CancerCast

Lung cancer care is changing rapidly and new advances in surgery and medicine are at the forefront. In this episode of CancerCast, Dr. Manish Shah is joined by two lung cancer experts, Drs. Jonathan Villena and Christine Garcia, to explore how innovations in surgery, biomarker testing, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are transforming outcomes for patients with lung cancer. The conversation covers the importance of early detection through screening, as well as new tests, tools and technologies to ensure lung cancer patients are getting the right treatment at the right time. From cutting-edge single port robotic surgeries that avoid the ribs and preserve healthy lung tissue to personalized, targeted therapies rooted in the molecular footprint of each tumor, options and outcomes for patients with lung cancer continue to drastically improve. The team discusses everything from reducing recovery time after an operation, to optimizing results with novel therapies, and the importance of a multidisciplinary care team to ensure patients have the best possible treatment and outcomes. Guests: Christine Garcia, MD, MPH, medical oncologist caring for lung cancer patients at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Jonathan Villena-Vargas, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Bispecific T-cell engager, or BiTE, therapy is an immunotherapy approach that helps the body’s own immune system target cancer cells by bringing immune cells and cancer cells together. In this episode of CancerCast, Dr. Manish Shah is joined by Dr. Mateo Mejia to explain how this form of antibody-based treatment works by directly connecting T cells and cancer cells. It is a new treatment in the arsenal of immunotherapy to treat cancer. They explore common side effects, as well as similarities and differences between BiTEs and other forms of immunotherapy. BiTE immunotherapy prevents cancer cells from being able to hide from the natural immune system, helping it to better recognize and attack the cancer. BiTEs are becoming an important treatment tool for several cancers, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, lung cancer, and uveal melanoma. Drs. Shah and Mejia discuss the future direction and expansion of BiTE therapy, including ongoing research to bring these treatments to patients earlier in their cancer treatment journeys. Guest: Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an Assistant Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen, or PSMA, is a protein expressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells that has become an important target for both diagnosing and treating the disease. In this episode of CancerCast, Dr. Manish Shah speaks with prostate cancer expert Dr. Scott Tagawa about how this PSMA protein helps identify whether prostate cancer is confined to the prostate or has spread, and the ways it can be used to guide treatment decisions. They discuss how PSMA-based prostate cancer treatments work in the body and why these therapies have become one of the most significant recent advances in modern medicine for prostate cancer. Guest: Scott Tagawa, MD, MS, Director of the Genitourinary Oncology Program and Medical Director of the Genitourinary Oncology Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Discover how liver cancer treatment is evolving in this episode of CancerCast. Dr. Manish Shah and Dr. Juan Rocca discuss the liver’s complicated and critical role in cancer care, from its position as a hotspot for metastasis to the role of the liver in impacting how well certain immunotherapy, chemotherapy and other cancer therapies will work. They explore the newest and most cutting-edge treatment options as part of a growing toolkit to personalize treatment for each patient, including open and robotic liver surgery, ablation, and no-cut technologies like histotripsy, using ultrasound shockwaves to liquefy liver tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The conversation also highlights the role and rise of liver transplantation for select cancers, such as colorectal cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the liver, in addition to tumors that start in the liver. There have been many recent treatment advances for both primary liver cancer and metastatic disease, and Drs. Rocca and Shah discuss how combining these new innovations with a team-based, multidisciplinary approach offers patients more options than ever before. Guest: Juan Rocca, MD, Surgical Director of the Weill Cornell Liver Cancer Program and an attending surgeon in the Division of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

In this episode of CancerCast, Dr. Manish Shah is joined by Drs. Gail Roboz and Rick Furman, two internationally renowned Weill Cornell leaders in advancing therapies for leukemia and lymphoma, to preview groundbreaking research from the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. Drs. Roboz and Furman highlight some of the most impactful abstracts to be presented during the meeting, detailing how these key research developments are poised to impact patients and the hematology field at-large. Tune in to hear more about the cutting-edge science with expert insights into how these innovations are transforming cancer care. The ASH annual meeting is the largest medical conference in the world dedicated to malignant and benign hematology, bringing together over 30,000 experts from around the world to share the latest research and advancements. Abstracts and studies discussed in this episode include PARADIGM, AML17, AML19, KOMET-007, CaDAnCe-101, CLL17, R-pola-glo, FLAIR, and more. Gail Roboz, MD, Director of the Clinical and Translational Leukemia Program at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Richard Furman, MD, Director of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Research Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

A liquid biopsy is a blood test that looks for cancer cells or genetic material, such as DNA, that are shed into the bloodstream in patients with cancer. In this episode of CancerCast, Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli and Dr. Manish Shah explore how liquid biopsies unlock real-time insights into cancer evolution through molecular diagnostics, painting a more comprehensive and holistic picture of what’s going on with cancer inside the body, and often much earlier than other imaging tools. By analyzing circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA or circulating tumor DNA, liquid biopsies can offer many clues that may predict cancer recurrence, guide treatment decisions, or detect resistance to certain treatments. Learn more about how this evolving non-invasive technology enables more personalized care for patients. Guest: Massimo Cristofanilli, MD, Associate Director of Precision Oncology at the Weill Cornell Medicine Meyer Cancer Center (MCC), Co-Leader of the MCC Breast Cancer Disease Management Team and Scientific Director of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine (EIPM) Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Learn more about Massimo Cristofanilli, MD.

Mismatch repair deficiency is a condition caused by DNA errors in the body that lead to a high number of mutations, increasing cancer risk. Mismatch repair deficiency is also commonly associated with Lynch syndrome, an inherited genetic syndrome linked to higher rates of many cancers at younger ages, including colon cancer. In this episode of CancerCast, Dr. Manish Shah is joined by two guests, Drs. Frank Sinicrope and Steven Lipkin, to discuss mismatch repair deficient colon cancer and how this subset of colon cancer is managed and treated differently. Drs. Shah, Sinicrope, and Lipkin explain how immunotherapy can be particularly effective for colon cancer patients with mismatch repair deficiency, as well as related research and treatment developments. Tune in to learn more about the latest advances in managing mismatch repair-deficient colon cancer. Guests: Frank Sinicrope, MD, is a medical oncologist and researcher and the Mayo Clinic Rochester. Steven Lipkin, MD, a physician scientist at Weill Cornell Medicine and a board-certified geneticist. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, or TIL, therapy is a new form of cellular immunotherapy that targets cancer cells by leveraging the body’s immune system and specialized cells called T-lymphocytes. This treatment is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for metastatic melanoma with additional research ongoing in other types of cancer. Dr. Manish Shah spoke with melanoma expert Dr. Barbara Ma about how this treatment works, how it differs from other therapies, the logistics of this treatment process for patients, and more. Guest: Barbara Ma, MD, MS a medical oncologist and researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Drs. Manish Shah and Sarah Rutherford explore the groundbreaking research presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. They discuss key developments from this year’s meeting, including new immunotherapy and targeted therapy options, the use of circulating tumor cell (ctDNA) and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, the importance of selecting the right patients for the right treatments, and more. They also provide insights into how personalized and precision treatment options have the potential to reshape cancer care and minimize patients’ side effects. The American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, Annual Meeting is the largest oncology conference. Each year, the meeting brings together oncology experts, thought leaders and professionals from around the world to share cancer care insights and present state-of-the-art research poised to impact patient care. Guest: Sarah Rutherford, MD, a hematologist and researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

A familiar voice in a new role. Drs. John Leonard and Manish Shah reflect on the past seven years of cancer care and research as Dr. Leonard passes the microphone over to Dr. Shah as the new host of Weill Cornell Medicine’s CancerCast podcast. They reflect on how far podcasting has come since the launch of CancerCast in 2018 and discuss the biggest breakthroughs in cancer care and research, including how immunotherapies and cell therapies have transformed the field during this time. Drs. Leonard and Shah also share their insights and forecast where cancer treatments are headed in the future. From artificial intelligence to new minimally-invasive technologies to treat tumors while minimizing recovery times and side effects, hear from leading hematology and medical oncology experts as they explore what’s next in the fast-paced and cutting-edge world of cancer research and care. Guest: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with lymphoma

Join Dr. John Leonard for his special annual “Leonard List” episode. He shares his top 10 most interesting lymphoma and blood cancer-related abstracts to be presented at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting. The ASH annual meeting features the latest and most exciting research in the field from global blood cancer experts. For the 7th year in a row, the Leonard List podcast tradition features a comprehensive look at this year’s innovative research plus 5 additional “bonus” abstract selections. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. In the last 10 years, immunotherapy has joined the list of standard cancer treatment approaches, alongside chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. There are a number of different types of immunotherapies that work in different ways to target cancer cells in the body. Immunotherapy expert and Meyer Director of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Jedd Wolchok, outlines the ins and outs of how this treatment approach can be used in a variety of cancers. Guest: Jedd Wolchok, MD, PhD, Meyer Director of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, Annual Meeting is the largest global oncology conference and features state-of-the-art research presentations and cancer care insights from oncology professionals around the world. Every year on the CancerCast podcast, two of Weill Cornell Medicine’s leading experts discuss exciting research stemming from this annual meeting. This episode delves into the 2024 ASCO updates that patients should have on their radar across a wide range of solid tumors and blood cancers. Guest: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Pathology has a crucial place in the medical field working behind the scenes to ensure patients and their care teams have the most up-to-date information. In cancer care, pathology plays an essential part in not only diagnosing cancer, but also treating and managing it. From examining tissue biopsies to evaluating blood samples, pathologists utilize a variety of tests and tools to ask and answer questions about what they observe in order to make accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Guest: Amy Chadburn, MD, a hematopathologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Pancreatic cancer can be a difficult cancer to diagnose and treat because symptoms don’t often appear until the disease is very advanced. New imaging techniques, personalized therapies and genetic knowledge are helping to change the landscape, as well as enabling families and loved ones to access better screening tools and technologies. Ongoing pancreatic cancer research is leading to continued advancements in the management and outcomes for patients and their families. Guests: Despina Siolas, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and pancreatic cancer researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

The skeletal system keeps the body upright, but did you know that the bones play a number of pivotal roles in the body? From storing minerals to providing the home for new cell creation, the body’s bones are dynamic and critical to the body in various ways. When things go awry, deterioration, fractures, and pain can occur. Cancer and its treatments – especially those involving or disrupting hormonal systems – can have a big impact on bone health. Tune in for a breakdown of the bone-cancer connection. Guest: Panagiota Andreopoulou, MD, an endocrinologist and bone health expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Dr. John Leonard shares his list of the 10 most interesting lymphoma-related abstracts to be presented at the 2023 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The ASH annual meeting brings together blood cancer experts from around the world to present the most exciting research in the field. This annual special episode features an in-depth look at this year’s cutting-edge research and also features 5 “bonus” podcast-only abstract selections. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, Annual Meeting brought together oncologists from around the world to share cutting-edge updates and scientific advancements. Every year, two of Weill Cornell Medicine’s top experts come together to discuss the latest research presented across both solid tumors and blood cancers as it pertains to patient care. Guest: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Every child inherits a set of “germline” DNA from each of their biological parents. At times there are also mutations that are passed down. This differs from what are referred to as “somatic” mutations that are only present in cancer cells, but not in every cell in the body. Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of cancers. Knowing your family history and genetic makeup can help in understanding overall cancer risk, recommended screening and prevention strategies, as well as treatment approaches if diagnosed with cancer. Guests: Ravi Sharaf, MD, MS, Director of Clinical Cancer Genetics at Weill Cornell Medicine Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer care, including helping people to navigate treatment side effects. Many people like to dish out diet advice, but for cancer patients, there are unique considerations to be mindful of before, during, and after treatment. From sipping to snacking, registered oncology dietitians provide invaluable advice and recommendations to optimize health. Guests: Emily Buchholtz, RD, CDN, CSO and Stephanie Roit, MS, RD, CDN, CSO; registered oncology dietitians at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.