SummaryIn this episode, hosts James Larkin & Sapna Patel discuss the Women in Melanoma Conference, highlighting its role in fostering networking and collaboration among female oncologists. They reflect on the evolution of the conference, its impact on participants, and the importance of addressing women's issues in oncology. The discussion also touches on the potential for expanding the initiative beyond the U.S. and the value of creating a supportive community for women in the medical field.James reveals a lack of stupid human tricks, Sapna reports on her skill with napkin lipstick blots, and the two fawn over word clouds in the shape of the female form (e.g. Figure 1). Moral of the story? Don't tease, and James is the bigger geek... all aroundKeywordsmelanoma, women in oncology, networking, collaboration, medical conference, women empowerment, survivorship, oncology research, patient care, medical communityTakeawaysThe Women in Melanoma Conference was initiated to address the lack of female representation in oncology meetings.Networking and collaboration are crucial for professional growth in oncology.The conference has evolved to include a broader range of topics relevant to women in the medical field.Participants have expressed feelings of camaraderie and support through the conference.The initiative has led to successful collaborations and publications among attendees.There is potential for expanding the Women in Melanoma initiative internationally.The conference addresses both professional and personal challenges faced by women in oncology.Role-playing exercises have been beneficial for participants in handling difficult conversations.The conference serves as a platform for discussing patient-centered care and survivorship.The success of the initiative may inspire similar programs in other medical specialties.Sound Bites"It's been a lovely forum.""There's no reason this has to stay U.S.""We captured lightning in a bottle here."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers02:53 Val Guild & the Inception of WIM06:53 Networking and Collaboration in Oncology10:45 Expanding the Women in Melanoma Initiative14:26 Figure 1. Word Cloud
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Ep 70: Best of ASCO colon.... 2025 ;)
You wanted it, we gave it... best of ASCO ...colon...2025 :D In this episode, hosts James and Sapna discuss the key highlights from ASCO 2025, focusing on significant abstracts related to melanoma treatment. They delve into the implications of adrenal insufficiency, the 5 year, final results of Lifileucel, and the ongoing debate between neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies. The conversation also explores the role of IL-6 in treatment efficacy and the importance of understanding sentinel lymph node positivity. The hosts emphasize the need for innovative clinical trial designs to adapt to emerging data and improve patient outcomes.KeywordsASCO 2025, melanoma, neoadjuvant therapy, adrenal insufficiency, lifileucel, immunotherapy, clinical trials, IL-6, treatment outcomes, cancer researchChapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of ASCO 202503:16 DoorDash!05:43 Key Highlights from ASCO 202508:29 Lifileucel and Its Impact on Treatment10:53 Long-term Outcomes and Toxicity Considerations15:49 Exploring Treatment Efficacy in Refractory Populations17:41 Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapies: A Comparative Analysis21:07 Investigating GM-CSF's Role in Mitigating Toxicity22:36 RELA 098: Insights and Implications25:37 Understanding Sentinel Lymph Node Positivity in Melanoma26:34 Future Directions in Neoadjuvant Therapy Research36:18 Fact Check38:17 Discussion on IPI GM-CSF and Adrenal Insufficiency42:09 Impact of Adrenal Insufficiency on Patients45:06 Future Directions in Neoadjuvant Trials47:26 Wrap-Up and Reflections
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Ep 69: Guest Monty Pal
Summary In this episode, Sapna Patel and James Larkin engage with Monty Pal from City of Hope, discussing his unique journey into oncology, the significance of the microbiome in cancer treatment, and the impact of diet and lifestyle on patient outcomes. They explore current research, including clinical trials involving fecal microbiome transplants and the potential of specific bacteria to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and the promising future of microbiome research in oncology.Keywordsoncology, microbiome, cancer treatment, immunotherapy, diet, clinical trials, kidney cancer, melanoma, fecal microbiome transplant, City of HopeTakeawaysMonty Pal started college at the age of 13, showcasing an unconventional path to medicine.His journey into oncology was influenced by a pivotal decision to switch from engineering to medicine Monty has significantly contributed to the growth of the GU oncology program at City of Hope.The microbiome plays a crucial role in predicting patient outcomes and side effects in cancer treatment.Dietary fiber intake has been linked to improved clinical outcomes in melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy.Random probiotics may not be beneficial and could even be harmful to patients.Research indicates that specific bacteria can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy.The future of cancer treatment may involve turning cold tumors into hot tumors using microbiome interventions.TitlesThe Journey of Monty Pal: From Prodigy to OncologistMicrobiome and Cancer: Turd Burglars to TreatmentSound Bites"I started college when I was 13.""Fiber seems to be somewhat interesting."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Introduction of Monty Pal from City of Hope01:42 Monty's Journey to Medicine05:19 GU Oncology at City of Hope10:28 The Microbiome: A New Frontier in Oncology14:52 Microbiome Research and Clinical Outcomes19:21 Lifestyle Factors and the Microbiome23:51 Intervention Strategies: Fecal Microbiome Transplant and Beyond24:35 South Park Episode: Turd Burglars29:58 An Upcoming SWOG trial 32:48 Fact Check
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Ep 68: GDF-15 antibody GODFATHER trial
SummaryIn this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the Godfather 15 trial, focusing on the neutralizing GDF 15 antibody and its implications in overcoming PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 resistance in solid tumors. They explore the background of GDF-15, its role in immune suppression, and the trial's methodology, including safety and efficacy results. The conversation also touches on the future directions of GDF-15 antibody trials and the importance of understanding treatment resistance in cancer therapy.KeywordsMelanoma, GDF-15, Godfather 15 trial, immunotherapy, cancer research, PD-1, antibody therapy, clinical trials, immune suppression, treatment resistanceTakeawaysThe Godfather 15 trial focuses on neutralizing GDF-15 antibody.GDF-15 is linked to immune suppression in tumors.The trial is a phase 1/2 study with multiple dose levels.Understanding treatment resistance is key in cancer research.The importance of defining refractory cohorts in trials.Biological proof of concept is essential in early studies.Future trials should focus on specific patient populations.Sound bites"This is a phase 1/2 study""This is the biology we're targeting""I think this is obviously just a first step"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Godfather 15 Trial07:48 Understanding GDF-15 and Its Role in Cancer11:48 Exploring the Study Design and Methodology18:42 Results and Efficacy of the GDF-15 Antibody25:09 Future Directions and Closing Thoughts
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Ep 67: SITC white paper on ICI resistance
SummaryIn this conversation, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the consensus definitions for resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on a recent paper from the Journal of Immunotherapy of Cancer. They explore the complexities of primary and secondary resistance, the importance of defining these terms for clinical trials, and the challenges in trial design and control arms. The discussion emphasizes the need for clear definitions to improve patient outcomes and guide future research in oncology.Keywordsimmune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer treatment, resistance, clinical trials, melanoma, PD-1, adjuvant therapy, response rate, tumor sensitivity, oncologyTakeawaysResistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is a major challenge in melanoma treatment.Primary resistance occurs when there is no benefit from treatment, while secondary resistance follows initial benefit.Defining resistance is crucial for clinical trials and understanding patient populations.The duration of drug exposure is key in determining resistance types.Clinical trial design must consider the expectations of efficacy in control arms.Investigators should be cautious about the definitions of patient populations in trials.Response rates of 15-20% are considered significant for primary resistance.Secondary resistance may show higher response rates due to residual sensitivity.Clear definitions help in layering data for future research.Collaboration among clinicians, industry, and regulatory bodies is essential for advancing cancer treatment.Sound Bites"It's probably the biggest challenge we now have in clinic.""There's something in the middle.""I think that's where we might need to be there."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Resistance08:08 Understanding Resistance: Definitions and Scenarios14:47 Primary vs. Secondary Resistance in Clinical Trials22:00 Trial Design and Control Arms in Immunotherapy30:36 Conclusions and Future Directions33:28 outro fade long expo.mp4
From the UK to the USA - Melanoma Matters is on a mission!
Hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel are spreading the word on melanoma, one podcast at a time. Tune in for a critical review of the literature and a discussion of how we incorporate the data into our practices...across the pond(s).
#MelanomaMatters video podcast
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