Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind

For our third instalment of ESMO 2025, we explore lung cancer in all its glory, including small cell, mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer.Studies:DeLLphi-303SOHO-01ALBATROSPAULIENDREAM3ROptiTROP-Lung04For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. MSD provided virtual participation with ESMO. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ESMO 2025 continues this week with coverage including early breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer and gynaecological malignancies. A mammoth episode covering giants and pioneers of the oncology world.Studies:SOLTI-RIBOLARISPOSITIVEmonarchE:DESTINY-Breast11evERAASCENT-03TROPION-Breast02 trialROSELLADICE trialENGOT-ov65/KEYNOTE-B96 studyROSELLAFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Virtual participation with ESMO was provided by MSD. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a short break for some pretty major life changes (more details in the episode), Josh and Michael return to tackle the best and brightest of ESMO 2025. With support from MSD, our dynamic duo play host to the inaugural Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind Awards. Today, they look at studies in pre-clinical science, supportive care and rare cancers to find their favourite studies amidst the goldmine that was this year's European Oncology Extravaganza.For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Virtual participation with ESMO was provided by MSD. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the focus shifts away from the more "garden-variety" non-small cell lung cancer and to its less common, frequently more aggressive sibling, small cell lung cancer. Here, Josh and Michael examine the management of limited-stage small cell lung cancer, which while accounting for a minority of cases, is no less interesting and potentially confusing. Studies discussed in this episode:PCI Meta AnalysisADRIATICFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, Josh and Michael exchange the established treatment landscape of EGFR and ALK mutant NSCLC for the developing management of disease harbouring KRAS and MET mutations. The most common mutation meets one of the least common in this battle of therapeutic tenacity.Studies discussed in this episode:INSIGHT-2KRYSTAL-12For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Josh take a dive into the world of driver mutations, looking at two of the most clinically consequential: EGFR and ALK mutations. The work done in these areas has led to treatments that represent incredible advances over chemotherapy. How incredible? You'll just have to listen and find out.Studies discussed in this episode:MARIPOSACROWNFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advanced or Metastatic Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (mNSCLCa), is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. This week, Michael provides an excellent background on this type of cancer, and Josh provides an eloquently short introduction (for once). These trials look specifically at lung cancers without mutations, thus relying on immunotherapy and chemotherapy.As a side note, can you believe Keynote189 is over 7 years old! How time flies!Studies discussed in this episode:Keynote 189Checkmate 9LAFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Josh's immense displeasure, our series on genitourinary cancer is done. For now, at least. In this episode, Michael and Josh step into the heavy shadow of non-small cell lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer death in Australia. However, there is hope and new developments in the early-disease space that could significantly improve outcomes. Studies discussed in this episodeCheckmate 816neoADAURAFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael and Josh continue to unpick the thorny question of germ-cell tumours, focusing this week on more advanced and relapsed disease. Germ cell tumours have an excellent prognosis, but unfortunately there are cases where more intense therapy is required. Listen on to find out about what to do when first line therapy is not enough!Studies discussed in this episodeBEP - Williams et al (1987)TIP - Gleeson et al (20224)For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the first of a two-part mini-series where Michael and Josh attempt to untangle the complex topic of germ cell tumours, an area that requires specialist experience and a high-volume multi-disciplinary centre to treat adequately. Or, you could just listen to Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind and be a pro in no time!Studies discussed in this episodeEORTC-30982de Wit et al (2001)For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Josh and Michael take a trip down a road less travelled by both patients and researchers, and examine the evidence (or lack thereof) of non-clear cell renal cell cancer, a less common cluster of siblings to the much better established clear cell RCC. Treatment is on very similar patterns, so their studies today involve a lot of immunotherapy with a smattering of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.Studies discussed in this episodeKEYNOTE-B61Checkmate 920For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you increase access to phase 1 trials for a state with a population of 8 million people spread across 800,000 km^2? You collaborate! In this context, we explore NECTA. The New South Wales Early Phase Clinical Trials Alliance (NECTA) plays a key role in speeding up the translation of cutting-edge medical research into real-world treatments, providing vital benefits to patients and the broader healthcare system. By uniting a network of leading hospitals, research institutions, and clinical experts, NECTA streamlines trial coordination, shortens start-up times, and encourages collaboration between researchers and industry. This early-phase focus not only offers patients earlier access to promising new therapies but also positions NSW as a globally competitive hub for innovative clinical research—ultimately advancing medical science while boosting the state’s life sciences sector. For more information: https://www.necta.org.au/For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlike the adjuvant space, treatment of advanced clear cell renal cell cancer has been a success story potentially only surpassed by advanced melanoma. What was once a horrific and quickly fatal disease, with a predilection for the CNS and significant bleeding risk has become significantly less so. In this episode, Josh and Michael explore the studies that have made it happen.Studies discussed in this episodeCLEARCheckmate 214Checkmate 9ERFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing on their Back to Basics GU extravaganza, Josh and Michael progress to the subject of kidney cancer, and bring you the answer to a question long unanswered: is there any benefit of adjuvant therapy in resected clear cell renal cell cancer. For a long time, this space produced negative study after negative study, until, as is so often the case, immunotherapy swooped in to save the day.Studies discussed in this episodeS-TRACKEYNOTE-564For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh and Michael return to their normal scheduled broadcast, continuing their never-ending Back to Basics series. In this episode, they discuss several interesting developments in the adjuvant management of urothelial cancer, focussing on the sometimes contradictory data of adjuvant immunotherapy. This is an emerging area of treatment that you will not want to miss!Studies discussed in this episodeAMBASSADORCheckmate 274IMvigor010For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final ASCO 2025 episode, Michael is joined by Prof Jeanne Tie, colorecal cancer lead at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to discuss some of the many highlights in colorectal and anal cancer. Starting with the practice changing BREAKWATER study, combining chemotherapy with encorafenib and cetuximab, they also discuss the plenary study ATOMIC III, the CHALLENGE study examining structured exercise programs for patients with resected cancer, as well as the emerging role of ctDNA in colon and anal SCC. Studies discussed in this episodeBREAKWATERCHALLENGEATOMIC IIIINTERAACT 2DYNAMIC IIIFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael goes it alone, welcoming an old friend of the show, Dr Belinda Yeo, to discuss highlights in early breast cancer from ASCO 2025. The pair discuss an exciting new medication to assist with vasomotor symptoms from endocrine therapy, the ongoing follow up from the pivotal SOFT/TEXT study, an escalation strategy for abemaciclib and a de-escalation strategy for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2 positive breast cancer.Studies discussed in this episodeOASISSOFT/TEXT, 15 year updateTRADENeoCARHPFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, hosts Michael and Josh are joined by the wonderful Dr James McCracken to discuss highlights from ASCO 2025 in the areas of upper GI and hepatobiliary cancer. This episode focuses on two items that are (as Michael repetitively insists) "big ticket": MATTERHORN and Destiny-Gastric04. In addition, James gives his thoughts on studies that look at immunotherapy and novel neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer, and a small study examining a perioperative approach to resectable biliary tract cancer.Studies discussed in the episode:MATTERHORNDestiny-Gastric04NeoIMPACTCASSANDRAGAINFor more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we discuss the latest advancements in gynecological oncology presented at ASCO 2025, featuring insights from Dr. Prachi Bhave. The conversation covers significant trials including the TRUST trial on ovarian cancer surgery timing, the Rosella trial for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, the FIRST study on immunotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer, and the update on the Keynote A18 trial for cervical cancer. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these studies in shaping future treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.Studies discussed in the episode:Trust studyFIRST/ENGOT-OV44Rosella study (GOG-3073, ENGOT-ov72)Keynote A18For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. Janet Abrahm shares transformative insights from ASCO 2025, focusing on palliative care and supportive care in oncology. Topics discussed include the role of exercise in cancer survival, cannabis use for symptom management, and the challenges of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. We also highlight the importance of communication with patients, particularly in the context of grief and transition to palliative care, as well as the pervasive issue of burnout among oncology professionals.Studies discussed in the episode:Cannabis [Educational session re: ASCO 2024 Guideline; abstrs 120831; 12061]Hot flashes [508]Is local estrogen therapy safe for breast cancer survivors [578]Duloxetine: Disappointing results [12010]2021 study report [9005] with discussion of 2023 updatesChallenge Trial - Exercise extends life in Colon CA pts: already in NEJM and reported earlier in ASCO GI meeting LBA3510AND MORE!Check out Janet's page for more palliative care information: https://janetabrahm.com/ For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.comPlease find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.comArt courtesy of Taryn SilverMusic courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixabay.com/users/alisiabeats-39461785/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are unwell, seek medical advice.Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind is recorded with the support of education grants from our foundation partners Pfizer, Gilead Pharmaceuticals and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Our partners have access to the episode at the same time you do and have no editorial control over the content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.