why genetic information matters for treatment decisions and family health

• 00:01 Introduction and Dr. Cheng's background

• 01:09 Training, oncology, and genetics

• 03:03 A patient experience that shaped her career

• 04:25 Broadening the reach of cancer genetics

• 07:20 Multidisciplinary cancer care

• 08:40 Telehealth and remote genetic testing

• 11:08 Modernizing genetic counseling

• 15:46 Germline vs. tumor testing

• 20:17 Interpreting genetic test results

• 23:17 The GENTleMEN study and expanding access

• 26:37 Identifying patients who may be missing testing opportunities

• 28:27 Bringing access innovations into routine care

• 31:20 Looking ahead: progress, partnership, and patient care

On this episode of Oncology Insights, Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO welcomes Molly Tokaz, MD, an assistant professor Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington. They discuss her path to medicine, her work in thoracic oncology and the unique clinical and research partnerships connecting Fred Hutch Cancer Center, UW Medicine, Harborview Medical Center and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

• Dr. Tokaz shares how an unconventional path, and inspiration from her father, led her to a career in oncology

• The rapid evolution of thoracic oncology, including advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy and supportive care

• Collaborative training and research environment across Fred Hutch, UW Medicine, Harborview and the VA

• The VA's role in cancer research, including opportunities to leverage large-scale clinical data and national collaborations

• Emerging approaches in lung cancer, from optimized immunotherapy dosing to cellular therapies, antibody-drug conjugates and cancer vaccines

• The importance of oncology education through her work as co-director of the Comprehensive Oncology Review Course

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to Meet the Greek and introduction to Dr. Molly Tokaz

02:04 - A circuitous path into medicine and oncology

03:01 - Choosing thoracic oncology as a career focus

05:23 - Why fellowship at Fred Hutch, UW, Harborview, and the VA stands out

08:38 - The transition from fellow to attending

09:34 - Building national collaborations through the VA thoracic oncology network

12:01 - What makes VA oncology care unique for veterans

14:28 - Using VA data for retrospective research and clinical trial emulation

15:49 - Rethinking dose strategies: from maximum tolerated to minimum efficacious dose

19:44 - Pacific Northwest patient mix and the opportunity for representative research

20:41 - Decentralized trials, central IRB models, and national recruitment

23:59 - Taking on the Comprehensive Oncology Review Course

25:14 - Why CORC helps clinicians translate fast-moving evidence into practice

27:14 - The value of community oncologists and shared learning

29:18 - What's next in lung cancer: cellular therapeutics and immunologic strategies

31:34 - Closing reflections on mentorship, collaboration, and the future

In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO interviews Brittany Barber, MD, MSc, FRCSC, associate professor, division leader and fellowship director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and UW Medicine.

1. Barber's career path from training in Canada to New York, and ultimately Seattle, where she joined Fred Hutch nearly nine years ago.

2. Why head and neck cancers present unique challenges because they can affect communication, eating, appearance and quality of life.

3. The value of multidisciplinary care throughout the patient journey, from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgery and recovery.

4. How specialized expertise in head and neck anatomy helps surgeons treat a wide range of cancers and complex conditions.

5. HPV-related head and neck cancers, the importance of vaccination and why incidence rates are expected to continue rising in the coming years.

6. The unexplained increase in lateral and anterior tongue cancers among younger women without a history of smoking, and why researchers do not believe these cancers are HPV-related.

7. Research exploring oral cavity cancer risk factors, including diet, sugary beverages and global epidemiology trends.

8. Studies examining bacterial burden and its potential relationship to tumor biology, pathology findings and response to immunotherapy.

9. How fellowship training helps prepare the next generation of clinicians, researchers and leaders in cancer care.

10. Barber's approach to leadership, centered on listening, removing barriers and advancing excellence in patient care, research and education.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introducing Dr. Brittany Barber and her leadership roles in head and neck surgical oncology

00:55 - Dr. Barber's path from Canada to Seattle and landing her dream job

02:22 - Why head and neck cancer care is deeply meaningful and clinically complex

03:21 - Surgery and oncology as a team sport, in the OR and across disciplines

04:26 - How a strong collegial culture improves patient care and family experience

05:29 - Managing the wide range of head and neck cancer types through anatomy and teamwork

07:23 - HPV vaccination and the continuing rise in HPV related cancer incidence

07:56 - The unexplained increase in tongue cancers in young non-smoking women

09:08 - Possible non-HPV explanations, including diet, exposures, and toxins

10:13 - Research on early onset oral cavity cancer and global epidemiology

11:38 - Sugary beverages, diet quality, and oral cavity cancer risk in women

12:31 - Bacterial burden, histopathology, and possible links to immunotherapy response

14:45 - Why fellowship training is rewarding and how trainees carry the field forward

17:44 - Collaboration with community colleagues across a huge geographic region

18:13 - Tumor board consultations that help patients avoid unnecessary travel

20:33 - Rare cancers, high-volume experience, and why this setting drives research

21:52 - The role of nursing, support staff, and professional curiosity in making the work possible

In this episode, Ryan Cassaday, MD, a leukemia researcher and physician at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, discusses his path to oncology, recent advances in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, and the importance of clinical trials and community partnerships. Listen to learn how emerging therapies and innovative research are helping improve outcomes and expand access to care for patients with ALL.

• Cassaday's career path and what inspired his interest in oncology and blood cancers
• His research at Fred Hutch focused on novel immunotherapy- and chemotherapy-based approaches for ALL
• The impact of bispecific T-cell engager therapies, including blinatumomab, and the potential of new formulations
• Innovative clinical trial designs, including dose-adjusted EPOCH combined with monoclonal antibody therapies
• The role of community partnerships in caring for patients with complex leukemia diagnoses
• Opportunities and challenges in coordinating inpatient and outpatient leukemia care across large geographic regions
• Fred Hutch's leadership in cellular therapies, stem cell transplantation and care for patients from around the world
• Future directions in ALL treatment aimed at improving cure rates while reducing treatment-related burden

00:00 – Introduction to Ryan Cassaday and his work in leukemia research 00:29 – Cassaday's background and journey into oncology 01:12 – Early influences and interest in blood cancers 01:57 – Why he chose to join Fred Hutch and the Seattle research community 04:46 – International collaborations and caring for patients from around the world 05:32 – Building clinical research programs for adults with ALL at Fred Hutch 06:07 – The rise of immunotherapy for ALL and its impact on clinical research 07:00 – Developing data infrastructure to support research and new treatments 08:43 – Current clinical trials, including studies of new blinatumomab formulations 09:20 – How new formulations could change treatment delivery and patient experience 11:11 – The potential impact of ongoing trials on future standards of care 11:47 – Community engagement and collaboration in complex leukemia care 15:38 – Coordinating care across inpatient and outpatient settings 20:32 – Managing treatment across large geographic regions and partnering with local oncologists 23:23 – Fred Hutch's legacy in stem cell transplantation and global patient care 25:05 – Future goals for improving cure rates and expanding outpatient treatment options 26:36 – Closing thoughts on the progress and promise of ALL research and care

In this episode, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO welcomes Annemarie Shepherd, MD, the medical director of Fred Hutch Cancer Center – Proton Therapy, to discuss the revolutionary field of proton therapy and its advancements. They explore the technology, clinical trials, patient-centered care, collaboration and the future of radiation oncology.

Key Topics:

• Shepherd's journey from the Northeast to Fred Hutch and her move to Seattle

• Overview of Fred Hutch Proton Therapy's technology and unique regional role

• Advancements in proton therapy technology such as pencil beam and machine upgrades

• Current and upcoming clinical trials: leptomeningeal disease treatment and hippocampal sparing in craniospinal radiation

• National registry efforts through the Proton Collaborative Group

• Collaboration with community healthcare providers for patient access

• Future directions in radiation oncology: precision, integration with systemic therapies, and benign conditions

• The interdisciplinary nature of thoracic oncology and team collaboration at Fred Hutch

• Integration of artificial intelligence in radiation planning

• Leadership insights: active listening and advocacy during organizational change

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:25 - Annemarie Shepherd's background and journey to Fred Hutch

01:21 - Experience with proton centers in the Northeast and her move to Seattle

02:54 - Overview of the Proton Center and regional significance

03:59 - Technological advancements in proton therapy at Fred Hutch

07:16 - Center operating hours and machine maintenance

09:36 - Insights into the proton therapy treatment environment

10:08 - Current clinical trials focusing on leptomeningeal disease and hippocampal sparing 13:20 - The national registry and collaborative efforts for research

13:53 - Community outreach, referrals, and improving access

16:19 - Future of radiation oncology: precision, adaptive therapy, and integration

18:45 - Exploring radiation therapy for benign conditions

19:15 - Interdisciplinary collaboration at Fred Hutch

21:35 - Role of AI in radiation therapy workflows

24:19 - Leadership tips and active listening

In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, host Petros Grivas MD, PhD, FASCO, sits down with Lara Davis, MD, head of the Sarcoma Program at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, to discuss the latest treatment advances for sarcomas, ongoing clinical trials, multidisciplinary care and the importance of working with community oncologists to improve patient outcomes.

Timestamps:

• 00:07 - Introduction to Dr. Lara Davis and her role at Fred Hutch
• 05:58 - Overview of the diverse sarcoma types and diagnostic challenges
• 06:27 - The rarity of individual sarcoma subtypes despite their collective importance
• 08:41 - The value of multidisciplinary teams in sarcoma care
• 11:33 - Germline mutations associated with sarcoma risk, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• 13:27 - Outpatient vs inpatient chemotherapy management
• 16:56 - Exciting clinical trials at Fred Hutch, including the ASCO sarcoma plenary
• 17:54 - Innovative trial combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with radiation for liposarcoma
• 21:36 - Collaboration with community practices to ensure patient access
• 25:57 - Future vision: biomarkers, targeted therapies, and advancing sarcoma care
• 28:48 - The potential of immunotherapy and CAR T-cell approaches in sarcoma
• 32:07 - Closing remarks and future prospects for sarcoma research

Resources & Links:

• Dr. Lara Davis: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/lara-davis.html
• Dr. Petros Grivas: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/petros-grivas.html

Join us as we explore the incredible advancements in stem cell transplantation with Marco Mielcarek, MD, PhD, director of the Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program at Fred Hutch. Discover the journey from the early days of transplantation to cutting-edge techniques that are transforming patient outcomes worldwide.

In this episode, you will learn about:

1. Dr. Mielcarek's personal journey from Berlin to Seattle and his long-standing contributions since 1994

2. The historical evolution of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center's infrastructure and comprehensive cancer care services

3. Key progress in stem cell transplantation, including the role of Nobel laureate Don Thomas

4. Strategies to manage and reduce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) over the decades

5. The impact of post-transplant cyclophosphamide technology in expanding donor pools and reducing complications

6. How outpatient care models are revolutionizing patient recovery and follow-up after transplantation

7. The future of transplantation: safer, less toxic regimens and targeted therapies like CAR T-cells

8. The importance of becoming a donor through the National Marrow Donor Program and how donors help save lives

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:36 - Dr. Mielcarek's story and early career in Berlin

01:52 - Transition to Seattle and research focus on bone marrow microenvironment

03:10 - Infrastructure evolution at Fred Hutch and historical context of transplantation

04:33 - Progress in cancer treatment and transplant outcomes

05:34 - Focus on managing toxicity and improving survival rates

05:55 - Advancements in GVHD prevention and treatment strategies

08:10 - Patient access and logistics of transplantation, including international patients

09:53 - The donor selection process and international collaboration

12:48 - Coordinating outpatient and inpatient transplant care

15:43 - Cutting-edge research: post-transplant cyclophosphamide and its impact

19:05 - How to become a donor and expand the donor pool

23:38 - Future predictions for transplantation physics and methodology

27:58 - Innovative approaches and ongoing studies to improve safety and efficacy

Resources & Links:

1. Marco Mielcarek

2. Petros Grivas

3. Be The Match - National Marrow Donor Program

Join Dr. Petros Grivas in this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast as he hosts Dr. Vyshak Venur, a leader in neuro-oncology and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Fred Hutch. Discover insights into career development, groundbreaking neuro-oncology research and the future of precision medicine in cancer care.

Main Topics:

1. Dr. Vyshak Venur's journey from India to leadership at Fred Hutch

2. Advances and ongoing clinical trials in neuro-oncology

3. The importance of multidisciplinary care in neuro-oncology

4. Use of AI and precision medicine in future cancer treatments

5. Strategies to improve patient access and community outreach

6. Mentorship, education, and leadership in oncology

7. Future trends in neuro-oncology and immunotherapy

Timestamps:

00:07 - Introduction to Dr. Vyshak Venur and his role at Fred Hutch

01:01 - Vyshak's journey from India, Singapore, Cleveland Clinic to Fred Hutch

04:15 - Advances in neuro-oncology with new drug approvals and trials

04:49 - Challenges and future opportunities in neuro-oncology

06:56 - Multidisciplinary approach to neuro-oncology care at Fred Hutch

07:55 - The unique Brain Metastasis Clinic and clinical trials landscape

09:04 - Exciting ongoing trials including IDH inhibitors and CAR-T therapy

11:04 - Importance of rapid patient access initiatives

12:45 - Mentorship, education, and nurturing future oncologists

14:20 - Leadership roles and organizational vision, including collaboration with Dr. Shadman and Dr. Purcell

16:49 - Engaging community practices and improving communication channels

19:39 - Inpatient care teams and innovative therapies like CAR-T

21:20 - Future of oncology: AI, big data, and personalized medicine

22:43 - Translational research at Fred Hutch and integration of lab and clinical advancements

24:07 - The legacy of immunotherapy and future directions