Oncology Decoded podcast hopes to bridge the gap between lab and clinic

Oncology Decoded is a new podcast covering cancer research and how care providers might apply new ideas to their clinical practice with patients. Hosts Dr. Manojkumar Bupathi of Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers and Dr. Ben Garmezy of Sarah Cannon Research Institute are both medical oncologists who care for patients with genitourinary cancers (kidney, prostate, bladder) and conduct research. We spoke with them about their new podcast – launching in February – the challenges it addresses, and how patients could be involved.  

What is this new podcast about and why did you want to do it? 

Oncology Decoded: Cancer Science Meets Clarity was created to bridge the gap between complex oncology research and practical clinical application. Its mission is to empower healthcare professionals and patients by presenting actionable insights derived from research. The podcast focuses on addressing critical gaps in care commonly observed in community oncology, ensuring that no patient is left behind.

By educating listeners on the toxicity of drugs and their implications, it aims to promote informed decision-making in treatment planning. Additionally, the podcast explores patterns of care for patients with genitourinary (GU) malignancies, both in the US and internationally, offering a global perspective on the challenges and advancements in this area.

What separates us is our focus on clinical real-world decision making rather than simply data dumping from recent trials, as well as a focus on what numbers like progression free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, and hazard ratio mean. Ultimately, Oncology Decoded aspires to simplify intricate scientific concepts and transform them into meaningful, patient-centered solutions.

What audiences do you hope it will reach and serve? 

Oncology Decoded hopes to reach a diverse audience that includes medical oncologists, specialists from various fields of medicine, primary care providers, fellows in training, and advanced practice providers. By engaging these professionals, the podcast aims to foster a deeper understanding of oncology care, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and ultimately improve patient outcomes across different stages of treatment.

What are some key challenges genitourinary care providers face? How do you think this podcast might address those challenges?

Genitourinary (GU) care providers face several key challenges in delivering optimal care for patients with malignancies. One of the primary challenges is having too much data, which can make it difficult to determine the best treatment protocols. Additionally, there is often uncertainty around when to use certain therapies, especially as new treatment options emerge. The administration of new drugs can also present hurdles, from managing side effects to navigating complex administration protocols. Finally, GU care providers sometimes struggle with a lack of support from other specialists, which can affect the comprehensive care a patient receives. Oncology Decoded seeks to address these challenges by providing clear, evidence-based discussions, offering insights into treatment decision-making, and promoting collaboration across specialties to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.

What kinds of topics will Oncology Decoded focus on?

Oncology Decoded will delve into several critical topics related to kidney cancer, focusing on both localized and advanced disease. Some examples of topics for discussion include treatment options for localized kidney cancer, such as systemic therapy, surgery, and radiation, with similar discussions for advanced kidney cancer. We will also cover biomarkers for therapy, evolving systemic therapies, and the management of oligometastatic disease. Additionally, we will highlight the development of imaging modalities in kidney cancer, discussing how these advancements can enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. Other topics will include the role of clinical trials in both community and academic centers, strategies for approaching patients who may not have access to the “latest or greatest” therapies, and the evolving needs of kidney cancer therapy both in the US and internationally.

How do you plan to incorporate patient perspectives into the podcast?

Oncology Decoded plans to incorporate patient perspectives by featuring guest patients who will share their stories, discuss the challenges they faced, and explain how they overcame them. These conversations will also offer suggestions for future patients, focusing on managing side effects from the patient’s perspective, navigating care, addressing financial concerns, and supporting emotional and social well-being while undergoing therapy. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive view of kidney cancer treatment from both the medical and personal sides.

Oncology Decoded will be podcasting live from the upcoming ASCO GU meeting on February 14, 2025. Register.