In this uniquely powerful episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon interviews his own mentor and boss, Dr. Ross Camidge, Director of the Lung Cancer Program at the University of Colorado. Dr. Camidge, a world-renowned lung cancer expert, shares the "ironic elephant in the room": his own 2022 diagnosis with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer.

Dr. Camidge provides a rare, dual-perspective look at the oncology system. He recounts the four-day whirlwind from his first chest X-ray to starting targeted therapy for an EGFR mutation, acknowledging the professional stoicism that initially masked a deep personal terror regarding his daughters' futures. The conversation dives into the "black box" of academic research, where both doctors critique the current incentive structures that often prioritize low-risk, incremental papers over high-stakes breakthroughs. From the frustrations of "billing-driven" hospital logistics to the hidden anxieties of scan results, Dr. Camidge’s story serves as a call for radical transparency and a more human-centered approach to both clinical care and scientific discovery.

Key Takeaways

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)

Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this revealing episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon pulls back the curtain on his role as a physician-scientist at the University of Colorado. Joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell, Dr. Kyle demystifies the "black box" of oncology research, discussing the intense process of setting up a new laboratory and the personal pivot that reshaped his career.

Dr. Kyle shares the logistical and emotional challenges of running an independent lab—from the high cost of reagents and the competitive nature of grant funding to the personal urgency that arose when his own boss was diagnosed with lung cancer. The conversation dives deep into the specific preclinical models used to fight disease, including cell lines and mouse models, explaining how they serve as the first line of defense before human trials. Dr. Kyle also highlights his lab's most exciting work: developing enhanced CAR T-cell therapies designed to not just manage, but potentially cure metastatic cancer. This episode is a raw look at the grit required to move science forward and the powerful partnership between researchers and the patients who drive their mission.

Key Takeaways:

Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast, visit the link below: ⬇️

https://www.crackingcancer.org/get-involved

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this essential episode, host Dr. Kyle Concannon and co-host Samantha Murrell break down the science, promise, and limitations of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)—a class of highly effective, usually pill-form, targeted therapy.

Dr. Concannon explains that TKIs are molecular snipers, designed to attack the root cause of cancer by blocking the signaling from a mutated protein (kinase) that causes cells to divide uncontrollably. They clarify the process from DNA blueprint to protein addiction, explaining why these targeted therapies are often more elegant and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

The discussion also tackles the billion-dollar question of resistance. Dr. Concannon outlines three primary ways tumors evade TKIs: on-target resistance (a new mutation in the same protein), upregulation of other kinases (the tumor activates a second signaling pathway), and lineage change (the tumor stops relying on the oncogene altogether). Samantha shares her experience, confirming that while TKIs are not without side effects (like fatigue and potential for diarrhea), they represent a massive leap forward in treatment, offering hope for longer, higher-quality survival.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this essential episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon, a medical oncologist, is joined by patient advocate Ashley Holt and Dr. Erin Baurle, a Clinical Health Psychologist specializing in oncology. They tackle the emotionally charged question: Does stress or trauma cause cancer?

Ashley, who was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after a difficult divorce, shares her personal spiral of guilt and the psychological need to find a reason—even a self-blaming one—for her diagnosis. Dr. Baurle firmly states the scientific consensus: Stress and trauma, in and of themselves, do not cause cancer. However, they do stress the necessity of managing the distress that inevitably accompanies a diagnosis, as well-managed stress leads to better treatment outcomes and quality of life.

The discussion also provides practical coping tools, including the benefits of anti-anxiety medication, the Stoplight Meditation technique, and the power of "sitting in the discomfort" of fear to diminish its long-term power. Finally, they advocate for making mental health resources, like an oncology psychiatrist, an automatic part of the patient's care pathway, rather than an added burden for the patient to seek out.

Key Takeaways

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In the conclusion of this vital two-part series, host Dr. Kyle Concannon, Dr. Allie Mungo (Thoracic Surgeon), and post-operative patient advocate Samantha Murrell delve into the risks, recovery, and long-term rationale for surgical resections in Stage IV cancer patients.

Dr. Mungo details the different lung surgeries (wedge, segmentectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy) and the critical surgical complexities, including the "stickiness" caused by pre-surgical systemic therapies and the danger of operating close to major heart vessels. Samantha shares her candid, non-trivial recovery experience, highlighting the challenge of managing post-operative nerve pain and the emotional "slap in the face" of being reminded of her Stage IV diagnosis.

The discussion reinforces that for highly selected, medically fit patients with tumors responsive to modern targeted therapies, the goal of surgery is not a cure, but rather a powerful step in transforming cancer into a chronic, manageable disease. This episode provides indispensable guidance on patient selection, recovery expectations, and the importance of multidisciplinary care at high-volume centers.

Key Takeaways

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this riveting first part of a two-episode series, host Dr. Kyle Concannon, a medical oncologist, is joined in person by Dr. Allie Mungo, a thoracic surgeon, and patient advocate Samantha Murrell, who is just two weeks post-surgery for her Stage IV HER2-mutated lung cancer. They dive into the controversial topic of consolidative surgery—surgically removing residual tumor in patients with metastatic (Stage IV) cancer.

Samantha shares her personal journey, explaining how a remarkable response to targeted therapy—which rendered her PET scan active only at the primary tumor site—compelled her to "hunt down" a surgeon willing to take her case. Dr. Mungo outlines the factors that have rapidly changed the medical community's opinion on these once-taboo procedures. The discussion centers on the critical criteria for candidacy: having limited, actionable residual disease; the ability to safely remove the tumor without compromising quality of life (e.g., avoiding a full pneumonectomy); and the necessity of being in optimal physical condition to survive the recovery. This episode offers profound insight into the evolving, highly individualized decisions being made at the cutting edge of cancer care.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this powerful episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon sits down with co-host JJ Singleton, a colorectal cancer patient who has been undergoing continuous treatment for almost 10 years. JJ provides a raw, unfiltered look at the reality of treating cancer as a chronic disease, sharing his journey from a localized Stage II diagnosis to the devastating discovery of metastatic disease that required a decade of ongoing systemic therapy.

JJ recounts the most challenging chapters of his life, including the initial despair of endless chemotherapy, the 14 months he spent confined to bed and reliant on TPN (total parenteral nutrition), and the internal struggle to find hope when all his treatment options were failing. He discusses the emotional hurdles of survivor's guilt, the challenges of invisible side effects (like neuropathy and skin pain), and the difficulty of maintaining a sense of self-worth when life deviates dramatically from expectations. JJ's story is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of advocacy, revealing how he leveraged his suffering to create a meaningful life and become a vital voice for others.

Key Takeaways

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this revealing episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon and co-host Samantha Murrell are joined by Kerry Wentworth, Chief Regulatory Officer at Nuvation Bio, to pull back the curtain on the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Kerry, a veteran in the field, addresses the common perception that pharmaceutical companies are driven purely by financial metrics, stating that the primary mission is, in fact, patient-centered—to bring healthier, longer living to people.

The conversation dives deep into the high-risk reality of drug development. Kerry explains why drugs cost billions: the price must account for the staggering 90% failure rate of investigational new drugs, extensive animal and human trials, and complex manufacturing. They demystify the clinical trial process, clarifying the phases, the rigorous site selection process, and dispelling the myth that physicians receive financial kickbacks for enrolling patients. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants an honest, science-driven understanding of the dedication, cost, and high-stakes nature of the work required to bring a new cancer therapy to market.

Key Takeaways

Chapters

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men aged 15-35, but nobody is talking about it! Until today that is.

In this crucial episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by Dr. Andrew Johns, a GU Cancer specialist from MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Jon Fox, a testicular cancer survivor. They tackle the vital topic of testicular cancer, shedding light on its biology, treatment, and remarkably high survival rates.

Dr. Johns explains that the majority of cases are germ cell tumors and breaks down the staging and risk stratification (favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable), emphasizing that even with metastatic disease, long-term survival can be over 90% for favorable-risk cases. Guest Jon provides a raw, first-hand account of his fast-paced diagnosis—from noticing subtle pain to dealing with the ambiguity of his aggressive tumor subtype (Embryonal Carcinoma) and the resulting discrepancy in treatment recommendations (3 vs. 4 cycles of BEP chemotherapy). They discuss the standard workup, the significance of tumor markers, and the rigorous recovery required after major surgeries like the RPLND. This is essential listening for young men, their families, and anyone seeking clarity on a highly treatable yet highly aggressive disease.

Key Takeaways

Chapters

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

In this crucial episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon and patient advocate Samantha Murrell delve into Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), a revolutionary class of targeted therapy. Samantha, who was treated with an ADC for her HER2 non-small cell lung cancer, shares her real-time experience with the drug's potent effects and cumulative side effects.

Dr. Concannon explains the sophisticated engineering behind ADCs: an antibody (the "key") is chemically linked to a highly toxic chemotherapy payload (the "bomb"). The goal is to specifically target cancer cells, providing the power of chemotherapy with fewer systemic side effects. The discussion covers the mechanism of action, the risks of "on-target, off-tumor" effects (hitting healthy cells with the same target), and drug "leakage" into the bloodstream, which is responsible for common side effects like nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone starting an ADC regimen, offering candid advice on managing side effects, the importance of open communication with your care team, and the power of patient support groups.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org

Attributions

The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License

X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X

IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos