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Bladder Cancer Matters

Author: Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

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Bladder Cancer Matters is the podcast for, by and about the bladder cancer community. Host Rick Bangs interviews interesting guests from the bladder cancer community, including patients, survivors, advocates, medical professionals, researchers, caregivers and more. It is brought to you by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network.
82 Episodes
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In this captivating episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs delves into the intricacies of upper tract urothelial carcinoma with renowned experts Dr. Jeannie Hoffman-Censits and Dr. Phil Pierorazio. Together, they explore the complexities of diagnosing and treating this challenging disease, offering valuable insights into patient prognosis. The discussion highlights cutting-edge approaches, including the use of topical and systemic therapies, and sheds light on promising clinical trials. Dr. Hoffman-Censits and Dr. Pierorazio underscore the significance of personalized treatment plans and the urgent need for continued research. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of upper tract urothelial carcinoma and its evolving landscape in medical care.
Tune in to Episode 70 of Bladder Cancer Matters podcast in which Howard L., a bladder cancer survivor and recovering alcoholic, candidly shares his inspiring journey. Howard discusses his battle with alcoholism, the pivotal role Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) played in his recovery, and his challenging path to a bladder cancer diagnosis, including the critical steps of misdiagnosis and the pursuit of a second opinion. He underscores the vital support provided by resources like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and draws compelling parallels between AA and BCAN’s supportive communities. Howard’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out for support and the difference it can make in overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Join us to find encouragement and understanding through his profound insights and experiences.
Join us on the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast as host Rick Bangs interviews Dr. Bishoy Faltas, director of Bladder Cancer Research at the Englander Institute of Precision Medicine at Weill Cornell. Dive into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and treating bladder cancer. From automated technologies in everyday life to advanced applications in diagnostics and patient care, Dr. Faltas explores how AI is reshaping the landscape of cancer care. Discover AI's potential in prevention, early detection, and even in enhancing doctor-patient communication. Don't miss this deep dive into the exciting advancements and future possibilities of AI in improving bladder cancer outcomes.
Join us for an enlightening episode of Bladder Cancer Matters with Dr. Donald Lamm, a trailblazer in bladder cancer treatment and the driving force behind the groundbreaking Lamm Protocol. Discover the journey of BCG immunotherapy from its inception in the 1970s to becoming a the gold standard in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer care. Delve into Dr. Lamm's insights on the nuances of BCG therapy, including dosing, strain differences, and the critical challenges of supply shortages. With a career dedicated to advancing urologic oncology, Dr. Lamm shares his optimistic vision for the future of BCG treatments, promising enhanced outcomes through innovative approaches. Tune in to explore how Dr. Lamm's work has revolutionized the fight against bladder cancer, offering hope and improved survival for thousands. Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform.
 Join Dr. Aditya Bagrodia, a urologic oncologist, on Episode 67 of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast as he unveils the power of shared decision making in bladder cancer care. Learn why involving patients and caregivers in treatment choices, rooted in their values and informed by expert insight, is crucial across all stages of bladder cancer. Discover the goals of care from non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to advanced stages, and empower yourself to advocate for your health. Dive deep into a world where patient education and collaboration pave the way to personalized care. Don't forget to subscribe to Bladder Cancer Matters and never miss an episode.
Dive into Dean Karrel's powerful journey as a bladder cancer survivor, from his initial diagnosis to life after a radical cystectomy, in Episode 66 of Bladder Cancer Matters. Dean shares the symptoms that led to his life-changing diagnosis, the resilience he maintained through treatments that failed him like BCG and Gemcitabine, and his decision for life-saving surgery. His story is a unfiltered look at the challenges post-surgery, the crucial role of support from nurses and care teams, and his gratitude towards them. Dean highlights the importance of organizations like BCAN in supporting bladder cancer patients and calls on patients to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and live fully post-diagnosis. His journey isn't just about survival; it's an inspiring call to action, emphasizing strength, advocacy, and hope. Join us to be moved and motivated by Dean's indomitable spirit. Don't forget to subscribe to Bladder Cancer Matters and comment and share this podcast with family and friends.
In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs chats with Dr. Elizabeth Guancial, a medical oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists in Sarasota, Florida. They discuss the differences between receiving bladder cancer care in academic medical centers and community hospitals. Dr. Guancial is an expert because she has practiced in both types of institutions. Dr. Guancial shares that in academic medical centers, the focus is on teaching, research, and patient care, while community settings prioritize patient care. Community settings can often provide quicker care and more personalized attention, but academic medical centers may offer specialized procedures and access to clinical trials. Patients should consider factors such as the urgency of their condition, the need for specialized procedures, and the availability of clinical trials when deciding whether to seek care in a community or academic setting. It is also important for patients to feel comfortable with their healthcare providers and to seek second opinions if desired.
In this riveting episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, Mark Story sits down with Rick Bangs, the podcast's host and a muscle-invasive bladder cancer survivor. Dive deep into Rick's personal battle with bladder cancer and uncover the critical role of patient advocacy in shaping research.  You'll also discover the behind-the-scenes magic of podcast production and get a glimpse into the future of bladder cancer diagnosis and treatments. Rick passionately advocates for the advancement of precision medicine, the development of less invasive diagnostic and treatment methods, expanded access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials, and the power of unity among cancer advocacy organizations.
In Part 3 of this Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs continues his conversation with Bill Robertson, a bladder cancer survivor, and Dr. Vikram Narayan, an assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Emory University School of Medicine. They discuss the challenges and adjustments that come with having an ileal conduit, a common diversion procedure for bladder cancer patients. Dr. Narayan emphasizes the importance of understanding the recovery process and finding the right stoma appliance. Bill shares his personal experience with daily life after the surgery, including the need for physical activity and the support he received from his wife and others. Both Dr. Narayan and Bill stress the importance of seeking support from organizations like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and connecting with other patients who have gone through similar experiences. They also highlight the psychological impact of a bladder cancer diagnosis and the need for mental health support. The episode concludes with final thoughts from Bill and Dr. Narayan, who encourage patients to focus on their return to normalcy and to seek help and support throughout their journeys.
In Part 2 of 3 in this Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs continues his conversation with Bill Robertson, a bladder cancer survivor, and Dr. Vikram Narayan, an assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Emory University School of Medicine. They discuss the difficult decision of undergoing a radical cystectomy, the potential benefits of bladder removal, and the importance of understanding a patient's values and preferences when discussing treatment options. They also touch on the different types of urinary diversions and the challenges that come with them, such as learning how to change the bag and adjusting to a new lifestyle. The episode concludes with a discussion on the time it takes to change a bag and the frequency of bag changes.  
In Part 1 of a three part "Bladder Cancer Matters" podcast, join host Rick Bangs as he engages in an enlightening conversation with bladder cancer survivor, Bill Robertson, and Dr. Vikram Narayan of Emory University School of Medicine.  Dr. Narayan is Bill’s urologist and helped him navigate the challenges of a bladder cancer diagnosis and resulting bladder removal. Dr. Narayan sheds light on the critical role of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team in delivering exceptional care to bladder cancer patients. Bill Robertson shares his heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding support and expertise provided by the team at Emory. The discussion also explores the pivotal decision-making process behind opting for a radical cystectomy. The episode wraps up with an enticing preview of the upcoming parts two and three of this engaging conversation. Don't miss this compelling exploration of resilience, advanced care, and the innovative approaches to bladder cancer treatment.
In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Philippe Spiess, a Genitourinary Oncologist and Assistant Chief of Surgical Services at the Moffitt Cancer Center as they discuss rare cancers. Dr. Spiess explains that rare cancers are defined as those with an incidence of 40,000 cases or less per year in the United States. However, he notes that the definition of rare cancers should also take into account factors such as expertise, patient advocacy, resources, support services, and clinical trials. Dr. Spiess emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine and precision oncology in the treatment of rare cancers. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in studying and treating rare cancers, including the need for global collaboration, access to clinical trials, and the representation of patient voices. Dr. Spiess highlights the work of the Global Society of Rare Genitourinary Tumors (GSRGT) in advancing research, education, and patient advocacy in the field of rare cancers. He encourages individuals to visit the GSRGT website and reach out for more information or to provide feedback.
In Episode 61 of Bladder Cancer Matters, Dr. Brendan Guercio, a medical oncologist and assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, discusses the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer.  He explains that immunotherapy works by training the immune system to identify and fight cancer cells, unlike chemotherapy which directly kills cancer cells. Dr. Guercio focuses on immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy that blocks proteins used by cancer cells to turn off the immune system. He discusses the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors, with about 25-30% of patients experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. Dr. Guercio also explores the potential impact of diet on immunotherapy response, specifically looking at probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and antibiotics. While there is promising evidence that certain probiotics and higher fiber intake may be beneficial, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. He emphasizes the importance of discussing these topics with a healthcare provider and highlights the role of organizations like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) in supporting research in this area.
In this episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast, host Rick Bangs interviews Dr. Arlene Siefker-Radtke, a medical oncologist and professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. They discuss metastatic bladder cancer and the importance of defining choosing the right targets and combinations for treatment.  Dr. Siefker-Radtke explains that metastatic cancer is the highest stage of cancer and typically refers to cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. She discusses the differences between metastatic and advanced cancer and the varying risks and treatment options for different metastatic diagnoses. Dr. Siefker-Radtke also highlights the exciting advancements in treatment options for metastatic bladder cancer, including the combination of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab, which has shown significant improvement in overall survival. She also emphasizes the importance of seeking second opinions and considering clinical trials for metastatic bladder cancer treatment.  Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform.  
In Episode 59 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Alan Lifton, a survivor of muscle invasive bladder cancer. Alan shares his journey and experiences and discusses his diagnosis, treatment, and choice of urinary diversion (ileal conduit). He also highlights the importance of support from organizations like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and its Survivor to Survivor program, which connects newly diagnosed bladder cancer survivors with survivors with similar diagnoses.  Alan also emphasizes the need for doctors to provide more information about the emotional and practical aspects of living with bladder cancer. He expresses gratitude for the medical professionals who treated him and the support he received from BCAN. Don't forget to subscribe to Bladder Cancer Matters in this platform and be sure to rate our podcast. 
In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs interviews Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN of the University of North Carolina.  Mary is a nurse practitioner and co-chair of the BCAN Survivorship Task Force. They discuss the definition of a cancer survivor, the concept of survivorship, and the unique aspects of bladder cancer survivorship. They also talk about the work of the BCAN Survivorship Task Force, including the development of survivorship care plans, the creation of a survivorship section on the BCAN website, and the importance of outreach to clinicians and patients. The goal of the task force is to improve survivorship care for bladder cancer patients and provide resources and support for both patients and healthcare providers. Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform.
In Episode 57 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Leslie Ballas of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center about a topic on the minds of many patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer:  keeping their bladders.  Even when the cancer has penetrated the bladder wall, can bladders still be saved?  Then answer (for some) is “yes,” and Rick and Dr. Ballas discuss: What bladder preservation is Different types of preservation like tri-modality therapy The role that radiation plays Options that patients with metastatic bladder cancer may have What oligometastatic bladder cancer is The increase in attend paid to bladder preservation as an alternative to a radical cystectomy Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform.
In Episode 56 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Dr. Matthew Galsky, a medical oncologist who specializes in treating bladder cancer patients, about advancing new treatments for bladder cancer through clinical development and investigating the gap between the efficacy and real-world effectiveness of existing chemotherapies. Among other topics, they discuss:  The VESPER trial and its purpose related to bladder cancer Background on two chemotherapies, MVAC and GemCis, for muscle invasive bladder cancer The side effects of both chemotherapy regimens Identifying who requires treatment and who benefits from it Other promising developments occurring in the field of chemotherapy for the initial treatment of bladder cancer patients Never miss an episode by subscribing to our podcast. Simply search for “Bladder Cancer Matters” on your favorite podcast and click the “subscribe” button.
In Episode 55 of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with Cathy Murphy about how she overcame multiple cancer diagnoses and faced them head-on. Their conversation will draw you in with its emotional depth and compelling insights. Among other topics, they discuss: Her journey with two forms of breast cancer prior to her bladder cancer diagnosis  Coping mechanisms she implemented during treatment Receiving the news of diagnosis during the height of COVID The difficulties in determining an effective treatment option Prioritizing her physical and mental health Her advice for those newly diagnosed with bladder cancer  Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform. 
Historically, many patients who have a radical cystectomy (bladder removal) also have an extended lymph node dissection, which means taking out several lymph nodes during the surgery. A new study led by Dr. Seth Lerner of Baylor College of Medicine (and also a BCAN Board Member) suggests that taking out a large number of lymph nodes does not improve both disease-free survival and overall survival. Rick and Dr. Lerner discuss: What lymph nodes and why are they important in bladder cancer Does a more extensive node dissection (END) improve both disease-free survival and overall survival? The side effects of removing several lymph nodes How, in Dr. Lerner's study, they found a higher risk of grade of moderate to life-threatening side effects at both 30 days and 90 days after a radical cystectomy and END How they also studied how radical cystectomy patients fared with and without chemotherapy after surgery Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform.
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