Oncology Insights with Petros Grivas

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is observed each May to raise awareness of bladder cancer, including its symptoms, risk factors and the importance of early detection. In recognition of the month, Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO sits down with colleague Jonathan Wright, MD, MS, FACS, a urologic oncologist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington. They discuss epidemiology, risk factors, emerging research and the critical role of multidisciplinary care and advocacy. The conversation highlights ongoing innovation and the future of bladder cancer treatment and management. Key topics: Dr. Wright's path to urology and bladder cancer research Epidemiology and risk factors, including smoking, occupational exposures and genetics The importance of early detection and delays in diagnosis, particularly among women Advances in diagnostics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning Translational research, from bench to bedside including autopsy programs and DNA sequencing Multidisciplinary clinics and collaborative care models The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and community engagement Mentorship and leadership in academic medicine and research   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The importance of bladder cancer awareness and Dr. Wright's background 03:59 – Epidemiology: How common is bladder cancer and risk factors like smoking and occupational exposures 07:08 – Genetic factors and family history considerations 09:05 – The impact of environmental and occupational exposures, including in veterans 11:14 – Challenges in diagnosis, especially in women, and signs to watch for 12:23 – Variants of bladder cancer and the importance of targeted research 13:55 – AI in pathology: Improving diagnosis and treatment prediction 17:04 – The power of translational research and the rapid autopsy program 20:21 – The significance of tissue banks and understanding tumor resistance 23:27 – Multiprofessional clinics and integrated care models 28:21 – The bladder cancer advocacy community and BCAN's role in education and support 31:36 – Community and survivor engagement in awareness events and walks 32:52 – Mentorship, leadership, and shaping the future of bladder cancer research and care

In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, host Dr. Petros Grivas is joined by Dr. Stanley Riddell, one of the world's leading pioneers of cancer immunotherapy and a longtime physician-scientist at Fred Hutch. Dr. Riddell's career traces the remarkable evolution of immunotherapy, from the early days of bone marrow transplantation to the development of genetically engineered T-cell therapies that are transforming cancer care today. Main Topics: Dr. Riddell's career path and contributions to immunotherapy Development and clinical success of CAR T cell therapy Challenges of translating immunotherapy from lab to clinic Future of cancer treatment and possibilities for solid tumors Collaboration between academia, industry, and global health equity The importance of perseverance and impactful research   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Stanley Riddell and his contributions to immunotherapy 02:00 - Early career: Stem cell transplant and immunology breakthroughs 05:00 - Overcoming infectious complications in transplant patients 08:00 - Development of CMV-specific T cells and initial cancer applications 11:00 - The birth and growth of CAR T cell therapy at Fred Hutch 12:50 - Clinical successes and ongoing challenges in CAR T treatments 15:00 - Industry collaborations and commercialization efforts 16:00 - Implementing CAR T therapies in community settings and future innovations 18:00 - Addressing healthcare disparities globally 20:00 - The infrastructure at Fred Hutch supporting cutting-edge research 23:00 - The promising future of biomedical science and immunology 25:00 - Role of funding and federal support in sustaining innovation 26:00 - Potential of immunotherapy in solid tumors and personalized medicine 28:00 - Final thoughts: hope for curing more patients and improving quality of life   Resources & Links: Stan Riddell Faculty Bio: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/faculty-lab-directory/riddell-stanley.html

In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO, speaks with Lei Deng, MD, a thoracic oncologist at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington, about advances in lung cancer research and patient care. Deng discusses how precision medicine, immunotherapy and rapid molecular testing are improving outcomes for patients with lung cancer. The conversation also highlights the importance of early detection, team-based care and delivering treatment that reflects patients' values and priorities. Key topics include: Deng's path into lung cancer research and thoracic oncology Advances in targeted therapies and precision oncology for key lung cancer mutations The role of biomarkers and immunotherapy in treatment decision-making Innovative clinical trials at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington Early detection, rapid molecular testing and multidisciplinary care Patient-centered care, including communication, emotional support and shared decision-making Timestamps: 00:07 - Introduction to Dr. Lei Deng and her work in thoracic oncology 01:21 - Dr. Deng's pathway into lung cancer research and joining Fred Hutch 02:57 - Exploring current research focus areas and promising trials in precision medicine 07:35 - The significance of MTAP loss and targeted therapy development 10:20 - Rapid access to care and multidisciplinary team collaboration 14:44 - Molecular testing timing and its role in personalized lung cancer treatment 16:46 - Trends in young patients with lung cancer and multifactorial etiology 18:25 - Impact and future of lung cancer screening programs 22:54 - Genetic predisposition and familial risk assessments 24:28 - The importance of patient communication and listening to patient voices Resources & Links: Fred Hutch Cancer Center: fredhutch.org Lei Deng, MD, provider profile: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/lei-deng.html Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO, provider profile: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/petros-grivas.html  

Join us as we explore the latest advancements in immunotherapy at Fred Hutch, including CAR T-cell therapy, novel agents, strategies to expand access, and collaboration between research and community care. Dr. Mazyar Shadman, Medical Director of Cellular Immunotherapy and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Fred Hutch, shares insights on the future of cancer treatment and the importance of teamwork in oncology.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:48 The Journey to Fred Hutch and Immunotherapy Innovations 07:24 Building Bridges: Community and Access to Care 14:25 Advancements in Clinical Trials and Future Directions 20:18 Vision for the Future: Leadership and Teamwork Links: Mazyar Shadman: Provider Profile, X Petros Grivas: Provider profile, X Subscribe to Oncology Insights  

In this episode, Dr. Christina Baik shares her journey to Fred Hutch, her research on lung cancer, and the importance of patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing cancer treatment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Journey to Fred Hutch 02:13 Patient-Centered Care in Oncology 05:11 Clinical Research and Novel Therapies 08:04 Community Engagement and Referrals 11:01 Understanding Younger Lung Cancer Patients 14:03 Genetic Factors in Lung Cancer 17:01 Multidisciplinary Approach in Thoracic Oncology 19:58 Future of Lung Cancer Treatment 26:52 The Journey to Fred Hutch and Immunotherapy Innovations   Guest Links: Dr. Baik's Provider Profile: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/christina-s-baik.html Dr. Grivas' Provider Profile: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/petros-grivas.html  

In this episode, Dr. Rosa Nadal shares her journey from Spain to the U.S., her work in cellular immunotherapy for genitourinary cancers, and the innovative programs at Fred Hutch. Discover insights into personalized cancer treatments, multidisciplinary care, and future directions in immunotherapy. Key Topics Dr. Nadal's international journey and training in the U.S. Development of cellular immunotherapy programs for solid tumors Multidisciplinary approach to bladder and prostate cancer care Translational research in immunotherapeutics and resistance mechanisms Clinical trial access and personalized treatment strategies Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rosa Nadal 01:14 Dr. Nadal's Journey from Spain to Seattle 04:30 Vision for Cellular Immunotherapy Program 07:58 Translational Research and Clinical Trials 10:57 Improving Patient Access to Care 14:23 Multidisciplinary Care at Fred Hutch 17:54 Optimism for the Future of Cancer Treatment   Links Fred Hutch Cancer Center - https://www.fredhutch.org Dr. Rosa Nadal's Profile - https://www.fredhutch.org/en/people/profile/rosa-nadal.html CAR-T Cell Therapy Trials at Fred Hutch - https://www.fredhutch.org/en/clinical-trials/cancer/immunotherapy.html  

In this episode of Meet the Greek, Dr. Tom Lynch, president and director of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, shares his journey in oncology, emphasizing the importance of patient care, clinical trials and the impact of philanthropy on cancer research. He discusses the evolution of lung cancer treatment, the challenges in research funding, and the significance of precision oncology and multidisciplinary care. Dr. Lynch also offers insights into effective leadership in healthcare and reflects on his career experiences, highlighting the importance of the journey in medicine. Takeaways The most impactful breakthroughs in medicine begin with individual patient stories. Cross-sector experience creates a mental model for solving complex health problems. Breakthroughs in precision medicine are as much about integrating diagnostics as they are about developing treatments. The true power of multidisciplinary teams lies in their early, coordinated engagement in patient care. Sustaining research momentum demands innovative funding models and community support.  

In this episode of Meet the Greek, Dr. Heather Parsons discusses her journey in oncology, focusing on breast cancer. She highlights the importance of circulating tumor DNA in detecting cancer and guiding treatment decisions. The conversation also covers exciting clinical trials, the significance of multidisciplinary care, and the role of genetic testing in patient management. Dr. Parsons emphasizes the need for timely access to care and collaboration with community oncologists to improve patient outcomes. Looking ahead, she shares her vision for the future of breast cancer care at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Takeaways Circulating tumor DNA can reveal cancer changes through a simple blood test. The technology surrounding circulating tumor DNA is rapidly evolving. Refining patient groups for therapy can enhance clinical trial efficiency. A recent study found 10% of patients had detectable DNA in their blood. Proactive symptom management is crucial in cancer care. Genetic testing is vital for personalized cancer treatment. Collaboration with community oncologists is essential for comprehensive care. The future of breast cancer care is promising with ongoing research and innovation.

In this episode of Meet the Greek, Dr. Petros Grivas and Dr. David Zhen discuss the latest advancements in gastrointestinal cancers, focusing on gastroesophageal and neuroendocrine cancers. They explore the exciting new therapies and clinical trials that are changing the landscape of treatment, the importance of collaboration with community oncology, and the role of genetic factors in cancer predisposition. The conversation also highlights the significance of a multidisciplinary approach in patient care and the growing need for survivorship programs as more patients live longer after treatment. Looking ahead, they discuss future directions in GI oncology, including the potential for de-escalation of therapies and the integration of novel treatments. Takeaways There has been significant momentum in GI cancer treatments recently. New therapies include immunotherapies and CAR-T therapies. Collaboration with community oncology is essential for patient care. Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in cancer management. Young onset colorectal cancer is on the rise. Multidisciplinary teams are vital for effective treatment. Survivorship programs are becoming increasingly important. Clinical trials are essential for advancing cancer treatment. De-escalation of therapies may improve patient outcomes. The future of GI oncology looks promising with novel therapies.

In this episode of the Oncology Insights podcast, Dr. Petros Grivas hosts Dr. Vidhya Nair to discuss the latest advancements in breast cancer research and treatment. They explore the effectiveness of current therapies, the importance of personalized treatment approaches, and the role of clinical trials in improving patient outcomes. Dr. Nair highlights the significance of supportive care services, genetic testing, and the collaborative efforts between clinical and basic science to enhance breast cancer care. The conversation also touches on the importance of community engagement and the exciting data emerging from recent conferences like ESMO.

In this episode of Oncology Insights, Dr. Petros Grivas and Dr. Rachael Safyan discuss the advancements in gastrointestinal oncology, focusing on pancreatic cancer research, the importance of clinical trials, and the collaborative efforts between Fred Hutch and community oncologists. Dr. Safyan shares her journey, her role as the research director, and the multidisciplinary approach taken to enhance patient care. The conversation highlights the significance of germline testing and the future vision for GI oncology, emphasizing the need for increased clinical trials and community engagement. Takeaways Dr. Rachael Safyan is the new research director for GI Medical Oncology. The GI oncology program at Fred Hutch is robust with 11 faculty members. Collaboration with community oncologists is essential for patient access to trials. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for comprehensive patient care. Germline testing is recommended for all pancreatic cancer patients. The program focuses on various GI cancers including pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. Clinical trials are becoming more biomarker-selected and patient-centered. Community engagement is key to improving patient outcomes. The future vision includes expanding clinical trials to community sites. Patient care should prioritize both physical and mental well-being.

In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, Dr. Petros Grivas welcomes Dr. Cristina Rodriguez to discuss her journey in oncology, particularly in head and neck cancer. They explore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in patient care, the role of clinical trials in advancing treatment, and the impact of HPV on cancer incidence. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts between community practices and specialized cancer centers, emphasizing the need for streamlined patient care and ongoing research to improve outcomes. Takeaways Dr. Tina Rodriguez shares her journey from the Philippines to oncology. The multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in head and neck cancer care. Clinical trials are essential for advancing cancer treatment. HPV is a significant factor in head and neck cancers. Public health efforts can reduce the incidence of HPV-related cancers. Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer have a good prognosis. Quality of life is a priority in cancer treatment. Streamlined care through multidisciplinary clinics improves patient experience. Collaboration with community practices enhances patient access to care. Ongoing research and trials are vital for future cancer treatments.  

In this conversation, Dr. Petros Grivas discusses his new podcast aimed at exploring the latest developments in cancer care and research. He emphasizes the importance of learning from colleagues, engaging with patients, and fostering community partnerships. The podcast will feature diverse guests and cover a range of topics, including innovative treatments, clinical trials, and educational initiatives in oncology.