The Cracking Cancer Podcast

In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon sits down with patient advocate Samantha Murrell (living with Stage IV HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer) and science communicator Dr. Rob Swanda to demystify two of the most foundational—yet frequently misunderstood—pillars of modern precision oncology: Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy.

Dr. Kyle and Samantha break down the biological and clinical distinctions between these modalities. They discuss why checkpoint inhibitors (such as Keytruda and Opdivo) can produce durable, long-term responses in "immune-hot," highly mutated cancers like melanoma, yet frequently fail in oncogene-addicted, "cold" tumors like HER2-, EGFR-, or ALK-driven lung cancers. The panel also tackles the emotional toll of "waiting-to-progress survival" on lifelong targeted therapies, the emerging bridge of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), and the future potential of CAR-T cell therapies and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) to achieve true cures in solid tumors.

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:

0:00 Welcome & Introductions: Defining the Battle of Modalities

2:15 Samantha’s Diagnosis: The Expectation vs. Reality of Immunotherapy

6:30 How Checkpoint Inhibitors Work: The Invisibility Cloak Analogy

11:20 Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) and Cold Tumors

16:00 Autoimmune Side Effects: Managing Toxicities & Pneumonitis

21:30 Targeted Therapy (TKIs): How Small Molecules Halt Oncogene Signaling

27:15 The ADC Experience: High Efficacy Paired with Tough Fatigue and Nausea

33:40 Switching to Oral TKIs: Surviving on "Weed Killer" Therapy

39:10 The Next Generation: Bispecific T-Cell Engagers, CAR-T, and Cellular Cures

45:20 Clinical Trial Design: Rethinking Criteria for Low Disease Burden

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, science communicator Dr. Rob Swanda is joined by breast surgical oncologist Dr. Monique Gary (Dr. Mo) and 17-year male breast cancer survivor and patient advocate Harvey Singer, co-founder of HIS Breast Cancer Awareness. The panel shines a much-needed light on a reality frequently overlooked during Breast Cancer Awareness Month: men have breast tissue, and men can and do get breast cancer.

Harvey recounts his 2008 diagnosis at age 54 after discovering an inverted nipple and a firm pea-sized mass during a bear hug from a college friend. Carrying a BRCA2 germline mutation inherited alongside a severe family history of breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, Harvey describes the isolation of navigating a system unaccustomed to male patients—from feminine intake questionnaires to clinical assumptions that men should simply be "treated like women." Dr. Mo breaks down male mammary anatomy, explains how ductal tissue behind the nipple can harbor malignancy, and details modern diagnostic pathways, clinical trial representations, and the life-saving impact of proactive surveillance.

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:

0:00 Welcome & Introductions: Harvey Singer & Dr. Mo Gary

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon reunites with patient advocate Samantha Murrell and science communicator Dr. Rob Swanda to tackle some of the most persistent, widespread myths and misconceptions in oncology. The team explores the emotional and practical realities of navigating a cancer diagnosis, addressing online health claims, and clearing up common misunderstandings about treatments, genetics, and screening.

Dr. Kyle and Samantha break down why pathology and diagnostic scans are not always straightforward, how "Stage IV" and "terminal" are often conflated, and why modern palliative chemotherapy looks vastly different from treatments 30 years ago. They also address dangerous online misinformation—such as the claim that biopsies or mammograms spread cancer, or that alternative therapies alone can cure metastatic disease. Finally, the panel emphasizes the critical role of open communication with your care team, particularly regarding potential interactions between targeted therapies and over-the-counter supplements.

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:

0:00 Welcome & Introductions: The Myth-Busting Episode

2:10 Myth 1: Diagnoses Are Always Clear-Cut (Pathology & Biopsies)

6:45 Myth 2: Stage IV Means Immediate "End-of-Life"

11:20 Myth 3: Chemotherapy Is the Same Harsh "Toxin" It Was 30 Years Ago

17:15 Myth 4: If One Treatment Fails, You're Out of Options

22:40 Myth 5: Clinical Trial Participants Are "Guinea Pigs" Getting Placebos

29:15 Myth 6: Cancer Is Always Inherited / "No Family History Means I'm Safe"

35:00 Myth 7: Mammograms and Biopsies Spread Cancer

42:15 The Danger of Online "Cure" Claims & Herb-Drug Interactions

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by breast surgical oncologist Dr. Monique Gary (Dr. Mo) and Stage IV metastatic breast cancer advocate Lindsay Campbell. The panel unpacks the complex and often overwhelming world of breast cancer surgery, moving step-by-step from the initial consultation through the operating room experience to post-operative recovery.

Lindsay shares her personal surgical path—navigating the emotional frustration of an 11-week scheduling delay due to tumor growth and operating room availability, which forced a pivot from a planned double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction to an immediate lumpectomy. Dr. Mo demystifies surgical decision-making, explaining how tumor grade, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/2), and hormone/HER2 status shape surgical choices. The panel also covers practical OR preparations—such as nerve blocks, pre-medication for nausea, surgical drain management, and handling "time toxicity"—offering actionable insights for patients preparing for their own surgical journeys.

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:

0:00 Welcome & Introductions: Dr. Mo Gary and Lindsay Campbell

2:15 Lindsay’s Journey: From Biopsy to the First Surgical Consultation

6:30 The Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy Decision Matrix

10:45 Food Analogies in Oncology: Popcorn Kernels, Avocados, and Margins

15:20 Handling Surgical Delays: Switching Protocols for Grade 3 Tumors

20:30 What Happens in the OR: Pre-op, Nerve Blocks, and Music Selections

26:15 Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsies and Axillary Staging

31:40 Managing Post-Op Drains, Pain Alarms, and Posture Recovery

37:50 AYA Considerations: Fertility, Body Image, and Peer Advocacy

42:15 Parting Advice: How to Ask "How Can We Be More Sure?"

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by breast radiologist Dr. Deepa Sheth and Stage IV metastatic breast cancer advocate Lindsay Campbell. Lindsay shares her personal story of being diagnosed at age 38 after facing nearly a year of medical delays. Despite noticing visible skin dimpling and localized pain, she was repeatedly turned away because she was under the traditional screening age of 40 and lacked a felt mass due to deep chest-wall tumor placement. It was only after her father was diagnosed with breast cancer and identified as BRCA-positive that she was able to secure a diagnostic workup.

Dr. Sheth and Lindsay break down the mechanics of screening versus diagnostic imaging, explaining how 2D/3D mammography, targeted ultrasound, and breast MRI function together. Dr. Sheth highlights the critical importance of free risk-assessment tools—such as the Tyrer-Cuzick model—which can identify high-risk individuals (>20% lifetime risk) who qualify for screening starting as early as age 30. The panel also tackles the federal mandate surrounding dense breast tissue, insurance coverage nuances, and why patients must trust their intuition when advocating for timely care.

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 

More info on the NCCN patient guildelines can be found here:

https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome & Introductions: Lindsay Campbell and Dr. Deepa Sheth

2:10 Lindsay’s Story: Dimpling, Delays, and a Late Diagnosis at 38

6:45 Screening Guidelines vs. Young Adult Symptoms

11:20 Calculating Your Risk: Using the Tyrer-Cuzick Model

15:30 Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammograms: What Happens in Clinic

21:00 Dense Breast Tissue: The White-on-White Imaging Challenge

27:15 What to Expect During an Ultrasound and MRI (and Avoiding Silver-Thread Leggings!)

35:40 High-Risk Genetics: BRCA Inadvertently Passed Through the Paternal Line

42:00 Advocating for Yourself: Overcoming Medical Delays and Seeking Second Opinions

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon sits down in person with science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, to tackle one of the most persistent and anxiety-inducing topics in oncology: Does sugar feed cancer? Rob and Kyle break down the biochemistry behind how the body processes carbohydrates, deconstruct online misconceptions, and address the real-world harm caused when cancer patients starve themselves of vital nutrition out of fear.

Rob explains the Warburg Effect—a phenomenon where cancer cells preferentially use glucose via fast, anaerobic glycolysis to generate rapid cellular energy—and clarifies why cell culture findings in a Petri dish do not translate to human metabolism. Dr. Kyle discusses human glucose homeostasis, highlighting how the liver and muscles maintain steady blood sugar through gluconeogenesis and glycogen breakdown regardless of dietary intake. The hosts issue a stark warning against extreme restrictions that lead to cancer cachexia (muscle and weight wasting) and explain why, for patients without uncontrolled diabetes, enjoying food and maintaining caloric intake is far more vital than cutting out sugars.

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:

0:00 Welcome & Intro: Addressing the "Sugar Feeds Cancer" Myth

2:15 Biochemistry 101: Deconstructing the Warburg Effect

6:40 Blood Sugar Regulation: Why the Body Makes Its Own Glucose

11:50 Metabolic Syndromes vs. Direct Tumor Growth

16:20 The Real Danger: Malnourishment, Starvation, and Cachexia

21:10 Preclinical Mouse Models vs. Human Diets

28:30 Evaluating the Clinical Data: Why Ketogenic Studies Struggle

35:15 Restoring Quality of Life: Why You Should Eat Your Ice Cream

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, is joined by glioblastoma researcher Dr. Julio Sanchez, a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA. Julio pulls back the curtain on early-stage cancer research, shedding light on the quiet, rigorous, and often high-failure world of preclinical science that takes place long before a new drug ever reaches a clinical trial.

Julio details the transition from in vitro cell line work to complex in vivo mouse models, explaining why glioblastoma remains one of the most notoriously aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain cancers. He highlights his lab's recent publication in Cancer Research, which introduced next-generation, CRISPR-engineered mouse models that far better mirror human glioblastoma pathology and the tumor immune microenvironment compared to traditional cell lines developed in the 1970s. The pair also explore the rise of therapeutic mRNA vaccines and organoid platforms, and discuss why the scientific method is fundamentally a mindset built on resilience, critical thinking, and iterative problem-solving.

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:

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by GI medical oncologist Dr. Chris Lieu (University of Colorado Cancer Center) and Stage IV neuroendocrine rectal cancer patient advocate Bill Thach. Bill brings an incredible, rare perspective—having navigated 11 lines of therapy and participated in 5 distinct clinical trials since his diagnosis in 2018.

Dr. Lieu and Bill break down why clinical trials should be viewed as proactive options starting at diagnosis rather than as "last resorts." They demystify the multi-phase clinical trial pipeline, dispel common myths around "guinea pigs" or placebo controls, and highlight how trial participants gain access to FDA-approved therapies years ahead of the public. The panel also covers the essential role of comprehensive biomarker testing in colorectal and GI cancers—such as KRAS, DLL3, ATM, and Claudin—and highlights game-changing emerging modalities like Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Radieligand/Radiopharmaceutical therapies, and homegrown CAR-T cell trials.

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:

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 episode of Cracking Cancer, science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, is joined by virologist and gene therapy researcher Dr. Cole Peters to pull back the curtain on the hidden mechanics of academic cancer funding in the United States. Dr. Peters walks listeners through the pipeline of National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) grants—from training awards to multi-year R01 research grants. He exposes the immense administrative burden and fierce competitiveness required to keep basic research labs alive.

The conversation explores the critical distinction between basic research (discovering fundamental biological processes) and translational research (moving lab findings to clinical trials), illustrating how iconic breakthroughs like PCR testing, Keytruda (PD-1 inhibitors), and CRISPR gene editing were all born out of basic research that initially had no direct clinical mandate. Dr. Peters also breaks down recent 2025–2026 administrative policy changes regarding grant funding structures and political oversight of peer review. He provides a stark, first-hand account of how grant freezes, "brain drain," and sudden funding interruptions disrupt mouse models, dismantle research teams, and set scientific momentum back by years.

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:

00:00 Welcome to Cracking Cancer

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 solo episode of Cracking Cancer, patient advocate Samantha Murrell and science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, dive into an unexpected topic in integrative oncology: the potential anti-cancer properties of statins—the most widely prescribed class of cardiovascular medications in the world. Driven by digital discussions around drug repurposing (similar to their recent exploration of GLP-1s), Samantha and Rob explore how cholesterol-lowering drugs might influence oncogenic signaling pathways and complement standard cancer therapies.

Rob breaks down the underlying biochemistry of statins, detailing how they block the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This mechanism not only reduces bad LDL cholesterol production but also cuts off the synthesis of isoprenoid lipids. These lipids act as essential molecular anchors that help key oncogenic driver proteins—such as RAS and Rho—attach to cell membranes and send downstream growth signals. The hosts contrast lipophilic versus hydrophilic statins, evaluate retrospective survival data in breast and lung cancer cohorts, and emphasize the critical importance of checking for drug-drug interactions and genetic variants (like the SLCO1B1 transporter gene) before modifying any medication regimen.

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 

Want to read the papers disussed in this episode yourself? Links are below!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11912801/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1933287423001630?utm_source=copilot.com

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12170056/

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Mission

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