Cancer Straight Talk

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with 3 women breaking new ground in the field of cancer research: Dr. Karuna Ganesh studies metastasis and how cancer spreads, Dr. Chrysothemis Brown is unlocking secrets of our immune system to fight cancer, and Marie-Josée Kravis has donated generously to support women in cancer research. Together, they discuss their pioneering research, the importance of mentorship in science, and the critical role philanthropy plays in the biggest breakthroughs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Allison Applebaum, founder of the Caregivers Clinic at MSK, about the need to support cancer caregivers. She shares her own experience with her father and offers practical advice on navigating the healthcare system. This episode includes tips for managing intense emotions like anger, grief and guilt felt by people caring for a loved one with a serious illness. The challenge can be difficult and heartbreaking, but Dr. Applebaum says it’s possible to find profound meaning in the experience of being a cancer caregiver. For more caregiver tips and support, listen to Episode 13: "Cancer and Caregivers: Navigating Stress, Worry and Other Challenges."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Alan Carver, an MSK neurologist specializing in end-of-life and palliative care, and Hadley Vlahos, a hospice nurse with over 1 million social followers and author of "The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments." Together, they offer advice for both patients and caregivers about transitioning to hospice care, managing fear, and finding peace in one's final days. Sharing their own experiences, families describe how “joy and grief can walk together.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and Dr. Alex Drilon, Chief of MSK's Early Drug Development Service, answer the most common questions about participating in clinical trials. Through hearing the experience of patients, they discuss the practical aspects as well as the fears and misconceptions associated with clinical trials. They explain their rigorous development, different phases, and potential to save patients’ lives now and in the future. MSK is proud to support the key initiatives of the National Cancer Plan by helping to develop effective treatments and end cancer as we know it. Click here to learn more about the National Cancer Plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re listening back to one of our favorite episodes from December 2022. While the holidays are meant to be a season of celebration, reflection and spending time with family and friends, it can also be a time of anxiety, grief or loneliness for those living with the reality of cancer. How does one find peace and meaning in the swarm of emotions that cancer brings up? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK chaplain Brian Kelly share their thoughts on what makes life meaningful and how to find your light in the darkest of times. This episode features a reflection from Anthony, an MSK patient. Sadly, earlier this year, Anthony passed away. We thank him for sharing his beautiful words and send our love to his family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the revolutionary potential of CAR T-cell therapy as a possible cure for some types of cancer. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with the pioneer of CAR T-cell therapy, MSK immunologist Dr. Michel Sadelain, as well as cellular therapist Dr. Jae Park, about the intricate process of modifying a patient’s own immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells. They discuss its origin, clinical success in treating blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, and potential side effects. Dr. Sadelain addresses cost concerns, proposing strategies to enhance accessibility, while both doctors express optimism for CAR T-cell therapy’s future in treating, and maybe curing, a wider range of cancers, including solid tumors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn what you need to know about early-stage prostate cancer, from risk factors to treatment options and how to tackle their side effects. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes is joined by medical oncologist Dr. Dana Rathkopf, radiation oncologist Dr. Sean McBride, and urologic surgeon Dr. Behfar Ehdaie. Together, they provide an overview of treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer, including active surveillance, internal and external radiation, surgery and hormone therapy. They offer guidance on navigating these choices and mitigating their side effects with state-of-the-art technology and holistic support services. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanish episode #4   |   Episodio #4 en español En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con el Dr. José Flores, cirujano urológico de MSK, sobre el tema de la salud sexual de los hombres después de un diagnóstico de cáncer. Es un tema que a menudo se pasa por alto, pero es de vital importancia. Exploran el amplio espectro de la disfunción sexual, cómo abordar este delicado tema con su médico y despejan los mitos y tabúes comunes que lo rodean. Descubra cómo los pacientes y los médicos están encontrando soluciones para mantener una vida sexual saludable antes, durante y después del tratamiento contra el cáncer.  Vea todos los episodios de Cancer Straight Talk en Español. A Man's Guide to Sex and Cancer  In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with Dr. José Flores, urologic surgeon at MSK, about the often overlooked but vital topic of men's sexual health after a cancer diagnosis. They delve into the broad spectrum of sexual dysfunction, how to address this sensitive subject with your doctor, and break down common myths and taboos that surround it. Discover how patients and doctors are finding solutions to maintaining a healthy sex life before, during and after cancer treatment. See all episodes of Cancer Straight Talk en Español.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks with former New York Mets president and MSK patient, Sandy Alderson, along with his dedicated team of doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering. They discuss Sandy’s unique journey with appendix cancer and how experts from various disciplines came together to save his life, a testament to MSK’s multidisciplinary care model. Sandy also dives into the reasons he kept his diagnosis private for eight years, and highlights the power of mental distractions and trust in your medical team when living with cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK’s Chief of Computational Oncology, Sohrab Shah, and Chair of the Department of Radiology, Lawrence H. Schwartz, to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in cancer care. They explore how A.I. is making a real impact in radiology, from reducing the time patients spend getting scans to detecting cancerous lesions with more accuracy. By complementing researchers’ expertise, A.I. is already offering breakthroughs in early detection, as well as personalized predictions about the best treatment for patients. This conversation is a must-listen for those eager to explore how technology is leading to better patient care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Kolasa was living his dream life as a fashion executive in New York City when in February 2022, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma – the most common form of brain cancer. In this special episode, George and his husband Justin take us on their journey as cancer patient and caregiver as it has unfolded in real time over the past year. We see George quickly evolve from accepting his disease to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for rare cancer research through Cycle for Survival. George finds purpose in his diagnosis by helping others and spreading his message of hope, even as he confronts reality. As George’s memory, speech and ability to walk declines, Justin leans in to the challenges of being a caregiver and also learns the importance of asking for help. As we follow George to his many tests, treatments, and checkups with his neuro-oncologist Alexandra Miller and her compassionate team of nurses, we witness the special bond formed between patients and care teams at MSK and see a couple making the most of every moment together, living their life with dignity, purpose, and love. Shortly after this podcast was completed, George passed away. We thank him and Justin for generously sharing their story to raise awareness and support for research. George was a remarkable person, whose legacy is everlasting.   Watch the video version of this podcast here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with MSK oncodermatologist Dr. Mario Lacouture and clinical nurse Sheryl Scott to discuss the most effective ways of preventing or mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. They provide tips for living with fatigue, keeping or regrowing hair, soothing skin rashes, protecting nails, reducing nausea and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with two physician-scientists researching vaccines and novel immunotherapies, Dr. Vinod Balachandran and Dr. Dmitriy Zamarin. They discuss the power of the body’s immune system to prevent and treat cancers, the difference between preventative and therapeutic vaccines, which cancers are treatable with vaccines, and the challenges that lie ahead. Read more about Dr. Balachandran’s recent research into a vaccine for pancreatic cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sits down with renowned journalist and cancer screening advocate Katie Couric at The Paley Center for Media in New York City. After losing her first husband to colon cancer in 1997, Katie made history when she received her first colonoscopy on-air as host of the Today show, inspiring millions of Americans to do the same in a phenomenon known as the Couric Effect. Her role as the “screen queen” has continued ever since, taking on new meaning last year when she revealed her own breast cancer diagnosis. Learn more about breast cancer screening Learn more about colon cancer screening Watch the extended conversation with Katie on MSK's YouTube channel  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes talks to pain management physician Dr. Neal Rakesh, and neurologist Dr. Anna DeForest, about the many options patients and doctors have to treat pain, including different therapies, safely managed painkillers, injections, and the possibility (and effectiveness) of psychedelics in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the dating world after a cancer diagnosis can be tricky. From the fear of disclosing a diagnosis to insecurities around bodily changes, to the emotional baggage patients feel they’re bringing into a relationship, diving back into the dating pool comes with its challenges. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes sheds light on the universality of these fears with advice from MSK psychologist Talia Zaider and cancer survivor Irene Dimatulac. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, they provide a nuanced look at the dating experience for cancer survivors and offer guidance for how to move forward with readiness and self-love. Listen to our episode on Women’s Sexual Heath and Cancer. Listen to our episode on Men’s Sexual Heath and Cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes welcomes MSK exercise scientist Dr. Lee Jones back to the show to discuss the most recent findings about the effects of exercise on cancer prevention, treatment and recovery. Dr. Jones provides advice for patients to stay physically fit and battle fatigue, as well as the most effective training regimen for anybody, with or without cancer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the holidays are meant to be a season of celebration, reflection and spending time with family and friends, it can also be a time of anxiety, grief or loneliness for those living with the reality of cancer. How does one find peace and meaning in the swarm of emotions that cancer brings up? In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and MSK chaplain Brian Kelly share their thoughts on what makes life meaningful and how to find your light in the darkest of times. Listen to last year’s conversation with MSK psychologist Dr. Wendy Lichtenthal on gratitude and grief at the holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanish episode #3   |   Episodio #3 en español Un reciente ensayo clínico para el cáncer de recto dirigido por Memorial Sloan Kettering ha captado la atención de médicos oncólogos y científicos del cáncer alrededor del mundo. Como un milagro, en un subconjunto de pacientes con la composición genética adecuada, una infusión intravenosa de inmunoterapia provocó una remisión completa. Los médicos se sorprendieron. El cáncer desapareció en todos los pacientes inscritos en el ensayo clínico. Los resultados son tan impresionantes que se publicaron en The New England Journal of Medicine y se presentaron en la reunión de oncólogos clínicos más grande del país en junio de 2022. En este episodio, la Dra. Diane Reidy-Lagunes habla con los diseñadores de este estudio, los Dres. Andrea Cercek y Luis Diaz, sobre lo que significa esta noticia innovadora para los pacientes con cáncer y la comunidad científica en el futuro. Más información sobre el Centro para el cáncer colorrectal y gastrointestinal de aparición temprana de MSK. Vea todos los episodios de Cancer Straight Talk en Español.   Breakthrough Rectal Cancer Drug Trial: What It Means For You A recent clinical trial for rectal cancer headed up by Memorial Sloan Kettering has grabbed the attention of medical oncologists and cancer scientists around the world. Like a miracle, in a subset of patients with the right genetic makeup, an IV infusion of an immunotherapy caused a complete remission. The doctors were shocked. The cancer disappeared in every single patient enrolled on trial. The results are so impressive they were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and featured at the nation’s largest gathering of clinical oncologists in June 2022. In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with the designers of this study, Drs. Andrea Cercek and Luis Diaz, on what this groundbreaking news means for cancer patients and the scientific community moving forward. Learn more about MSK’s Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer See all episodes of Cancer Straight Talk en Español.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent research has shown that most, if not all, high grade serous ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes. With no pronounced symptoms or tests to catch it early, ovarian cancer is usually detected in women with an average risk of cancer and in highly advanced stages. In this episode, gynecologic surgeons Kara Long-Roche (MSK) and Rebecca Stone (John Hopkins) join Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes to discuss a procedure that substantially decreases a person’s lifetime risk of developing the most common and deadly type of ovarian cancer: a salpingectomy, or removal of the fallopian tubes. Because of the simplicity of this procedure, Drs. Long-Roche and Stone are advocating for salpingectomies to become routine in women who are seeking permanent birth control, and opportunistic at the time of other abdominal surgeries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.