Ninja Nerd

Ninja Nerd

Welcome to the official Ninja Nerd Podcast! Brought to you by Zach and Rob, we will be presenting on board exam content and highlighting the most important information you need in order to crush your exams and apply these concepts clinically.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Urinary Tract Malignancies

    Ninja Nerds! In this episode of the Ninja Nerd Podcast, Zach and Rob dive into the essential clinical and pathophysiologic features of urinary tract malignancies, beginning with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and followed by urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. We start with a patient case of renal cell carcinoma, exploring the epidemiology and risk factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, and inherited syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau disease. The discussion focuses on the pathophysiology of clear cell RCC, particularly the loss of VHL gene function and dysregulation of the HIF pathway, leading to increased angiogenesis. We review the classic triad of RCC—flank pain, hematuria, and a palpable abdominal mass—along with common paraneoplastic syndromes, including polycythemia and hypercalcemia. Diagnostic evaluation includes CT imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, with treatment strategies ranging from partial or radical nephrectomy to immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies for advanced disease. Next, we shift to a patient with urothelial carcinoma, highlighting epidemiologic risks like tobacco use, occupational exposures, chronic inflammation, and cyclophosphamide. Clinical signs such as painless hematuria, irritative voiding symptoms, and hydronephrosis are discussed alongside the diagnostic approach: urine cytology, cystoscopy with biopsy, and CT urography. Management strategies include TURBT, intravesical BCG, radical cystectomy, and systemic chemotherapy, based on staging and risk. Support the show

    30 min
  2. 28 MAR

    Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

    Ninja Nerds, Welcome to the Ninja Nerd Podcast with Zach and Rob! In this episode, we explore Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a group of hematologic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and a risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We also discuss the pathophysiology of MDS, highlighting the clonal stem cell mutations that lead to dysplastic bone marrow changes and peripheral blood cytopenias. Our discussion explores the clinical presentation of MDS, from common findings like fatigue, pallor, and bleeding tendencies to more concerning signs such as transfusion dependence and infection risk. We also cover the diagnostic approach, emphasizing the importance of bone marrow biopsy findings such as dysplastic cell morphology, ring sideroblasts, and blast percentages. Key scoring systems like the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) are discussed to guide risk stratification and treatment decisions. In this episode, we break down treatment strategies for both low-risk and high-risk MDS, including supportive care with transfusions and growth factors, the role of hypomethylating agents like azacitidine and decitabine, and advanced interventions such as allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Whether you’re preparing for exams, clinical rotations, or looking to expand your knowledge of hematology, this episode is packed with high-yield insights to help you understand this challenging topic. Enjoy the episode and support us below! 🔬🩸 Support the show

    27 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the official Ninja Nerd Podcast! Brought to you by Zach and Rob, we will be presenting on board exam content and highlighting the most important information you need in order to crush your exams and apply these concepts clinically.

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