On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research

In the season 3 finale episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Wesley Yip, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Department of Surgery at City of Hope.The duo explores Dr. Yip’s career journey sparked by an early inspiration in his father’s urology practice to the cutting-edge urological oncology and microbiome research he now leads. The conversation delves into Dr. Yip’s innovative work investigating the role of the microbiome in kidney cancer, the rigorous protocols required for scientific discovery and the promise of microbiome modulation to improve patient outcomes. He discusses the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and building multidisciplinary teams, as well as the challenges and rewards of balancing clinical practice, research, and family life.Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Yip reflects on the value of asking for help, the power of saying “no” to stay focused on long-term goals, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers. He shares advice for aspiring surgeon-scientists on embracing collaboration, seeking guidance, and pursuing personalized approaches at the edge of breakthrough.Follow Us:LinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

This is an audience favorite episode. Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Yuman Fong, M.D., an internationally renowned surgical oncologist and Chair of Surgery at City of Hope, to explore the leading-edge innovations shaping the future of surgical oncology.Dr. Fong shares his incredible journey from studying medieval literature to being one of the first-ever surgeons to conduct surgery in space. They discuss the evolution of oncolytic viruses, the role of AI in cancer surgery, and how remote robotic surgical procedures are transforming patient care worldwide. Dr. Fong also shares  his insights on balancing an intense surgical career with family life, mentorship, and finding passions outside the operating room.Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the future of cancer care, where groundbreaking science meets human connection. Subscribe via the links below to listen now.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Enrique Montero, research professor within the Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, to discuss his global journey in immunology and the pioneering work underway at City of Hope. Dr. Montero shares how early clinical experiences with lupus inspired his lifelong mission to bridge basic science and clinical application, leading to innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The episode dives into the significance of the CD6 molecule on T cells - how its overexpression drives inflammation in conditions like type 1 diabetes and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The duo discusses the development of targeted monoclonal antibodies and a groundbreaking approach using genetically modified regulatory T cells—CAR Tregs—to modulate immune responses, aiming not just to control disease but to regenerate damaged tissue. Dr. Montero shares early insights from the first-in-human clinical trial of CAR Tregs for GVHD, noting promising safety and signs of durable benefit in patients who had exhausted other treatment options. Looking ahead, Dr. Montero envisions expanding this technology to tackle type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions, driven by a collective dream to move beyond symptom management toward true cures.  Follow Us:  LinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Tanya Dorff, professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and section chief of the Genitourinary Disease Program at City of Hope. Together they dive into Dorff’s pioneering work in immunotherapy for prostate cancer - from the challenges of moving treatments from bench to bedside, to the importance of collaborative team-science, and the role of deep biological correlates in informing future studies. Beyond her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Dorff reflects on mentorship, work-life balance, and the importance of supporting diversity of thought in academic medicine. She shares how creative pursuits help her recharge and offers advice for aspiring oncologists to pursue their passions and embrace bold leaps at the edge of breakthrough. Tune in to discover how clinical innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach are the secret sauce driving advances in cancer care. Follow Us: • LinkedIn @city-of-hope • X @cityofhope • Facebook @cityofhope • Instagram @cityofhope Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

From a small Sicilian town to the forefront of diabetes research, Dr. Pugliese’s story is one of relentless curiosity and hope. He shares how early family experiences and clinical frustrations inspired his lifelong mission to improve outcomes type 1 diabetes.The conversation delves into the role of viruses and the microbiome in triggering type 1 diabetes. Dr. Pugliese describes his leadership in the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD), which has enabled collaborative studies showing evidence of chronic viral infections in the pancreas and their potential contribution to disease onset.This episode also dissects how generous giving becomes the driving force behind groundbreaking research and scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Pugliese shares details of a bold, new nationwide clinical trial led by City of Hope, inspired by philanthropic support from the Wanek Family Project. The innovative trial will assess a combination of approved therapies to investigate ways to preserve insulin secretion and control the autoimmune process in newly diagnosed patients, aiming to accelerate progress toward a cure. Tune in to discover how Dr. Pugliese’s translational diabetes research, collaborative spirit, and commitment to mentorship are driving breakthroughs in diabetes care.  Follow Us:• LinkedIn @city-of-hope• X @cityofhope• Facebook @cityofhope• Instagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org 

In this episode of "On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research," host Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Lee Jones, Head of the Exercise Oncology Program in the Department of Medicine at City of Hope, to discuss how exercise science is helping reshape cancer treatment and care. Dr. Jones shares his journey from the UK to City of Hope, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in establishing exercise as a vital part of oncology research.  He explains how the field of exercise oncology has taken lessons from NASA and their work to prepare astronauts going to and coming back from space to improve outcomes for cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. The episode explores how breast cancer studies lay the groundwork for integrating exercise into survivorship and treatment and they dive into landmark trials, such as the CHALLENGE study, which showed exercise can improve survival for colorectal cancer patients. Dr. Jones emphasizes the need for rigorous, drug-like trial designs to truly measure the impact of exercise interventions. He argues innovative approaches such as decentralized trials, using remote monitoring and home-based exercise equipment are critical to expand access and collect real-time data. Dr. Jones shares a sneak peak of new studies launching in prostate cancer, high-risk populations, and collaborations with national research networks. His vision is to move beyond a cancer-cell focus, embracing holistic interventions that consider the patient’s physiology and environment. Tune in to hear how City of Hope is pushing the boundaries of cancer research and care. Visit On The Edge of Breakthrough to learn more.Follow Us: LinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Loretta Erhunmwunsee, a thoracic surgeon and lung cancer researcher at City of Hope,.From her roots in underserved communities to today, where she is at the forefront of lung cancer research, Dr. Erhunmwunsee brings a unique perspective to understanding how environments and where we live can shape our health. Her latest groundbreaking research looks at how air pollution and neighborhood locations may not only increase cancer risk — but also influence tumor biology. She explores why diversity in healthcare matters and shares her vision for making leading-edge cancer care accessible to all.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

What does it take to bring tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy to more patients and make the therapy more effective for those already eligible?In this episode of Edge of Breakthrough, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Kelly Mahuron, a surgical oncologist at City of Hope, to unpack how TIL therapy is evolving. From identifying eligible patients and surgical harvesting of TILs to cell expansion and reinfusion, Dr. Mahuron breaks down the entire  process of TIL therapy, highlighting how her cross-disciplinary team is working to improve patient outcomes, reduce toxicity, and eventually expand treatment beyond melanoma.They also explore the next generation of TILs  f, and  how oncolytic viruses and modified immune environments might bring TILs to more resistant cancers such as pancreatic and colorectal tumors.Learn how surgical precision, immunotherapy, and translational research come together to push the boundaries of what's possible in cancer treatment. . Tune in to the full conversation now.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough, Dr. Monty Pal is joined by Dr. Stephen Forman, a giant of cancer care and  hematologic malignancies and pioneer of cellular immunotherapy. Dr. Forman reflects on decades of progress in bone marrow transplantation, CAR T cell therapy, and the future of cellular therapies. But this conversation isn’t just about lab science. It’s about the human side of innovation: the infrastructure, access, and emotional support needed to truly care for patients through some of the most complex treatments in cancer care.Dr. Forman also explains the urgency of expanding healthcare access, and reveals the  best practices for building scalable models to deliver the next-generation immunotherapy for patients who need them now.Listen as they unpack what it means to move from an innovative experiment in the lab  to real impact on the front lines of cancer care.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough, host Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Charles Brenner, an internationally recognized expert in metabolism and the founding Chair of the Department of Diabetes & Cancer Metabolism at City of Hope. Together, they explore the metabolic links between diabetes, obesity, and cancer, and how understanding those connections could lead to new ways to prevent and treat multiple diseases.Dr. Brenner shares insights from his research into lean fatty liver disease (otherwise known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD), and how certain genetic factors may be quietly driving both metabolic dysfunction and cancer risk. They also discuss the rise of GLP-1 therapies and how a new class of compounds targeting FGF21 might offer a potential  new therapeutic option that could help curb sugar cravings and support liver health.This episode takes listeners deep into the science of energy balance, NAD metabolism, fatty liver disease, and what it truly means to be on the edge of a breakthrough.Tune in now and stay updated on the science shaping the future of cancer care.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this special episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough, recorded live at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, host Dr. Monty Pal sits down with two of City of Hope’s newest clinical leaders: Dr. Walter Stadler, Chief Clinical Officer at City of Hope Chicago, and Dr. Alan Bryce, Chief Clinical Officer at Hope Phoenix.Together, they explore what it takes to build a national model for research-driven care, from creating system-wide infrastructure for precision medicine to integrating AI across core services like  pathology, real-time cross-network collaboration, and genomic innovation throughout  40+ sites. The episode dives into the growing complexity of cancer treatment, the burden on individual providers, and how building smarter systems can accelerate access to trials, for all  communities.The discussion touches on simplifying clinical trial design, rethinking dose strategies, and the institutional commitment to pushing forward both early detection and long-term survivorship.If you're interested in where oncology is headed next—from both a research and systems perspective—this episode is a must-listen.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

Welcome back to Season 2  On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research. In this powerful episode, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Linda Malkas, Dean of Translational Sciences at City of Hope, for a conversation that spans childhood stargazing in Queens to leading one of the most ambitious cancer drug developments in recent history.Dr. Malkas shares how a chance encounter with a grieving father sparked her quest to take on an “undruggable” target, resulting in AOH1996, a promising molecule designed to selectively attack cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. Named in memory of 8-year-old Ana Olivia Healy, the drug is now moving through clinical trials and showing potential to improve standard of care treatments across multiple cancers.This episode dives into the science, the setbacks, and the synchronicity that fueled this journey, from organic chemistry and DNA fascination to late-night lab work, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the unique ecosystem at City of Hope that made it all possible.It’s a remarkable story of science, heart, and the human drive to say “yes” to the impossible. Listen now.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Enrique Velazquez Villarreal, a physician-scientist in City of Hope’s Department of Integrative Translational Sciences, whose path into medicine and research is anything but typical.Dr. Velazquez Villarreal talks about growing up in Mexico, entering medical school at 17, and the many mentors—who shaped his decision to pursue oncology - three of whom he lost to colorectal cancer He shares how his early exposure to both surgery and underserved communities led him to seek answers not only through the scalpel, but through software. The episode dives into his groundbreaking work integrating clinical data with genomics, artificial intelligence, and multi-omics tools to tackle one of the most alarming trends in oncology: the rise of colorectal cancer in young Hispanic patients. He also unpacks his mission to make AI useful, accessible, and truly impactful in the clinic—not just in research papers.This is a deeply thoughtful conversation about data, technology, and the very human reason behind why it all matters.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Betty Ferrell, trailblazing nurse-scientist and director of the Division of Nursing Research and Education at City of Hope. Known globally for her foundational work in quality of life, pain management, and palliative care, Dr. Ferrell reflects on her nearly four decades of research, mentorship, and advocacy that have reshaped how we define patient-centered cancer care.Together they trace her journey from bedside nursing in Oklahoma to spearheading research that has influenced standards of care across disciplines—from bone marrow transplantation and thoracic surgery, to early-phase clinical trials. Dr. Ferrell shares her international collaborations, including her work in Ethiopia with colleague Dr. Lesley Taylor, which are driving change in some of the most resource-constrained settings.This episode is a reminder that treating cancer isn’t just about targeting disease—it’s about recognizing the full human experience behind it.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal talks with Mustafa Raoof, a leading surgical oncologist and physician-scientist at City of Hope, about the challenges and potential in treating some of the toughest cancers.Dr. Raoof reflects on his path - from boarding school in Pakistan to pioneering new techniques in peritoneal metastasis treatment at a world renowned cancer center, including the promising intraperitoneal therapy known as Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC). He breaks down his lab's latest work on DNA repair in pancreatic cancer, shares his perspectives on the value of making research more accessible across low-resource settings, and discusses how he balances life as a researcher, surgeon, and his most important role as a dad.This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation that spotlights how innovation meets real-world limitations, and why collaboration  —not just within institutions, but across borders — is more essential than ever.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal speaks with Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., the physician-in-chief of City of Hope Orange County and Vice Physician-in-Chief of City of Hope National Medical Center.  Dr. Kim shares his experience leading the transformation of leading U.S. cancer centers, and how City of Hope is using integrative oncology to reshape the patient experience. They discuss how innovative strategies, such as building a national clinical trial model, will expand patient access and the importance of continually redefining the standard of care - not only for therapeutic solutions but also for prevention and detection interventions. Dr. Kim also opens up about mentorship and his vision for the future of cancer care.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the next frontier of oncology and what it takes to bring breakthrough treatments to more people.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Yuman Fong, an internationally renowned surgical oncologist and Chair of Surgery at City of Hope, to explore the leading-edge innovations shaping the future of surgical oncology.Dr. Fong shares his incredible journey from studying medieval literature to being one of the first-ever surgeons to conduct surgery in space. They discuss the evolution of oncolytic viruses, the role of AI in cancer surgery, and how remote robotic surgical procedures are transforming patient care worldwide. Dr. Fong also shares  his insights on balancing an intense surgical career with family life, mentorship, and finding passions outside the operating room.Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the future of cancer care, where groundbreaking science meets human connection.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal is joined by Dr. Saro Armenian, Chair of Pediatric Oncology at City of Hope, to discuss the latest innovative research driving advancements in cancer survivorship and cardio-oncology.Dr. Armenian shares his compelling journey into oncology, the challenges of addressing long-term treatment effects on patients, and the promising future of CHIP clinics and de-escalation of therapy. Learn how world-leading oncologists are shaping the future of cancer care by bridging leading-edge science with compassionate, patient-centered care at the speed of life.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org

Welcome to On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, your gateway to the latest in cancer care innovation. Hosted by Dr. Monty Pal, a medical oncologist and researcher at City of Hope, we’ll bring you inside one of the top 5 cancer research and treatment institutions in the U.S., where innovation and hope go hand-in-hand.Join Dr. Pal as he sits down with some of the world’s leading cancer experts as they explore some of the most pressing challenges and promising innovations in oncology today.Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional, a curious researcher, or simply someone passionate about the fight against cancer, this podcast is your front row seat to hear about the discoveries defining the future of cancer care.Follow UsLinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City Of Hopewww.CityOfHope.org