Two Onc Docs

This week’s episode will be focusing on how to prepare for the start of heme/onc fellowship! We will go over some general advice on how to succeed, study tips and resources we used throughout fellowship as well as some tips on how to stay academically productive during training if you are planning for an academic career.

Delve into groundbreaking advancements in breast cancer treatment with discussions on the SERENA-6 trial. The focus is on the promising combination of camisetrant and CDK 4/6 inhibitors for advanced hormone receptor-positive cases. Highlights include impressive progression-free survival improvements and the innovative use of circulating tumor DNA in managing patient care. Concerns about safety profiles and how these findings integrate into current practices add depth to the conversation.

This discussion highlights the latest updates on ovarian cancer, focusing on often-overlooked symptoms that can lead to late diagnoses. It dives into the importance of genetic testing for BRCA1-2 mutations in treatment approaches. The hosts detail treatment protocols, advocating for surgical interventions when possible, and explore the emerging maintenance therapies that show promise in improving patient outcomes. They also clarify the unique characteristics of various ovarian cancer types, reinforcing the need for personalized treatment strategies.

Explore groundbreaking advancements in genitourinary oncology presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. Discover insights on prostate cancer, including the latest on PSA response prognostication and the Amplitude trial. Learn about innovations in treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer, especially findings from the NIAGARA trial. Key updates on renal cell carcinoma reveal adjuvant pembrolizumab's survival benefits. The discussion also highlights the role of ctDNA in personalizing treatment and improving patient outcomes across various cancers.

Get ready for groundbreaking insights from the upcoming ASCO Annual Meeting! Discover cutting-edge research on bladder cancer, including innovative therapies and the role of ctDNA. Explore major advancements in renal cell carcinoma, featuring pivotal trials and new treatment strategies. Plus, dive into the latest in prostate cancer, where prognostic values and the impact of new drugs are making waves. Don’t miss the exciting developments in genitourinary cancers and unique educational sessions that will shape the future of oncology.

Dive into the complexities of hepatocellular carcinoma, emphasizing the critical role of liver function evaluation. Discover the significance of the Child-Pugh score in staging HCC, and recent advancements in treatment options like immunotherapy and new medications. Learn about innovative strategies to enhance survival rates and tailor therapies based on individual patient needs. The discussion reveals insights on treatment-related risks, ensuring a well-rounded understanding for effective management of this challenging condition.

Jeff Auletta, a pioneer in stem cell transplantation and infectious diseases, shares insights from his role at the National Marrow Donor Program. He explores the intricacies of conditioning regimens, including myeloblative and non-myeloablative methods. The conversation delves into the complexities of graft-versus-host disease, highlighting treatment strategies and challenges. Auletta also emphasizes the importance of managing transfusion complications and shares his emotional connections with pediatric patients, underscoring the vital role of stem cell research.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Jeff Auletta, a leading voice in blood and marrow transplantation. He shares insights on hematopoietic stem cell transplants, clarifying the various types and the donor matching process. The conversation dives into the risks and benefits of autologous versus allogeneic transplants, highlighting critical disparities in donor availability across ethnic groups. Dr. Auletta also emphasizes the need for systemic changes to address socio-economic barriers and ensure equitable access to transplant services for all communities.

A deep dive into non-seminoma testicular cancer reveals vital tumor markers like AFP, LDH, and HCG essential for diagnosis. The management strategies for both early-stage and advanced disease are explored, emphasizing personalized treatment plans. Key discussions include the importance of monitoring long-term side effects and fertility issues. The surgical approach to managing residual disease is highlighted, along with upcoming trial results shedding light on chemotherapy options for relapsed cases. This enlightening conversation underscores advances in treatment and patient care.

Dive into the world of seminoma, a form of testicular cancer, and discover crucial management strategies and risk factors. Learn about the importance of early symptom recognition, especially in young patients. Explore the diagnosing process with ultrasounds and the significance of tumor markers in monitoring. Unpack various chemotherapy regimens and their tailored approaches based on disease staging. Finally, navigate the complex treatment protocols, focusing on the distinct management of seminoma versus non-seminoma.