Category Archives: Episode

Living with ALK+: Diagnosis, Treatment, & Hope

May 7, 2025Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:55 — 31.1MB) | Embed

A Biomarker Dialogue Between Patient and Scientist

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUEST: Marc Muskavitch, PhD, ALK+ & Zachary Rogers, PhD, Research Fellow, Koch Institute at MIT

This episode features a powerful conversation between two scientists, one now navigating life as a Stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer patient. Most lung cancer patients only learn the significance of biomarkers like ALK+, soon after their diagnosis. Our guest Marc Muskavitch, however, arrived at this knowledge with a distinct advantage: he is a scientist himself. With a background spanning drug development, biochemistry, and genetics, and holding seventeen patents, Marc’s understanding shaped his emotional and strategic response to his diagnosis and ongoing journey. His compelling conversation with scientist Zach Rogers, a previous podcast guest who addressed recurrence and drug response in lung cancer, gains even greater meaning in this context. Marc also sheds light on the significant community brought together by the ALK Positive patient organization that is now collaborating with the scientific research organization, Break Through Cancer. Our guests discuss their vision for hopeful future advancements in cancer treatment.

THE RIDDLE OF DRUG RESPONSE: Why Does A Drug Work For One Person And Not Another?

March 11, 2025Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:21 — 32.4MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUEST: Zachary Rogers, Ph.D. Postdoc at MIT | American Cancer Society Fellow

Lung cancer treatment is undergoing a revolution. In the last 15 years, we’ve transitioned from broad chemotherapy to precision medicine, targeting the specific genetic drivers of each patient’s cancer. This shift, along with the rise of immunotherapy, offers unprecedented hope. Today, we speak with Dr. Zachary Rogers, a post-doctoral researcher at MIT’s Koch Institute, whose work on ALK mutations illuminates these advancements. He’ll explain how targeted therapies and immunotherapies combat cancer, and delve into crucial questions: why do some patients respond while others don’t, and why does recurrence occur even after apparent remission? Dr. Rogers will also share insights into groundbreaking research on new cancer markers. Join us for a critical discussion on the future of lung cancer treatment – a conversation that provides a vital look at the forefront of cancer research.

Improvise Life! Seize The Day While Living With Cancer

February 17, 2025Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:18 — 37.8MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUEST: James Hiter, Streak for A Cure

James and Hildy had a similar experience in having their lung cancer found by accident. James, a “streaker” who runs daily, epitomized health. So, a lung cancer diagnosis—discovered accidentally during a bout of the flu—came as a devastating shock. A routine X-ray revealed a tumor of the size of a tennis ball. This unexpected twist led James to uncover a family history of the disease: his grandmother and great-uncle both succumbed to lung cancer. Driven by this knowledge, he joined a research study exploring the genetic links to lung cancer. James’s story is one of resilience. He shares the profound impact of lung cancer on his life, offering an “optimistic realist’s” perspective on daily life and the challenges he and his wife face. Initially declared “cured” after surgery, James’s world was rocked a year later by the cancer’s return. This time, he learned he had the KRAS biomarker, a discovery that proved crucial in guiding his treatment. He details his treatment journey, the setbacks, and the hope that came with targeted therapies. James’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of medical research. From accidental diagnosis to recurrence, he’s facing the ups and downs with resolute positivity. Hear how he’s using his experience to inspire others through “Streak for A Cure.” Don’t miss this powerful podcast!”

Beyond the Breast: Unraveling HER2 in Lung Cancer, What A Difference 20 Years Makes!

January 16, 2025Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:28 — 34.3MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUEST: Zofia Piotrowska, MD, MHS, Massachusetts General Hospital

This podcast delves deeper into the evolving understanding of the HER2 biomarker in lung cancer, twenty years after its discovery. We’re joined by Dr. Zofia Piotrowska, renowned oncologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, to build on our previous discussion, “HER2 Isn’t Just About Her!” Dr. Piotrowska explores the intricate nuances of HER2 in lung cancer, explaining how subtle genetic variations can significantly impact treatment outcomes. While HER2 biomarkers are more frequently observed in non-smokers, women, and younger patients, it’s crucial to remember that anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer. Of critical importance in diagnosis and treatment decisions is comprehensive biomarker testing. This valuable information empowers clinicians to tailor treatment plans with precision. This episode highlights the remarkable progress made in precision medicine in combating HER2-positive lung cancer, offering renewed hope for patients, their loved ones, and the entire medical community.

Kicking Cancer! From Diagnosis to Defiance: One Survivor’s Story

December 13, 2024Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:50 — 37.4MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUEST: TERRI CONNERAN, Founder of KRAS Kickers
Imagine facing five recurrences of cancer in seven years. Terri Conneran did, and she turned her adversity into a powerful force for change. Terri embodies the strength of the will to defy the odds of a cancer diagnosis and emerges as a beacon of hope for lung cancer patients. Despite multiple recurrences and navigating a challenging diagnostic journey, she remains resilient and determined to gather information, learn about research and advocate for others who have a KRAS biomarker. Terri founded KRAS Kickers to create a community for patients and families to have a place for support and gathering knowledge during diagnosis and treatment for cancer with a KRAS mutation, the most common biomarker responsible for the three deadliest cancers: lung, pancreatic and colon. Terri’s story is deeply personal, yet her fight is inspirational. She travels the world to meet with KRAS Kicker groups, researchers and providers to help revolutionize treatments. This episode is a testament to the power of hope and the power of the human spirit to kick cancer. Be sure to listen and share this podcast.

Everything Old Is New Again! Imagine This: Repurposing Existing Drugs For New Uses

October 15, 2024Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:40 — 36.3MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUESTS: Jaime Cheah, Ph.D., Director of Collaborative Screening in the Center for the Development of Therapeutics at the Broad Institute and Jane Wilkinson, co-founder and president of CANCollaborate

Our guests, Jane Wilkinson and Jaime Cheah join the conversation to tell us about some incredible work to expand the use of a drug beyond its original treatment target. Jane Wilkinson discusses why this is not only important for lung cancer, but particularly in rare cancers for which the time and cost of developing new drugs is prohibitive. Repurposing drugs is a powerful approach to developing new therapies, because they have already been approved by the FDA and been shown to be safe and effective for at least one indication. Jaime Cheah discusses the work at the Broad Institute at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in terms of how drugs are repurposed and the scale of this remarkable process. You won’t want to miss how thinking so creatively leads to the beginning of a new drug discovery path.

Misunderstandings About Clinical Trials Reflecting On Past Lessons to Future Innovations

September 18, 2024Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:22 — 38.8MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman, CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUESTS: Geoff Oxnard, MD, VP Clinical Development, Global Head Thoracic Cancer | Thoracic Oncologist, Boston Medical Center

With so many misunderstandings about clinical trials, this podcast aims to clarify what a clinical trial is, how they have changed over time, why it is important to inform patients about them and how to increase access. With only about 7% participation in clinical trials by patients, the question is how to make trials more available to patients. Dr. Geoffrey Oxnard, VP Clinical Development, Global Head Thoracic Cancer, Lilly, is our guest. He is both a treating oncologist as well as a scientist helping to develop new drugs to treat cancer. He discusses different phases in clinical trials, how to partner with his patients in making decisions about whether to join a new trial, and how to expand access to trials to diverse populations. Listen now and learn more.

GROUNDBREAKING TREATMENTS FOR CANCER What’s New in Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer?

August 7, 2024Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:57 — 36.6MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUESTS: David Barbie, MD and Elliott Brea MD, Ph.D.

As Albert Einstein said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” That said, our guests on this podcast share groundbreaking research that investigates new ways of using one’s own immune system to fight cancer. Understanding how immunotherapy works is a complicated topic. Our guests, David Barbie, MD and Elliott Brea, MD, PhD of Dana Farber Cancer Institute, do a masterful job in managing to simplify concepts, and in the most enjoyable way. They discuss the workings of immunotherapy and groundbreaking directions within this form of treatment, simplifying terms even the best educated strain to understand. Take a listen now.

WHAT NO ONE EVER TOLD YOU: HOW TO SUPPORT LUNG CANCER PATIENTs AND FAMILIES

June 19, 2024Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:37 — 33.5MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUESTS: Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston

The process of being diagnosed and treated for lung cancer is often an arduous one. Hildy discusses her own winding road – how slipping on the stairs while wearing new shoes ultimately led to diagnosis and successful treatment. The accidental discovery of her tumor highlights the value of persistence by patients.
With our guest, thoracic radiologist, Francine Jacobson, MD, we discuss various ways patients and their families can prepare for diagnosis and treatments. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and minimize risks that patients will avoid or postpone procedures. Dr. Jacobson offers insights into preparing for CT scans, other diagnostics, and radiology treatments. Equally important is preparing family members or other caregivers to support and join the patient on their journey. Additional issues are considered, such as disparities in access to treatment, educational, racial, and financial backgrounds.

WHAT’S UP DOC? Current and Future Lung Cancer Care

May 13, 2024Episodebackstageupstage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:08 — 38.6MB) | Embed

HOST: Hildy Grossman CO-HOST: Jordan Rich
GUESTS: Jacob Sands, MD and Julia Rotow, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Do you worry about cancer? Do you, or does someone you love, have cancer? Our guests today explore the often-worrisome journey from screening and diagnosis to treatment. This podcast features a thoughtful conversation among oncologists who share various options for diagnosis and treatment for their patients. They address what’s necessary to screen for lung cancer, what are the limits for screening, concerns about the presence of microscopic disease, how surgery and radiation can be curative, when drug treatment can be used along with surgery to improve outcomes, what pharmaceutical treatments are available, when to escalate treatment, or not and more. This valuable and hopeful conversation addresses current cancer care, as well as possibilities in future care, including the development of new technologies. You’ll want to listen and share this information with someone you know who is facing and managing cancer.

Backstage @ Upstage

Presented by Upstage Lung Cancer