

BackTable Tumor Board
BackTable Inc.
BackTable Tumor Board is a multi-disciplinary podcast for healthcare professionals that play an active role in cancer care.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 30min
S03 Ep. 30 NMIBC Tumor Board: Nuances in Management with Dr. Mark Tyson and Dr. Sarah Psutka
When standard therapy fails, it does not have to be the end of the road for high-risk bladder cancer patients. Modern treatments, biomarkers, and clinical studies have opened up new avenues for treating recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The penultimate episode of the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features urologic oncologists Dr. Vignesh Packiam, Dr. Mark Tyson, and Dr. Sarah Psutka discussing how they navigate complex bladder cancer scenarios.
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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors share treatment strategies, staging processes, and post-therapy patient management techniques. They address recurrent disease, approaches to different stages of cancer, the role of biomarkers in determining treatment paths, and considerations for both high-risk and intermediate-risk patients. Additionally, the episode touches on new treatments, clinical trials, and patient quality of life post-treatment.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:08 - Case Study: Initial Patient Assessment04:59 - Surgical Considerations and Techniques10:22 - Managing Bladder Cancer Recurrence11:15 - Treatment Options and Clinical Trials15:12 - Advanced Treatment Strategies28:14 - Closing Remarks and Credits

Oct 7, 2025 • 38min
S03 Ep. 29 Enhancing Care Coordination in Bladder Cancer Treatments with Brynn Moore and Meredith Donahue
With the right protocols (and the right team!), urology clinics can proactively manage the side effects of intravesical therapy. This in-studio episode from the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features unique perspectives from Vanderbilt nurse practitioner Meredith Donahue and surgical neuro-oncology nurse Brynn Moore, both with focuses in urologic oncology. Hosted by Dr. Ruchika Talwar, we cover the practical and logistical considerations in intravesical therapy administration.
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
Donahue and Moore share their experiences with intravesical therapy, discussing practical issues such as patient management, scheduling, and handling side effects. They emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment in clinics, proactive treatment plans, and ensuring effective communication among the multidisciplinary team. They also share resources and tips for nurses and nurse practitioners new to urologic oncology.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction07:09 - Multidisciplinary Team Dynamics11:34 - Resources for Patients18:55 - Transvaginal Estrogen Cream26:56 - Optimizing Intravesical Therapy Clinics35:57 - The Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration36:27 - Conclusion

Oct 7, 2025 • 59min
S03 Ep. 28 How Biomarkers Enhance Precision Medicine in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer with Dr. Katie Murray and Dr. Sarah Psutka
As new genetic and AI-powered tools emerge for bladder cancer screening, are we getting closer to reducing the need for invasive cystoscopies? In part five of the 2025 BackTable NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Vignesh Packiam engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Sarah Psutka from the University of Washington and Dr. Katie Murray from NYU about the complexities and potential benefits of using biomarkers in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
The conversation covers the current challenges of interpreting positive biomarkers without clinical correlates, the gold standard of biopsies, and the potential of various biomarkers such as urine cytology, FISH, and newer genomic tests like the Decipher Bladder Genomic Classifier. They also touch upon the role of AI in pathology, the cost implications of biomarkers, and how these tools might influence future clinical practices and patient decisions. The episode emphasizes the need for precision medicine, careful patient counseling, and the impact of false positives and negatives on both patients and healthcare providers.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction05:25 - Challenges with Current Biomarkers08:10 - New Biomarkers and Genomic Classifiers21:10 - AI and Pathology in Bladder Cancer35:13 - Screening and Future Directions41:20 - Challenges and Future Directions in Bladder Cancer Surveillance57:51 - Conclusion

Oct 7, 2025 • 43min
S03 Ep. 27 Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Role of Medical Oncology with Dr. Tyler Stewart
With the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors into non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) management, who’s on point for planning, administering, and optimizing combination therapies? Is it still the urologist, or does medical oncology play a more significant role now than it did before? In this episode of the BackTable 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series, host Dr. Bogdana Schmidt sits down with Dr. Tyler Stewart, medical oncologist from the University of California San Diego, to discuss the contemporary role of medical and surgical oncology in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
The conversation covers the efficacy and safety of checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, and the challenges of balancing systemic and localized treatments. They also touch upon the potential future role of biomarkers in reducing invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:04 - The Role of Medical Oncologists in Bladder Cancer12:58 - Combination Therapies and Patient Outcomes21:18 - The CREST Study26:59 - Managing Adverse Events34:44 - Collaboration Between Urologists and Oncologists41:06 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Oct 7, 2025 • 60min
S03 Ep. 26 Sequencing Therapies in NMIBC Management with Dr. Mark Tyson and Dr. Suzanne Merrill
New FDA-approved therapies for BCG-refractory non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)–where do they fit in the treatment algorithm, and how do you administer them? This installment of the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features host Dr. Bogdana Schmidt, assistant professor of Urologic Oncology at the University of Utah, and leading urologic oncologists Dr. Mark Tyson from Mayo Clinic Arizona and Dr. Suzanne Merrill from Colorado Urology.
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This podcast is supported by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
The discussion delves into the newest treatment strategies and FDA-approved therapies for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with an emphasis on BCG-refractory patients. They highlight their approaches to sequencing therapies, the real-world applicability of these treatments, and the impact of patient factors in clinical decision-making. The panel also explores emerging trials and innovative treatment mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of personalized care in oncology.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction05:09 - Challenges and Strategies in Treatment10:55 - Bladder Sparing Therapies21:41 - Practical Tips for Therapy Administration30:39 - Challenges and Considerations in Reinduction37:05 - Clinical Trials and Future Directions44:11 - Counseling Patients on Treatment Options57:36 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Oct 7, 2025 • 52min
S03 Ep. 25 Guide to Patient-Centered Counseling in NMIBC Care with Dr. Sima Porten and Dr. Pat Hensley
Dr. Sima Porten, a urologic oncologist from UCSF, specializes in bladder cancer and patient-centered care, while Dr. Pat Hensley from the University of Kentucky focuses on clinical trials in the same field. They discuss tailoring treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and clear communication. Topics include managing patient anxiety during cystoscopy, the implications of the CISTO trial, and navigating patient preferences in treatment choices. Their insights provide a hopeful outlook on the evolving strategies in bladder cancer management.

6 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 49min
S03 Ep. 24 Contemporary Diagnostics in NMIBC: Clinical Insights with Dr. Anne Schuckman and Dr. Piyush Agarwal
Dr. Piyush Agarwal, a urologic oncologist specializing in bladder cancer, and Dr. Anne Schuckman, an expert in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, share groundbreaking insights into bladder cancer diagnostics. They discuss the significance of advanced biomarkers, the role of artificial intelligence, and risk stratification techniques. Topics include practical surveillance strategies tailored to patient needs and the importance of effective communication about recurrence risks. They also touch on future innovations in diagnostics and how technology will enhance patient care.

Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
S02 Ep. 23 Renal Cancer Management: Tumor Board Discussion & Treatments with Dr. Raquib Hannan, Dr. Brandon Manley and Dr. Rana McKay
Kidney cancer management is evolving. How are experts adapting? In this installment of BackTable Tumor Board, Dr. Brandon Manley (Urologic Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center), Dr. Raquibul Hannan (Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern), and Dr. Rana McKay (Medical Oncology, UC San Diego) join guest host Mark Ball (Urologic Oncology, National Cancer Institute) to share their multidisciplinary perspectives on challenging, real-world kidney cancer cases.---This podcast is supported by:Ferring Pharmaceuticalshttps://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N2165306.5658203BACKTABLE/B33008413.420220578;dc_trk_aid=612466359;dc_trk_cid=234162109;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};gpp=${GPP_STRING_755};gpp_sid=${GPP_SID};ltd=;dc_tdv=1---SYNPOSISThe conversation covers diagnostic dilemmas, navigating the treatment options of surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Through detailed case reviews, the panel highlights practical pearls, emerging clinical trials, and collaborative approaches that exemplify modern kidney cancer care.---TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction02:20 - Case 1 (Incidental Renal Mass)16:52 - Case 2 (Bilateral Renal Masses)37:22 - Case 3 (Locally Advanced Renal Mass)56:34 - Case 4 (Symptomatic, Metastatic Disease)01:14:00 - Final Takeaways

Sep 16, 2025 • 53min
S02 Ep. 22 Multidisciplinary Spine Oncology Care: Insights and Techniques with Dr. Ran Lador and Dr. Mark Amsbaugh
When it comes to spinal oncology, no single specialty holds all the answers. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Alexa Levey, an interventional radiologist from Yale School of Medicine, is joined by Dr. Mark Amsbaugh, a radiation oncologist, and Dr. Ran Lador, an orthopedic spine surgeon, both from the University of Texas McGovern Medical School. The discussion explores complexities and innovations in the multidisciplinary treatment of spinal tumors. ---This podcast is supported by:Ferring Pharmaceuticalshttps://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N2165306.5658203BACKTABLE/B33008413.420220578;dc_trk_aid=612466359;dc_trk_cid=234162109;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};gpp=${GPP_STRING_755};gpp_sid=${GPP_SID};ltd=;dc_tdv=1---SYNPOSISDr. Amsbaugh and Dr. Lador highlight their cohesive, patient-centered approach at Memorial Hermann, integrating various specialties including surgery, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology. The episode emphasizes the importance of collaborative techniques, advances in minimally invasive surgeries, the role of stereotactic radiosurgery, and the critical nature of personalized patient care in improving outcomes for patients with spinal tumors.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction01:20 - Multidisciplinary Approach to Spinal Tumors at Memorial Hermann10:22 - Surgical Techniques and Timing for Radiation Treatments 12:25 - Approach to Collaborative Treatment Planning25:45 - Connection Between Surgical and Radiation Oncology in Patient Care31:08 - The Role of Vertebral Augmentation in Spinal Oncology40:08 - Multimodal Pain Management Strategies47:35 - Thoughts on Future Directions in Spinal Oncology and Conclusion---RESOURCESDr. Mark Amsbaugh, MDhttps://med.uth.edu/neurosciences/dr-mark-j-amsbaugh-md/ Dr. Ran Lador, MDhttps://med.uth.edu/ortho/2022/11/02/ran-lador-md/ Dr. Alexa Levey, MDhttps://medicine.yale.edu/profile/alexa-levey/

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 6min
S02 Ep. 21 Prostate Tumor Board: Risk Stratification & Treatment Strategies with Dr. Neeraj Agarwal and Dr. Tyler Seibert
Could ongoing trials redefine the management of oligometastatic and advanced prostate cancer? In this installment of BackTable Tumor Board, leading prostate cancer experts Dr. Neeraj Agarwal, a medical oncologist from the University of Utah, and Dr. Tyler Seibert, a radiation oncologist from UC San Diego, join host Dr. Parth Modi to share their insights on the latest clinical trials and persistent challenges in managing prostate cancer.
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This podcast is supported by:Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
The multidisciplinary discussion addresses clinical decision-making in active surveillance versus early intervention, the role of PSMA PET imaging in detection and treatment planning, and evolving strategies for metastatic and castration-resistant disease. They also evaluate the therapeutic potential of alpha emitters and radioligand therapies, consider the evidence behind treatment intensification and de-intensification, and explore how these approaches can be individualized to optimize patient outcomes.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction1:48 - Active Surveillance in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer7:08 - Molecular Testing and Risk Stratification8:28 - Radiation Therapy Approaches20:16 - PSA Recurrence and PSMA PET Scans32:40 - The Role of ADT37:15 - PSMA PET Scans40:58 - Genetic Testing in High-Risk and Metastatic Prostate Cancer46:54 - Treatment Intensification vs. De-Intensification Trials55:59 - Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer


