Conversations in Lung Cancer Research

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host Prof. Shalini Vinod (Radiation Oncologist, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney)  and guests Dr. Dasantha Jayamanne (Radiation Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, and GenesisCare) and Dr. Jane Ludbrook (Radiation Oncologist, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle) discuss the rapid technological and clinical advancements in thoracic radiation oncology. They cover the evolving roles of Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT) across different stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), recent Australian clinical trial updates, strategies for reducing toxicity, and future directions in radiation therapy. Trials Mentioned: ViTAL: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/news/clinical-trials/innovative-imaging-trial-aims-to-reduce-lung-toxicity-in-radiation-therapy/PRIME-LUNG: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/news/clinical-trials/prof-siva-receives-1-5m-funding-for-prime-lung/MODERN LUNG: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/clinical-trials/25-003-modern-lung/ (00:00) Welcome and Overview(02:38) SABR Basics and Eligibility(04:17) SABR for Operable Patients(05:31) SABR Advances and Short Courses(07:33) SABR in Stage III and IV(14:08) Immunotherapy with Early SABR(16:02) Modern Tech for Stage III RT(20:25) New Organs at Risk(23:49) Australian Trials Vital and Modern Lung(27:51) Access for Rural Patients(30:06) Future of Lung Radiotherapy(35:00) Closing and Call to Action  ---------------Support TOGAThank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.---------------Connect with TOGAAttend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/Follow UsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology---------------Acknowledgement of CountryThe Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host Dr. Samantha Bowyer (Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth), alongside A/Prof Rachel Roberts-Thomson (The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide) and A/Prof Abhijit Pal (Liverpool and Bankstown Hospitals, Sydney), examine the emerging role of bispecific antibodies in thoracic oncology. The panel explores how these multiple-targeting engineered molecules differ from standard monoclonal antibodies to overcome primary and acquired immunotherapy resistance, detailing key classes in development including dual receptor blockers like amivantamab, T-cell engagers like tarlatamab, and PD-(L)1 × VEGF bispecifics like ivonescimab, PF-08634404 and pumitamig. Drawing on clinical trial and real-world experience, the guests discuss the operational logistics and unique toxicity profiles associated with these agents, such as infusion reactions, dermatologic side effects, and bleeding risks, while evaluating the shift of bispecific antibodies into first-line and early-stage treatment strategies.This podcast was proudly sponsored by Pfizer. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers.(00:00) Welcome and Guests(01:34) What Are Bispecifics?(03:32) Why Immunotherapy Fails(05:19) Targets Beyond PD-1(07:11) Bispecific Classes Overview(09:17) Real World Experience(11:13) Clinic Logistics and Safety(15:00) Efficacy and Trial Data(18:01) Reprogramming Microenvironment(21:20) Future Directions and Wrap ---------------Support TOGAThank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.---------------Connect with TOGAAttend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/Follow UsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology---------------Acknowledgement of CountryThe Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Prunella Blinman (Medical Oncologist from Concord Hospital, Sydney) is joined by world-leading thoracic medical oncologists Prof Nick Pavlakis (Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney) and Prof Sanjay Popat (The Royal Marsden Hospital, London) to discuss the evolving role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in thoracic malignancies. Together, they explore the biology of VEGF and its impact on the tumour microenvironment, trace the history and safety lessons of anti-VEGF therapies from early trials like ECOG 4599 to IMpower150, and highlight emerging breakthroughs and examine emerging approaches including PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies, HARMONi-2 and novel combinations with ADCs.This podcast was proudly sponsored by BioNTech. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers. (00:00) Welcome and Overview(02:20) VEGF Basics and Angiogenesis(05:42) Tumour Vessels and Immune Effects(09:14) VEGF in Thoracic Cancers(12:54) Squamous Bleeding Risk Explained(15:23) UK Experience and Modest Gains(20:14) IMpower150 and Combo Era(26:34) Bispecifics PD1 VEGF Rationale(30:02) HARMONi Trials and New Signals(33:49) Future Combos With ADCs(35:39) Safety Toxicities and Wrap Up ---------------Support TOGAThank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.---------------Connect with TOGAAttend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/Follow UsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology---------------Acknowledgement of CountryThe Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Steven Kao, Medical Oncologist at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, is joined by A/Prof Venessa Chin, Medical Oncologist at St Vincent's Hospital and Researcher at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and Dr Ben Kong, Medical Oncologist at Prince of Wales Hospital. Together, they explore the clinical features of ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, the evolving diagnostic and treatment landscape in Australia, and how the recent PBS listing of repotrectinib is influencing first-line treatment decisions. The discussion also covers CNS disease, treatment sequencing, resistance mechanisms, and emerging therapies that may further improve outcomes for patients. This podcast was proudly sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb. All development and editorial decisions were made independently by the speakers. (00:00) Introduction, Host Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country   (01:33) The "Unicorn" Mutation: Clinical Characteristics & Prevalence   (03:22) Diagnostic Testing: IHC, FISH vs. Gold Standard NGS   (05:15) Clinical Red Flags: High Thromboembolic Risk & CNS Predilection   (08:18) Treatment Landscape in Australia: Crizotinib, Entrectinib, Repotrectinib   (10:11) Managing Unique Repotrectinib Side Effects (Dizziness, Dysgeusia, Ataxia)   (13:42) Intracranial Response & Choosing First-Line TKIs   (19:20) Post-TKI Progression Strategies: Biopsy, Chemo-IO, & Local Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRS)   (26:15) The Horizon: Emerging Next-Generation TKIs & Resected ROS1 Disease   (29:05) Closing Remarks ---------------Support TOGAThank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.---------------Connect with TOGAAttend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/Follow UsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology---------------Acknowledgement of CountryThe Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this episode of TOGA's Conversations in Lung Cancer Research, host A/Prof Mel Moore welcomes Prof Zarnie Lwin OAM (University of Queensland; Medical Oncologist at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital) to discuss her pathway from Burma to training in South Africa and Australia, and a two-year lung cancer fellowship at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. Prof Lwin reflects on choosing medical oncology, the value of leaving one’s institution for fellowships, and how international training shaped her professionalism, networks, and research direction. She explains health services and qualitative research, highlighting a project interviewing interpreters that revealed cultural and language gaps around cancer and palliative care. The episode also covers equity-focused solutions (community and clinician education, in-person interpreters, cultural competency, and potential AI tools), challenges to clinical trial recruitment due to increasingly niche criteria and geographic distance, limited experience with teletrials, and her commitment to mentorship and humility in a rapidly evolving lung cancer field. 00:00 Welcome and Acknowledgement 00:37 Meet Professor Lwin 04:25 Training Across Countries 07:19 Choosing Medical Oncology 08:34 Medicine and Creativity 11:56 Fellowship Advice and Mentors 16:42 Health Services Research 19:06 Interpreters and Culture 25:40 Clinical Trial Barriers 30:43 Teletrials and Equity 32:29 Mentorship and Teaching 35:24 Episode Wrap Up   ---------------Support TOGAThank you for listening to Conversations in Lung Cancer Research. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.---------------Connect with TOGAAttend an Event: https://thoraciconcology.org.au/events/Become a Member: Join the TOGA community at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/membership/Donate: Support our research and treatment initiatives at https://thoraciconcology.org.au/support-us/donate/Follow UsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoracic-oncology-group-of-australasia/X (Twitter): https://x.com/TOGAANZInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/togaanz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thoracic_Oncology---------------Acknowledgement of CountryThe Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia Limited acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures; and to Elders past and present.