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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.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States with an increasing number of new diagnoses under the age of 55. Screening guidelines continue to evolve in an effort to find these cancers at an early stage. New surgical advancements are increasingly less invasive, reducing recovery times and hospital stays. Guest: Jeffrey Milsom, MD, colon and rectal cancer surgeon 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 and impactful lymphoma and blood cancer abstracts to be presented at the 2022 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). This episode also features 5 “bonus” podcast-only abstract selections in addition to offering extra insight into one of this year’s plenary sessions. Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, yet it receives far less research funding than other common cancers, in part due to the stigma surrounding this disease. However, smoking is not the only risk factor – many patients are diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked in their entire lives. Recent advancements in screening and treatment, including targeted therapies, have helped improve outcomes and quality of life. Guest: Ashish Saxena, MD, PhD, hematologist and medical oncologist specializing in lung cancer and thoracic 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

Breast cancer screening aims to catch breast abnormalities and cancers early, often before the onset of physical symptoms. There are many tools available including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI as well as image-assisted biopsies. Depending on cancer risk, breast density, and other variables, a combination of these may be used to detect breast malignancies and guide cancer treatment. Additionally, in the United States, radiologists have fought to ensure access to screenings via healthcare policies and insurance coverage. Guest: Geraldine McGinty, MD, diagnostic and interventional radiologist specializing in breast imaging and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs 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

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) accounts for about one-fourth of all new leukemia cases and diagnosis typically comes from routine bloodwork. While most cases result in a watch-and-wait strategy, understanding the underpinnings of this disease has helped advance CLL care, research and treatment. Guest: John Allan, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist specializing in the treatment and care of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients 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.

Pain is one of the most common, but complex symptoms for cancer patients. Both cancer and its treatments can cause pain and managing this pain is a personalized process. While there are numerous pharmacological and non-drug based approaches, improving pain can significantly impact quality of life. Oncology care teams and pain management specialists can help patients navigate options.  Guest: Abhilasha Solanki, MD, pain management physician and anesthesiologist 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.

Kidney cancer is among the ten most common forms of cancer with about 79,000 new cases annually. It is often found incidentally but certain variables may increase risk, including factors such as family history, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and more. Kidney cancer can present in many ways, but common signs and symptoms, such as blood in urine, can indicate a problem with your kidneys and should be discussed with your care team. Exciting research advancements continue to improve overall survival and quality of life for patients. Guest: Ana Molina, MD, genitourinary oncologist and kidney cancer specialist 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

Groundbreaking updates and scientific advancements were shared at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, a leading conference bringing together oncology professionals from around the world. This conversation covers top research presented across solid tumors and hematologic malignancies that is changing the landscape of care for patients with cancer. 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.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, may evoke certain stigmas and associations, but when used in medicine, marijuana is a highly regulated botanical. If prescribed under proper guidance, medical marijuana can often be a helpful tool in cancer symptom management, from nausea and lack of appetite to chronic pain and beyond. Multidisciplinary cancer care teams can offer knowledge and support in navigating state-by-state legislation and prescription logistics, as well as in determining if this treatment would improve quality of life. Guest: Michelle Loy, MD, physician and integrative medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital who specializes in nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, and cancer prevention and recovery. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Precision medicine leverages genetic and genomic information to help create individualized treatment plans for cancer patients. One example is an emerging test called a liquid biopsy. While traditional biopsies use more invasive tissue samples, liquid biopsies use blood tests to detect circulating tumor cells throughout the body. This technique can provide easier access to information, helping determine next steps in the cancer care journey. Liquid biopsies are a powerful tool with potential in many areas, from monitoring treatment responses to detecting cancer earlier than other screening methods. Guest: Pashtoon Kasi, MD, MS, gastrointestinal oncologist and researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine, Director for Colorectal Cancer Research, and Precision Medicine Director for Liquid Biopsy Research at the Englander Institute of Precision Medicine. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

While cancer screening methods and treatments have improved over the years, there are still significant barriers that prevent access to care for many individuals. Community outreach and engagement can help to combat these health disparities and dismantle myths and stigmas surrounding cancer. Through the help of community health workers and dedicated teams, efforts are underway to bring health equity issues to the forefront in healthcare and work towards a better tomorrow with optimal health for all. Guest: Erica Phillips, MD, MS, internal medicine physician at Weill Cornell Medicine, Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, and Co-Associate Director of Community Engagement at the Cornell Center for Health Equity. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Procedures involving stem cell and bone marrow transplants were one of the first successful forms of immunotherapy in cancer care. Recent scientific and medical advances have led to novel approaches making transplant safer and more effective than ever before. Innovations continue to transform the field, offering alternative treatments that help the body’s immune system better recognize and fight the cancer. CAR T-cell therapy is one example which has demonstrated promising results and continues to be studied in clinical trials across a variety of diseases. Guest: Koen Van Besien, MD, PhD, hematologist and medical oncologist, Director of Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program, and Director of Cellular Therapy Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.  Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common form of women's cancer worldwide. While cervical cancer used to be the most common cause of cancer death for women, advances in testing and prevention – from the pap smear to the HPV vaccine – now makes it one of the most preventable forms of cancer. With all gynecologic cancers, regular check-ups are key to early diagnosis and treatment. Guest: Eloise Chapman-Davis, MD, gynecologic oncologist and Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. John Leonard shares his list of the 10 most interesting and impactful lymphoma and blood cancer abstracts – with 5 “bonus” podcast-only selections – to be presented at the 2021 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist, and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Testicular cancer is an uncommon form of cancer and yet remains the #1 cancer among young men. Testicular cancer is highly treatable and curable, especially when caught early, but it’s not often talked about. Normalizing the topic and increasing awareness for regular self-checks is critical to proper detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Guest: Doug Scherr, MD, urologist and Clinical Director of Urologic Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Clinical trials are pivotal in developing medical breakthroughs and advancing cancer treatments. Patient volunteers are instrumental in this research process. This behind-the-scenes look offers insight into how clinical trials are conducted and what participation entails, including safety precautions, risks and benefits, and much more.  Guest: Peter Martin, MD, clinical investigator for new and promising therapies, and Chief of the Lymphoma Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Cancer and heart health can be interconnected. Cardio-oncology is an important, emerging field to help cancer patients and survivors manage pre-existing heart disease and better tolerate the cardiac side effects of certain cancer therapies. Guest: Syed Mahmood, specialized cardio-oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Demystifying supportive and therapeutic procedures that may be performed in the course of a cancer patient’s journey. From biopsies to port placements, tumor ablations, and other minimally invasive means of treatment, interventional radiology is a rapidly evolving field at the forefront of minimally-invasive techniques for patient care. Guest: Bradley Pua, MD, Chief of Interventional Radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Combining cutting-edge Western medicine with the ancient wisdom of Eastern traditions can provide for a holistic approach to cancer care. There are a variety of ways to manage common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, fatigue, anxiety and pain. Integrative medicine – including acupuncture, nutrition, vitamins & supplements, medical marijuana, yoga, and meditation – can play an important role in patients’ treatment plans. Guest: Chiti Parikh, MD, Executive Director of the Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Host: John Leonard, MD, world-renowned hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.