Sinapsos Podcast | Oncology

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Sinapsos Podcast | Oncology episodes

March 02E37 - Addressing Disparities in Thoracic Oncology Care
E37 | 16 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Awlad Mohammad, M.W.; Abu Hashhash, K.; Yacoub, R.; Abu Akar, F. Disparities in Thoracic Oncology Patients. Cancers 2026, 18, 793. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18050793
Type: Review | Publication date: 28 February 2026

Summary: Lung cancer continues to be a predominant cause of cancer-related mortality globally; however, not all individuals experience equal advantages from advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Countless individuals from underprivileged backgrounds face elevated risks, delayed diagnoses, and worse access to adequate healthcare, resulting in adverse consequences. This review aimed to elucidate the impact of social, economic, racial, and geographic determinants on lung cancer along the continuum of care, encompassing risk exposure, early detection, treatment, and survival outcomes. The authors intend to consolidate existing research to elucidate the locations and reasons for these inequalities and their impact on patient outcomes. The results underscore that enhancing lung cancer survival necessitates not only medical advancements but also equitable access to screening, prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and involvement in research. This study may inform future research, policy, and healthcare practices aimed at achieving equitable lung cancer care for all demographics.

Keywords: lung cancer; disparities; epidemiology treatment; screening

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
16 min
March 02E36 - ER-Negative Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis and Implications
E36 | 20 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Fan, R.; Wei, X.; Lea, J.; Zhu, H.; Zheng, W. ER-Negative Endometrial Cancers: An Evolving Diagnostic Category with Major Clinical Implications. Cancers 2026, 18, 773. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18050773
Type: Review | Publication date: 27 February 2026

Summary: Estrogen receptor–negative (ER-negative) endometrial carcinomas represent a biologically aggressive and heterogeneous subset of endometrial cancers. Although ER testing has long been used in endometrial carcinoma, it has historically been applied mainly for therapeutic decision-making rather than as a diagnostic tool. Loss of ER expression is associated with poor prognosis but, by itself, is insufficient for accurate tumor classification. In this commentary, we review the evolving diagnostic significance of ER negativity using an integrated framework that incorporates tumor morphology, immunophenotypic features, and molecular heterogeneity. We highlight several high-grade ER-negative tumor types—including gastrointestinal-type adenocarcinoma, pilomatrix-like carcinoma, mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, and other high-grade ER-negative carcinomas—that show distinct clinicopathologic characteristics. We propose that ER negativity should be regarded as a diagnostic signal that prompts careful subclassification, with important implications for accurate diagnosis and clinical management.

Keywords: estrogen receptor–negative (ER-negative) endometrial carcinomas; endometrial gastrointestinal-type adenocarcinoma; pilomatrix-like high-grade endometrial carcinoma; PiMHEC; mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
20 min
March 02E35 - AI-Driven Drug Repurposing for Head and Neck Cancer
E35 | 18 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Tanikella, P.; Nenad, W.; Courtine, C.; Dai, Y.; Deng, Q.; Zou, B.; Osazuwa-Peters, N.; Schrank, T.P.; Wu, D. GARD: Genomic Data-Based Drug Repurposing in Head and Neck Cancer with Large Language Model Validation. Cancers 2026, 18, 757. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18050757
Type: Article | Publication date: 26 February 2026

Summary: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is among the most prevalent and challenging cancers worldwide. Developing new drugs is expensive and time consuming, so this study explored a faster, cost-effective approach utilizing existing medications with established safety profiles: drug repurposing. We developed the GARDpipeline (Genomic Alteration-based Repurposing for Drugs), which utilizes large-scale genomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to identify key genomic changes in HNC. These genes are expanded through protein–protein interaction networks to capture related pathways and then validated using evidence from thousands of PubMed articles extracted by large language model (LLM) tools. Finally, validated genes are matched with drugs using the DrugBank database. This approach uncovered both known cancer drugs and promising new candidates. These included targeted therapies such as Fostamatinib, Nintedanib, Brigatinib, Regorafenib, and Lenvatinib, as well as emerging compounds like Artenimol, Quercetin, and Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin). Through a combination of genomic analysis, network expansion, and literature validation, the GARD pipeline offers a powerful way to accelerate personalized cancer treatments while reducing cost and development time.

Keywords: head and neck cancer; drug repurposing; genomics

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
18 min
March 02E34 - Managing Toxicities in GEP-NETs After Radioligand Therapy
E34 | 21 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: El-Haddad, G.; Gardner, L.; Kim, H.; Soares, H.P. Occurrence and Management of Acute, Subacute, and Delayed Toxicities in Patients with GEP-NETs Following Treatment with Radioligand Therapy. Cancers 2026, 18, 742. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18050742
Type: Review | Publication date: 25 February 2026

Summary: Radioligand therapy is a type of treatment being developed for many cancer types, including gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). It uses specially designed drugs to deliver radiation directly to tumor cells within the body. Studies have shown that radioligand therapies can help some patients with GEP-NETs to live longer without disease progression. However, side effects have been reported in patients treated with radioligand therapies. Additionally, there is a risk of radiation exposure among people who come into contact with treated patients. In this article, we provide practical strategies to prevent and manage the side effects of radioligand therapy and to maintain radiation safety.

Keywords: radioligand therapy; gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors; adverse event; toxicity; management; radioactive contamination; radiation safety

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
21 min
March 02E33 - Biopsy Tumor Burden vs AI in Prostate Cancer Grading
E33 | 14 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Condoiu, C.; Baloi, A.; Sandesc, D.; Cumpanas, A.A.; Latcu, S.; Dema, V.; Caprariu, R.; Barb, A.C.; Ciucurita, A.; Marinescu, A.; Cut, T.G.; Bardan, R. Clinically Significant ISUP Upgrading in the Multiparametric MRI Era: Biopsy Tumor Burden Outperforms Complex Machine Learning Models in a Single-Center Exploratory Cohort. Cancers 2026, 18, 730. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18050730
Type: Article | Publication date: 24 February 2026

Summary: Sometimes, a prostate biopsy underestimates how aggressive the cancer is. This study looked at ways to predict when the final surgery will find a higher-grade cancer than the initial biopsy. We analyzed 96 men who had both a biopsy and their prostate removed. We focused on factors like PSA (a blood test for prostate cancer), MRI scans, and biopsy results. We found that the extent of cancer involvement in biopsy cores, and to a lesser degree PSA density, were associated with upgrading risk to a more aggressive cancer at surgery. Using just these two factors, a simple statistical model predicted grade upgrading more accurately than more complex computer models. If confirmed in larger studies, this tool could help doctors identify patients who have more aggressive cancer than initially thought, so they can choose the best treatment.

Keywords: prostate cancer; precision medicine; artificial intelligence; personalized treatment; imaging modalities; risk stratification; ISUP upgrading; PSA density; positive core ratio; multiparametric MRI

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
14 min
March 02E32 - Biomarkers for Immunotherapy Response in Kidney Cancer
E32 | 18 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Katifelis, H.; Zerva, S.; Bamias, A.; Karamouzis, M.V.; Stravodimos, K.; Sechi, L.A.; Lampropoulou, D.; Pliakou, E.; Gazouli, M. Circulating ERVFRD-1 and MFSD2A Are Associated with Immunotherapy Response in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers 2026, 18, 716. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040716
Type: Article | Publication date: 23 February 2026

Summary: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have improved outcomes for patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC). However, many patients do not respond to treatment. Therefore, reliable biomarkers associated with therapeutic response are urgently needed. Blood-based biomarkers offer a non-invasive alternative to tissue analysis. In this study, we investigated the expression of two immunity-related genes, ERVFRD-1 and MFSD2A, in peripheral blood samples from mccRCC patients receiving PD-1-based treatment. Both genes were dysregulated compared with healthy controls and demonstrated differential baseline expression between patients who achieved clinical benefit and those with progressive disease. Patients with progressive disease exhibited decreased expression of ERVFRD-1 and increased expression of MFSD2A. These findings suggest that ERVFRD-1 and MFSD2A may serve as candidate blood-based biomarkers associated with response to ICI, although confirmation in larger prospective studies is required.

Keywords: ccRCC; immunotherapy; ICIs; PD-1; TKI; ;

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
18 min
March 02E31 - TIC TOC Trial Cell Salvage vs Transfusion in Ovarian Cancer
E31 | 17 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Galaal, K.; Vickery, P.J.; Marques, E.; Palmer, J.; Jones, B.; O’Shaughnessy, E.; Lopes, A.; Ewings, P.; Bekkers, R.L.M. The Trial of Intraoperative Cell Salvage Versus Transfusion in Ovarian Cancer (TIC TOC): Results of a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study. Cancers 2026, 18, 711. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040711
Type: Article | Publication date: 22 February 2026

Summary: This study looked at whether it is acceptable to use intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) during surgery for women with advanced (stage 3–4) ovarian cancer. ICS is a method that collects a patient’s own blood lost during surgery, cleans it, and gives it back to them, reducing the need for donated blood. A total of 57 women with ovarian cancer took part; the amount of blood loss during surgery was similar in both groups. In the ICS group, about two-thirds of the women who had surgery received their own salvaged blood. Women appeared comfortable with the idea of receiving their own salvaged blood. Overall, this study shows that using ICS in ovarian cancer surgery is both feasible and acceptable to patients. The findings suggest that a larger trial should now be carried out to determine whether ICS can reduce the need for donor blood and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: intraoperative cell salvage; blood transfusion; cytoreductive surgery; ovarian cancer; randomized feasibility trial

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
17 min
February 18E30 - Automating Cancer Pain Assessment
E30 | 11 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Cascella, M.; Perri, F.; Ottaiano, A.; Santorsola, M.; Marciano, M.L.; Rampetta, F.R.; Pontone, M.; Crispo, A.; Sabbatino, F.; Franci, G.; Esposito, W.; Cisale, G.; Romano, M.; Amato, F.; Scuotto, A.; Santoriello, V.; Ponsiglione, A.M. Linking Cancer Pain Features and Biosignals for Automatic Pain Assessment. Cancers 2026, 18, 646. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040646
Type: Article | Publication date: 16 February 2026

Summary: Although pain is a frequent and burdensome symptom in people with cancer, it is commonly evaluated using self-reported scales that may be unreliable in patients with cognitive, communicative, or clinical limitations. This study explored whether objective physiological signals could enhance cancer pain assessment. We analyzed electrodermal activity and heart rate variability recorded in cancer patients and examined their relationships with pain intensity and pain type. The results indicate that specific electrodermal activity parameters are associated with both pain intensity and distinct pain phenotypes (mainly mixed pain). In contrast, heart rate variability failed to provide meaningful discrimination in this context. Despite limitations, these findings suggest that electrodermal activity may represent a valuable objective marker to complement conventional pain scales and support the development of automated pain assessment approaches in oncology.

Keywords: cancer pain; breakthrough cancer pain; biosignals; electrodermal activity; automatic pain assessment; heart rate variability

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
11 min
February 18E29 - Menin Inhibition New Target for Leukemia
E29 | 12 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Alati, C.; Molica, M.; Pitea, M.; Marafioti, V.; Porto, G.; Policastro, G.; Bilardi, E.; Utano, G.; Giordano, L.; Sgarlata, A.; Delfino, I.M.; Idato, A.; Santoro, G.; Rossi, M.; Martino, M. Menin Inhibition in Acute Myeloid MLL Rearranged Leukemias: A New Target for Precision Care. Cancers 2026, 18, 637. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040637
Type: Review | Publication date: 15 February 2026

Summary: Menin inhibitors are new targeted drugs for two high-risk types of acute leukemia (KMT2A-rearranged and NPM1-mutated). Revumenib was approved in 2024–2025. In heavily pretreated patients, about 23% achieved complete remission, with most of those becoming MRD-negative. Ziftomenib, bleximenib, and enzomenib show similar effectiveness but differ in side effects, particularly heart rhythm problems (QTc prolongation varies among drugs). When combined with other drugs like azacitidine/venetoclax or chemotherapy, response rates are much higher in newly diagnosed patients, suggesting these could work as initial treatment. About 40% of patients develop resistance, usually through MEN1 gene mutations. Different menin inhibitors have different resistance patterns, so switching drugs might help. About 30–40% of responders went on to stem cell transplant, which remains the best chance for cure. Menin inhibitors are the first targeted therapies for these aggressive leukemias, showing promise both alone and in combinations, though resistance remains a challenge.

Keywords: menin inhibitors; KMT2A rearrangements; MLL rearrangements; NPM1 mutations; acute myeloid leukemia; revumenib; precision medicine; targeted therapy

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
12 min
February 18E28 - Reducing Pancreatic Surgery Complications
E28 | 13 min | Latest | Publication Link
Podcast based on: Karpes, J.B.; Liu, K.; Crawford, M.D.; Pulitano, C.; Sandroussi, C.; Laurence, J.M. Reducing Complications in Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Cancers 2026, 18, 630. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18040630
Type: Review | Publication date: 14 February 2026

Summary: Pancreatic surgery is one of the most complex areas of abdominal surgery, with morbidity and mortality remaining a major challenge. Despite progress in surgical techniques and perioperative care, outcomes still vary widely, and there is no consensus on how to reliably prevent major complications. This study evaluates contemporary evidence on how complications develop, how they can be detected early, and the strategies that may reduce their frequency and impact. The evaluation includes technical factors during surgery, as well as non-technical factors outside of the operating theatre that may improve safety and outcomes. The goal of this review is to guide practice and future research to improve the safety of pancreatic resection in any environment.

Keywords: pancreaticoduodenectomy; postoperative pancreatic fistula; centralisation; failure to rescue

Disclaimer:
This podcast provides a synthetically generated voice summary and discussion of scientific publications. The views expressed do not represent the views of the original authors, journals, or publishers. This podcast uses AI-assisted summaries, so it may or may not introduce inaccuracies or omit important details. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the original publications or sources for full context and accuracy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice, medical guidance, or recommendations. The creators of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
13 min

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Sinapsos Podcast | Oncology

Sinapsos Podcast | Oncology episodes

About Sinapsos Podcast | Oncology