The Oncology Podcast, part of The Oncology Network, is proud to present Episode 3 in the second series of The Oncology Journal Club Podcast.
Dr Kate Clarke explores a clinical conundrum with the latest insights on neo-adjuvant immunotherapy for DMMR, MSI-high GI cancers, discussed with the clarity and depth you’ve come to expect from our team. For Professor Craig Underhill’s main paper segment, Dr. Ashray Gunjur drops by to discuss the microbiome’s predictive power in immunotherapy responses, Professor Christopher Jackson delves into the OPRA study’s latest findings on chemo-radiotherapy sequencing for rectal cancer, bringing to light the pivotal role of patient-centred discussions.
In Quick Bites, the discussion hits home with the three S’s—sitting, shitting, and sex—and their profound impact on post-cancer quality of life. Highlighting the importance of comprehensive support systems in these often-overlooked areas, we also dissect the worrying trend of early-onset colorectal cancer and its broader implications. With a review of a study about the duration of immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer, this episode promises to fuel ongoing debates on treatment duration and patient outcomes, highlighting our commitment to keeping you at the forefront of oncology discourse.
The conversation takes a crucial turn as we tackle the uncomfortable yet necessary topic of presenting unfunded treatment options in oncology, exposing the delicate balance healthcare professionals must maintain in an era marked by scarce resources and rising demands.
About The Oncology Journal Club:
We have taken an old concept and updated it with a new format. In each episode, a team of expert contributors will review topical journal papers and interview special guests who are leaders in their fields to help keep you informed of the latest developments on the go.
We hope you enjoy listening and find this a valuable and entertaining resource.
QUESTION ANSWERED FROM EPISODE 2:
Le Louedec F, Leenhardt F, Marin C, et al. Cancer Immunotherapy Dosing: A Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Perspective. Vaccines (Basel). 2020 Oct 31;8(4):632. doi: 10.3390/vaccines8040632. PMID: 33142728; PMCID: PMC7712135. Access online here.
PAPERS:
Ozer M, Vegivinti CTR, Syed M, et al. Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Patients with dMMR/MSI-High Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Changing Paradigm. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Jul 28;15(15):3833. doi: 10.3390/cancers15153833. PMID: 37568648; PMCID: PMC10417711. Access online here.
Gunjur A, Shao Y, Rozday T, et al. A gut microbial signature for combination immune checkpoint blockade across cancer types. Nat Med. 2024 Mar 1. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-02823-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38429524. Access online here.
Floris S. Verheij et al., Long-Term Results of Organ Preservation in Patients With Rectal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Total Neoadjuvant Therapy: The Randomized Phase II OPRA Trial. JCO 42, 500-506(2024). DOI:10.1200/JCO.23.01208. Access online here.
QUICK BITES
Franzoi MA, Aupomerol M, Havas J, et al. Investigating sexual health after breast cancer by longitudinal assessment of patient-reported outcomes. ESMO Open. 2024 Feb 12;9(2):102236. doi: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102236. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38350335. Access online here.
Shailja C. Shah et al. Impact of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Treatment on Colorectal Cancer in a Large, Nationwide Cohort. JCO 0, JCO.23.00703. DOI:10.1200/JCO.23.00703. Access online here.
Sun L, Bleiberg B, Hwang WT, et al. Association Between Duration of Immunotherapy and Overall Survival in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. JAMA Onco 2023 Aug 1;9(8):1075-1082. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.1891. PMID: 37270700; PMCID: PMC10240399. Access online here.
Rassy E, Le Roy F, Smolenschi C, et al. Rechallenge After Oxaliplatin-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions. JAMA Oncol. 2023;9(3):434–435. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.7136 Access online here.
Bajpai J, Kapu V, Rath S, et al. Low-dose versus standard-dose olanzapine with triple antiemetic therapy for prevention of highly emetogenic chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with solid tumours: a single-centre, open-label, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2024 Feb;25(2):246-254. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00628-9. Epub 2024 Jan 12. PMID: 38224701. Access online here.
Nathaniel S. O’Connell et al. Importance of Low- and Moderate-Grade Adverse Events in Patients’ Treatment Experience and Treatment Discontinuation: An Analysis of the E1912 Trial. JCO 42, 266-272(2024). DOI:10.1200/JCO.23.00377. Access online here.
OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED:
Craig Underhill
Professor Craig Underhill
Professor Craig Underhill completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1987 at Melbourne University. He completed medical oncology training in Melbourne and worked as the Senior Clinical Research Registrar at Guy’s Hospital, London.
In 1998 arrived in Albury-Wodonga and established a medical oncology practice and clinical trials unit which has developed expertise and infrastructure to ensure the initiation of high quality trials. The research Unit lead by Dr Underhill has twice been awarded NSW Premier’s Award for Innovation in Cancer Clinical Trials, the inaugural award in 2009 and then again in 2012.
Dr Underhill is the VCCC Regional Oncology Lead and advocates for the increased access to clinical trials for regional Victorians and leads the VCCC teletrials program.
You can find Craig on X/Twitter here: @CraigUnderhill
Kate Clarke
Dr. Kate Clarke
Dr Kate Clarke (MBChB (Otago), FRACP) is a proud New Zealander with a real love for beautiful Aotearoa. Dr Clarke continues to work at being Tangata Tiriti. Much of her research and patient advocacy has an equity focus. Dr Clarke is grateful to her patients, students, whanau and colleagues for the knowledge and awhi they share. Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini.
Dr Clarke completed her medical training in Otago, Wellington and London. She has a holistic approach and is passionate about patient-centred care, and believes patients can and should play an active role in their healthcare. Her clinical experience covers a broad range of solid tumour malignancies with special clinical interest in colorectal cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancers and breast cancer.
Chris ‘CJ’ Jackson
Professor Christopher Jackson
Chris Jackson is Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Otago, Dunedin, and a medical oncologist at Dunedin Hospital and Mercy Cancer Care. He specialises in GI cancers and melanoma, teaches medical students and specialists-in-training, and is heavily involved in both national and international cancer policy, leadership and research.
He was previously the medical director of the Cancer Society of NZ, and his advocacy led to the funding of new cancer drugs, to the development of a new national cancer plan, and to the birth of the national cancer agency Te Aho o Te Kahu. He currently chairs the agency’s clinical committee and serves on the advisory board. In addition, he is on the programme board of the International Cancer Benchmarking Project, and is a founding member of the Common Sense Oncology movement.
Chris is a self-confessed Radiohead tragic, and recent convert to Crossfit (even though you didn’t ask).
Connect with CJ on X/Twitter: @drkiwicj
GUESTS:
Dr Ashray Gunjur
Ashray is a medical oncologist from Melbourne, Australia, currently undertaking a clinical PhD investigating the interplay between the gut microbiome and responses and/or toxicity to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with rare cancer types.
PRODUCER:
Rachael Babin
Rachael Babin is Host of The Oncology Podcast, Editor-in-Chief of The Oncology Newsletter, and Publisher of Oncology News Australia and The Oncology Network.
With a background in oncology communications and academic publishing, Rachael is happiest sitting behind the mic chatting to interesting people about the impact their work makes in oncology.
Connect on Twitter: @OncologyNewsAus
