In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, talks with Marilyn Mahan and Karl Frees, members of Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together (PIVOT) – KU Cancer Center's patient research advocacy group – and co-chairs of the PIVOT Educational Task Force. They discuss PIVOT, an initiative bringing patients, survivors, caregivers, and researchers together to enhance cancer research. Marilyn and Karl share how PIVOT integrates patient perspectives into research, the ways advocates collaborate with researchers, and the program's impact on studies and researcher motivation. Both guests recount their personal cancer journeys and their dedication to influencing cancer research to become more patient-centered and effective. They stress the importance of patient advocacy, the empowerment that comes with shared knowledge, and the future goals of expanding PIVOT's reach and impact.

00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside

00:18 What is PIVOT?

02:03 How PIVOT Advocates Collaborate with Researchers

04:15 Impact of Patient Involvement on Research

06:34 Personal Cancer Journeys

13:53 Future Goals for PIVOT

18:58 Encouraging Advocacy and Involvement

21:17 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

Links from this Episode:

· Learn more about PIVOT and how to join

· Learn about Lynch Syndrome

· Learn about oral cancer

· Follow PIVOT on Instagram

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