Simply Oncology

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we complete our tour of the adjuvant kidney cancer treatment space.We are joined again by the excellent Dr Will Ince from Cambridge and Dr Naveen Vasudev from Leeds!In our last episode we discussed KEYNOTE 564 and the RAMPART study and where this places immunotherapy in adjuvant kidney cancer.In this episode we discuss the LITESPARK 022 trial and the addition of Belzutifan to Pembrolizumab in adjuvant kidney cancer treatment.We also discuss the potential for KIM-1 to be used as a biomarker to highlight those higher risk patients that may benefit from adjuvant immunotherapy.This is an exciting time for adjuvant treatment in kidney cancer.All this as Will continues to misbehave to amuse himself!!We hope you enjoy! 

Send us Fan MailJoins us as we celebrate 100 episodes in style!!In the first of our 2 part special we tackle the Adjuvant Treatment Landscape in Kidney Cancer.We talk to Dr Will Ince from Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge and Dr Naveen Vasudev from St James’s Hospital Leeds.We discuss the arrival of immunotherapy with the KEYNOTE 564 trial.We discuss the importance of the RAMPART study and backing up the concept of a survival signal from immunotherapy in adjuvant Kidney cancer.We discuss our concept of risk and benefit.Nav steers us through this evolving landscape whilst Will Ince generally misbehaves!!!Enjoy

Send us Fan MailWelcome back for Part 2 of our Early Melanoma series with Dr Toby Talbot.We dive in to the potential side effects of treatment and how this affects decisions about adjuvant treatment.We hear about adjuvant BRAF targeted therapy, with more side effects but temporary ones.We look at the future with the NADINA trial for neoadjuvant immunotherapy in high risk clinical stage III disease, the emerging role of cancer vaccines, and biomarkers to try and find the right treatment for the right patient.Tour de force as always. Keep an eye out for upcoming podcasts on the treatment of advanced/metastatic melanoma. 

Send us Fan MailWe welcome back our very own Dr Toby Talbot Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Royal Cornwall Hospital for his patient-focussed insights into managing early stage melanoma.In this two part series, we explore what melanoma is, why it comes about and how it is investigated.We discuss surgery, why this might be a two stage procedure and the importance of sentinel lymph node biopsy. We then delve into some of the drug treatments available, used to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. We focus mainly on immunotherapy and the possible benefits of treatment in Part 1.Tune in next week for Part 2 where we explore some of the side effects of treatments, BRAF directed therapy and how these drugs are possibly going to be used before surgery.

Send us Fan MailJoin us for something a bit different this week!!We though it would be fun ( and hopefully helpful) to make an A to Z of Oncology.Are you a patient or care who is newly diagnosed with cancer.Are you new to working around cancer care.Are you in training and want to learn more.Indeed- are you in cancer care and want to know why we have chosen our A to Z.We get the super experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist Debbie Victor to help us out. As Education trustee for the British Association of Urology Nurses she knows a thing or 2 about supporting patients in cancer.If you have a better A to Z please feel free to contact us and let us know!!If you want a recap the list is in the transcript👍Enjoy

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we tackle the topic of Artificial intelligence in Radiotherapy.This week we speak to the excellent Professor Ajay Aggarwal about the use of AI in radiotherapy planning.We discuss the international ARCHERY trial using an AI radiotherapy planning tool to  streamline radiotherapy planning in prostate, head & neck and cervical cancers. This PRA artificial planning tool developed at the MD Anderson hospital could unlock huge radiotherapy delivery potential in Low & middle income countries and beyond!This trial of 990 patients is being conducted in Jordan, South Africa, India and Malaysia.All radiotherapy trials are hard to get funded. This remains an area of need for oncology trial funding.Massive respect and congratulations to Ajay and the international team for getting unified treatment protocols and to actually prospectively test and AI solution in radiotherapy.We hope you enjoyLink below to the ARCHERY trial manuscript.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/12/e077253

Send us Fan Mail🎙️New Simply Oncology Podcast to complete our PSMA Lutetium in #ProstateCancer 🎙️Join us for the Part 2 of our masterclass with the superb Dr Amy Eccles⭐️As we focus on #ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth we look at future directions for PSMA Lutetium in Prostate Cancer.The British Nuclear Medicine Society are having there annual conference this week. Molecular radiation may offer amazing treatment options in the near future🙌🏽 See link below👇or wherever you get your podcasts ⭐️https://lnkd.in/eJ7Zy5e8Enjoy☢️

Send us Fan MailPSMA Lutetium has been in the background for metastatic prostate cancer for several years.Joins us as we discuss this exciting treatment in metastatic prostate cancer with the excellent Dr Amy Eccles who works at Imperial Hospital London and also the London Clinic. Amy is a radiologist who delivers PSMA Lutetium at the London Clinic and shares her experience with us.Attaching Lutetium-177 to PSMA to deliver a beta-emitting radiation payload to prostate cancer cells. Essentially targeted liquid radiotherapy.This is novel therapy that is not yet funded in the NHS.We discuss who a good patient may be and what potential side effects they could expect.This field of Theranostics is expending rapidly and where does this sit with our current prostate cancer treatment landscape??

Send us Fan MailLate effects after pelvic radiotherapy part 2.Join us as we complete our conversation with the wonderful Macmillan Late effects consultant radiographer Lisa Durrant.Last week we discussed late bladder and bowel effects from radiotherapy.In this weeks episode we discuss;- hyperbaric oxygen therapy - pelvic floor exercises- pain as a late effect of radiotherapy- sexual function issues post radiotherapyLisa gives us some great practical tips on how to support patients after their radiotherapy along the way.Enjoy!For more info on pelvic radiation disease and late effects from pelvic radiation check out www.prda.org.uk  

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we discuss the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease & the late effects of radiotherapy in the pelvis.We re always trying to get he best result for our patients and to cure cancer but we need to take time to deal with the impact of radiotherapy side effects in our patients.We are talking radiotherapy for pelvic cancers; bladder, prostate, gynaecological and rectal cancers.Lisa is a consultant radiographer pioneering support for patients with late effects of radiotherapy. She leads her radiotherapy late effects service at Musgrove Park hospital in Taunton.In this first of 2 parts we discuss;🔎 What is Pelvic radiation Disease🔎 When are effects 'Late Effects' from radiotherapy🔎 Strategies for dealing with bladder and bowel side effectsA must listen for anyone who is delivering pelvic radiotherapy and a useful tool for patients receiving radiotherapy to the pelvis.Enjoy!!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as return to our excellent conversation on biomarkers in kidney cancer with the wonderful Professor Laurence Albiges from Paris.🎙️We finish our overview of Biomarkers in metastatic Kidney Cancer with the superb Professor Laurence Albiges from the Gustave Roussy  Hospital in Paris 🇫🇷Which biomarker will help us to decide which treatment to select in metastatic #KidneyCancer- IOIO vs IOTKi- when to start therapy- monitoring on treatment An exciting space and none better than Laurence to walk us through it.💊KIM 1💊 CtDNA💊Microbiome💊PDL1💊NLRWhich will be our winner in 2026⭐️🇫🇷Also with 2 minute summary in French for anyone wanting an oncology version of Duolingo 🇫🇷

Send us Fan MailJoin us for a special Kidney Cancer treat!!!A Must Listen episode!!We discuss the role of biomarkers in advanced kidney cancer with the wonderful Professor Laurence Albiges from the Gustave Roussy Institute of Oncology in Paris.No Kidney Cancer talk is complete without the question -" Where are we with biomarkers?"This is part 1 of a 2 part walkthrough of the biomarker story so far in kidney cancer.Laurence is unequalled in her clear delivery on this subject.As lead for the CARE-1 study Laurence is examining the role of PDL1 as a biomarker in 1st line treatment of mRCC.We also discuss the;- IMDC criteria- Clusters- KIM-1- PDL1- Sarcomatoid featuresRecorded before Christmas this is a gift that keeps on giving.We hope you enjoy!!Check the Transcript for more details.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we return to complete our run through the landscape of metastatic renal cancer with the effervescent Professor Ricky Frazer.We look at the Dolly Mixture of subtypes that makes up non clear cell renal carcinoma.We discuss the new HIF2a inhibitors such as belzutifan.We look at future directions in kidney cancer.A treat for anyone who treats kidney cancer.Enjoy!

Send us Fan MailJoin us is as we celebrate Kidney Cancer week with a Masterclass walk through metastatic Renal Cancer with Professor Ricky Frazer from Velindre Cancer Centre.Ricky is a co-host of the hugely successful Immunobuddies podcast and has a vast experience in immunotherapy management.We look at the indications for immunotherapy versus anti-VEGF TKI therapy.Should we just accept anti-VEGF TKI monotherapy in Favourable Risk patients?When should we try IO/IO combination versus IO/TKI combinations in the first line setting?All this whilst Ricky looks to put John in his place!!Enjoy

Send us Fan MailJoin us for Part 2 of our Metastatic Endometrial Cancer special with the amazing Dr Gemma Eminowicz from University College London Hospital. In episode 1 we looked at molecular profiling and immunotherapy.In this episode we explore the role of;- hormone therapy- Antibody drug conjugates- PARP inhibitorsEndometrial cancer is taking off in terms of new and exciting treatment options.Gemma does an amazing job talking us through them.Enjoy.

Send us Fan MailDr Gemma Eminowicz returns for 2026!!Join us as we discuss the metastatic endometrial cancer landscape with Simply Oncology 'friend of the show' Dr Gemma Eminowicz from University College Hospital London.Advanced endometrial cancer is so much more than carboplatin and paclitaxel. It now has the complete range of oncological treatments;- Chemotherapy- Immunotherapy- Antibody Drug Conjugates- Hormone therapy- Targeted therapy- RadiotherapyWe look at how the molecular testing in endometrial cancer has shaped advanced endometrial cancer therapy.We look at the arrival of chemo-immunotherapy in the MMRd group and now in the MMRp patient group.In the MMR proficient group we discuss the merits of 1st line Chemo-immunotherapy versus sequencing treatment to allow potential VEGF targeted therapy.Gemma shares her invaluable experience and helps Mike understand advanced endometrial cancer. Enjoy!!

Send us Fan MailWe return for part 2 of our overview on metastatic oesphago-gastric cancer.Join us as we welcome back Dr Lizzy Smyth from Oxford University Hospitals.We look at the importance of nutritional support.We discuss future directions such as CAR-T therapyLizzy mocks John (again!!)A brilliant finish to our OG masterclass from Lizzy.Enjoy!

Send us Fan MailDr Lizzie Smyth from Oxford University Hospitals gives us a an amazing 2 part overview of management of metastatic Oesophago-Gastric cancer.We discuss molecular testing and therapy options in metastatic OG cancer🧬HER2PDL 1Claudin 18.2Lizzy is a hugely respected figure in OG cancer and key clinical trialist!John gets put in his place by Lizzy on several occasions!!Lizzy has a way of describing things that even John could understand!!Part 1 of 2 in this metastatic OG masterclass.Enjoy!

Send us Fan MailHappy New Year!!!WE return in 2026 to complete our overview of PARPi in prostate cancer with the peerless Professor Rob Jones.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we unwind in the Christmas Holiday period with a masterful overview of PARP inhibitors in metastatic prostate cancer with Professor Rob Jones.Rob is an old friend of the show and is amazing at setting the scene for who & when PARP inhibitors can be useful in metastatic prostate cancer.

Send us Fan MailWelcome back!In part 1 we discussed the major effects of menopause and how these can be worsened by hormonal medications given to treat breast cancer and the impact these can have on patients completing treatment as planned.In this episode we welcome back Dr Rebecca Bowen and discuss practical advice on managing these symptoms including a link to what will be a vital resource for all clinicians in Oncology and Primary Care: the Meno.Pause app.Link below, download today!Meno.Pause App We wish all our wonderful listeners and guests a very Merry Christmas, thank you as always for tuning in,John and Mike.

Send us Fan MailWhen is it safe to giving HRT in women who are being treated or have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer?Will the use of vaginal oestrogens affect breast cancer outcomes?What is the trade off on quality of life when symptoms of the menopause aren't managed?Did you know that roughly 1 in 4 women stop their hormone therapy for breast cancer due to menopausal side effects!!Who better to answer these questions and more than Dr Rebecca Bowen, Consultant Oncologist in Royal University Hospitals Bath who specialises in the treatment of breast and gynaecological cancers and heads up the specialist cancer and menopause unit. 

Send us Fan MailSexual health in cancer is a topic we need to talk more about.So many patients feel unable to  discuss their sexual health and also clinical teams don’t also mange to bring the topic up.A cancer diagnosis can affect self image and confidence.We talk to Lorraine Grover who is a sexual health specialist nurse about how we can break down some of these barriers.Erectile dysfunction and much more discussed.You may never look at a Calypo ice lolly the same again !!This episode does contain some adult themes.

Send us Fan MailWe return to Part 2 of our walk through metastatic bowel cancer with the excellent Professor Naureen Starling.We look at RAS, BRAF and future directions for treatment of metastatic bowel cancer.Can ctDNA have a role in metastatic bowel cancer?What role may HER2 have to play going forward?What is exciting on the horizon in mCRC?Enjoy!!

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Send us Fan MailJoin us as we return for Part 2 with the superb Dr Alison Berner.It’s Transgender Awareness Week and we discuss resources to support patients and clinicians.We discuss OUTpatients and UCATS - UK cancer and transition service.

Send us Fan MailAs we approach transgender awareness week we discuss cancer care in the transgender community with the exceptional Dr Alison Berner.1 in 40 people aged under 30 identify as transgender in recent census.How we give support needed and signpost patients can have a huge influence on their experience of care.Alison has done so much work in this area.We learned a lot in this episode and we hope you enjoy!https://outpatients.org.uk/https://www.wearetransplus.co.uk/uk-cancer-and-transition-service/

Send us Fan MailWe return to discuss stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR) in prostate cancer with the superb Dr Alison Tree from The Royal Marsden Hospital.We discuss the findings of the TRAP study which extended time to next treatment by 6 months when SABR was used for sites of growing disease.Do we always need to change systemic therapy when only one or two sites of metastatic disease is growing??

Send us Fan MailWe are back for part 2 to finish our journey through the Gut Microbiome with the excellent Professor Monty Pal !!Few areas of cancer treatment have generated as much interest as the Gut Microbiome in recent years. We discuss work done by Monty's team on CBM588 on immunotherapy in kidney cancer.CBM 588 is a live bacterial product that is available in health shops in Japan where it is used to promote a healthy gut.Monty's team found incredible results where it improved response rates for immunotherapy containing treatment and significantly improved  time to tumour progression.Plans are now afoot to trial this in a much larger phase 3 trial which could readout some exciting results!We discuss;- Should we run patient poo through an AI algorithm to see what gut microbiome changes are needed- Can we engineer gut bacteria to make more of useful proteins in our gut- Can we get more biotech companies to engage in this space to help move it forward at more paceOf course Monty knocks it out of the park so he gets a Simply Oncology wish!!Amazing to hear Professor Monty Pal share his thoughts on this exciting area of medicine.

Send us Fan MailDid you know that we have more bacterial DNA than human DNA in our bodies. This is because our guts contain trillions of bacteria and are now being thought of as another organ of the body.Join us this week as we discuss the Gut Microbiome (part 1 of 2) and its importance on drugs like immunotherapy response in cancer.We talk to none other than the excellent Professor Monty Pal from The City of Hope Hospital in California.Monty is an internationally respected kidney cancer expert and has been researching the impact of the gut microbiome on cancer outcomes in recent years.We discuss;The potential impact of fibre in our diet - any how much that looks like in Wheetabix.The need for balanced good versus bad bacteria in our guts.That probiotics are not recommended.The challenges of a faecal microbiome transplant.What a great episode!!

Send us Fan MailDid you know that the lifetime risk of prostate cancer in a black man is 1 in 4 ?That’s twice the risk of prostate cancer in a white man.Did you know that men in Scotland are twice as likely to have advanced prostate cancer compared to those in the South of England?Professor Frank Chinewungdoh is a man on a mission. He is trying to make prostate cancer testing as possible to men across all groups.He makes an argument for prostate cancer screening and measures to make PSA testing more accessible.

Send us Fan MailWe are back to finish our journey through cancer vaccines with Dr Lennard Lee.We celebrate some of the heroes of UK cancer vaccine trials from centres Big & Small.Lennard gives us all some hope for the future.We now are officially Watching This Space for more Cancer Vaccine Trial results.

Send us Fan MailCancer Vaccines are Here!!We talk to a man who is on a mission!Dr Lennard Lee - associate Professor at Oxford University Hospital.Lennard has a vision where we use the technologies developed in Vaccines during COVID and turn them into effective treatments for cancer.This is some space age stuff but its HERE, its EXCITING, its HAPPENING!!

Send us Fan MailWe return on our odyssey through Rectal Cancer with the amazing Professor Richard Adams from Velindre cancer Centre, Cardiff.In this episode we discuss the immunotherapy revolution in the subgroup of rectal cancer that is MSI-High.We discuss future directions in rectal cancer.We also give Richard a wish  - AND HE GOES BIG!!!What a treat to have these 2 episodes with Richard!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we venture in to a new tumour site:  Colorectal Cancer.We are joined by internationally renowned oncologist Professor Richard Adams from Velindre Cancer Centre.In Part 1 we dive in to treatment of localised rectal cancer, with a comprehensive overview of the role of radiotherapy, contact brachytherapy and total neodjuvant therapy. We also explore the evolving evidence of non-operative management of rectal cancer. We look into the OPERA (EU), OPRA (US) and RAPIDO trials and where that’s taking Rectal Cancer.

Send us Fan MailBiliary Tract Cancers - Cholangiocarcinomas and Gallbladder cancers are often seen as rare and aggressive cancers.🎙️We tackle Biliary Tract Cancers with the exceptional Professor John Bridgewater.🎙️Few people are as knowledgable & linked to a cancer as Prof Bridgewater is to cholangiocarcinoma.🎙️Prof Bridgewater has led practice changing studies in this area and is an internationally renowned expert.🎙️This group of cancers is more common than you think!🎙️If you don’t know your gallbladder cancer from your cholangiocarcinoma the check it out wherever you get your podcast!!Find out more about these cancers at AMMF – The UK's only Cholangiocarcinoma CharityAlso - Check the Transcript!!

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Send us Fan MailWe discuss Early Phase Clinical Trials with Dr Natalie Cook from the Christie Early Trials Unit.We learn how molecular profiling is shaping early phase trials and how future trials may be shaped.

Send us Fan MailClinical Trials are the Stepping Stones for the progress we have made over the years in the treatment of cancer.We talk to Dr Mohini Varughese who is heavily involved in clinical trials in urology and passionate about the delivery of clinical trials across oncology.We discuss:🎙️Phase 1,2 &3 trials 💊The benefits for patients💉The benefits for clinical teams

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we return for Part 2 of our conversation with lead medical advisor to MacMillan - Dr Anthony Cunliffe.Anthony is also a practising GP with ideas on how we can work better together - starting with how we keep our patients and GP teams up to date with our oncology letters.We talk about Performance status and why it so important to us in oncology and also how we can make life easier for people to understand our letters without extra work.The oncology letters from clinics are the lifeblood of information for many patients care so we should try and make them as useful as possible. 

Send us Fan MailHow we communicate is so important in all aspects of medicine.In this special 2 part episode we look at demystifying the Language of Oncology.Our letters go to GPs and patients and we speak to Dr Anthony Cunliffe who is the medical lead for Macmillan Cancer Support and a practising GP.If you are GP or acute medic who treats cancer patients or a patient with access to your letters this is a MUST LISTEN.Also those of us oncologists wanting to make our letters useful for GP teams there is a a LOT to learn!We try and explain the meaning behind the letters.He takes us to task about parts of our oncology letters that would be more useful for GPs and patients. 

Send us Fan MailJoin us for an episode looking at the role of radiotherapy in cancer treatment.We discuss the principles of radiotherapy with Dr Grant Stewart who has 20 years experience with radiotherapy treatments.This is a great episode for anyone wanting to understand the principles of radiotherapy.IF you are a patient wanting to understand your treatment or a doctor or nurse wanting to know more about radiotherapy please check this out!

Send us Fan MailWe are back again discussing stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) with Dr Harshani Green from the Royal Marsden Hospital.Join us if :- You want to hear about the evidence from the FASTRACK II trial using renal SABR- You are a centre thinking about setting up renal SABR- You want to hear about the challenges of comparing renal SABR with surgeryWill radiotherapy be able to replace cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal carcinoma?We discuss this and more (plus Mike produces a Magic Lamp!)Enjoy

Send us Fan MailJoin us for Part 1 of our 2 part Simply Oncology podcast with Dr Harshani Green on Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) in Renal Cell Carcinoma.We discuss the role of high precision radiotherapy treating renal cell carcinoma in those patients where an operation may not be possible.- We discuss the excellent control rates- What size of tumour can we treat?- Will we ever be able to compare Surgery versus SABR for primary renal cell carcinoma cancers?

Send us Fan MailSurgery in Bladder Cancer Bumper episode!We talk to Professor Jim Catto about surgery in Bladder Cancer.🎙️we discuss the GUSTO trial stratifying bladder cancer therapy by molecular subtype 🎙️we look at quality of life and #cystectomy🎙️we look at surgical outcomes from NIAGARA 🎙️we look at peri-operative trialsA bumper Bladder Cancer issue

Send us Fan MailWe welcome back Professor Tom Crosby for another episode on oesophageal cancer.In the previous episode we focus on the diagnostic pathway. In this episode we look at option in the metastatic and advanced setting.

Send us Fan MailJoin us this week as we hear Professor Tom Crosby share his insights into Oesophageal Cancer. Few people have been so highly regarded or associated with a cancer type like Tom Crosby and Oesophago-Gastric cancer.He has set up and run crucial trials, championed equity 

Send us Fan MailJoin us for this weeks episode where we discuss the role of PSMA PET scanning in prostate cancer with Dr Amar Challapalli.PSMA PET scanning in prostate cancer has been a game changer in both diagnosis and treatment.We explore its role in the post-prostatectomy space.We look at how PSMA Lutetium offers a new treatment option in prostate cancer.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we return with another special episode with Professor Alison Birtle. This time we discuss Upper Tract Urothelial (or ureteric) Cancer.Alison is an internationally recognised expert in this area and was lead on the POUT adjuvant chemotherapy in ureteric cancer trial.She describes it as the non-identical twin to bladder urothelial cancer and we discuss the different approaches to this rare cancer.Described as 'The Queen of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer' she shares her views on management and areas for development.Enjoy

Send us Fan Mail🚨May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month🎙️What better way to mark this than a Simply Oncology Podcast - Bladder Cancer episode with the irrepressible Professor Alison Birtle. Alison is an internationally recognised expert in bladder and prostate cancer - and is a Simply Oncology Friend of the Show.🎙️We discuss the recent peri-operative trials such as NIAGARA 🎙️What do surgical adjuvant and neoadjuvant trails now mean for the bladder cancer pathway?🎙️What is our position on post operative radiotherapy in bladder cancer??