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Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind

Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind

By: Michael Fernando and Josh Hurwitz
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About this listen

Cancer is a fascinating but rapidly evolving discipline - it's a full-time job just keeping up to date. In this podcast, Dr Michael Fernando and Dr Joshua Hurwitz explore the latest trials, research, and practice-changing updates, as well as regular interviews with renowned oncology specialists. Ideal for those starting their training journey, established specialists and anyone interested in medical science, oncological practice, or terrible jokes. Preferably all three.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Fernando and Josh Hurwitz
Biological Sciences Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Science
Episodes
  • 195. Back to Basics - Metastatic Colorectal Cancer - Targeted Therapy
    Mar 28 2026

    Historically, colorectal cancer treatment has been fairly standard, but this has shifted over the past decade with the introduction of targeted therapies. This week, our focus is on patients with microsatellite instability (dMMR) colorectal cancer, a small but meaningful cohort. This condition affects up to 15% of patients, many of whom carry germline mutations in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes, which simply means that cells can't recognise and fix spontaneous mutations. Historically, these cancers are less responsive to chemotherapy.


    This week, we explore two immunotherapy regimens - pembrolizumab, ipilimumab and nivolumab.


    Studies discussed in this episode:

    Checkmate 8HW

    KEYNOTE-177


    For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com

    Please find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!

    If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.com


    Art courtesy of Taryn Silver

    Music 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.

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    26 mins
  • 194. Back to Basics - Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
    Mar 21 2026

    Metastatic colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and among the most common types of cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the main treatment, but the question is: how can we make it more effective without increasing toxicity?

    This week, we explore the intensification of chemotherapy in an effort to improve overall survival. The second topic involves the use of monoclonal antibodies and targeted therapy to enhance existing regimens. Josh also conducts his characteristic deep dive, examining the evolution and application of the monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab over the past 15 years. He aims to answer the long-standing question: does one size fit all for colorectal cancers?


    Studies discussed in this episode:

    FOLFOXIRI

    Beva/Cetux

    FIRE-3 Trial

    TAILOR Trial

    Crystal


    For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com

    Please find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!

    If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.com


    Art courtesy of Taryn Silver

    Music 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.

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • 193. Prof Jonathan E Rosenberg MD and Genitourinary Cancers
    Mar 14 2026

    Professor Jonathan E. Rosenberg, MD, serves as the Chief of the Genitourinary Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC). He is a prolific researcher and author, holding multiple titles including Attending Physician at MSKCC, Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, and the Enno W. Ercklentz Chair in Genitourinary Oncology.


    Today, Jonathan explores metastatic urothelial cancer, discussing the current landscape and available treatment options, emphasising that a single approach may not be suitable for all patients. We also cover early bladder cancer and non-invasive muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NIMBC).


    For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com

    Please find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc!

    If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.com


    Art courtesy of Taryn Silver

    Music 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 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.

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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