DoctorPodcasts || Cykiert Files

Robert Cykiert, M.D. - Physician creator, writer, producer, director and host.

DoctorPodcasts: The leading physician-hosted video podcasts that inform, inspire, & build trust in health and medicine. Created, written, directed, produced & hosted by physician, Robert Cykiert, M.D.

  1. 1d ago

    Musk’s SpaceX Delivers First Space-Bioprinted Organs to Earth. Exclusive with Anthony Atala, M.D.

    First kidney and liver tissues ever bioprinted in space — and they just returned to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon capsule in June 2026.In this exclusive Episode 163 of the DoctorPodcasts Show, world-leading regenerative medicine pioneer Anthony Atala, M.D. (Director, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine) reveals how microgravity on the International Space Station produces healthier, better-organized tissues than on Earth — and how SpaceX’s frequent, reusable cargo flights have transformed the field from rare opportunities into something “almost like booking an airline trip” says Robert Cykiert, M.D. of #DoctorPodcasts.Watch the full video podcast interview to learn:• Why growing tissues in space solves major Earth-based bioprinting challenges• How astronauts use Auxilium’s onboard bioprinter to create the first-ever space-printed kidney & liver tissues• The role of patient-specific cells (no rejection risk)• The path from small tissue samples to future transplantable organs• Radiation protection strategies and organ “avatars” for deep-space travel• How these breakthroughs are already accelerating regenerative medicine for patients on EarthTimestamps:0:00 – SpaceX Dragon returns the samples & why frequent cargo flights matter1:14 – Episode intro & organ shortage crisis2:10 – Meet Dr. Anthony Atala3:39 – What is regenerative medicine?4:16 – From lab-grown bladders to 3D bioprinting5:33 – Why bioprinting is a game-changer (scalability, reproducibility, cost)6:20 – The toughest hurdles for solid organs (kidney & liver)7:14 – Sending bioprinted tissues to the ISS8:44 – How bioprinting actually works (simple explanation)10:35 – Why microgravity is better for growing tissues12:09 – Who cares for the tissues in space?13:14 – Stem cells vs donor cells14:00 – “Diet” for cells in space15:07 – Printing blood vessels with kidney tissue16:00 – Do we need a whole kidney… or just “refill the tank”?17:39 – Historic first: kidney & liver tissues printed in space19:21 – SpaceX’s game-changing frequent returns20:35 – Working with NASA, Axiom, Auxilium, CASIS & the full team22:13 – When will we have transplantable space-grown organs?23:41 – Patient’s own cells = no rejection24:22 – Brain organoids, lungs & more26:18 – Protecting tissues from space radiation28:10 – What excites Dr. Atala most + message to the publicDr. Anthony Atala is a true pioneer: 18 technologies already used in patients, 900+ peer-reviewed papers, 300+ patents, National Academy of Medicine member, and twice named to TIME’s Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs.Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with the world’s leading physicians and scientists advancing healthcare.👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔁 Share if this gives you hope for the future of organ transplants#SpaceX #Bioprinting #RegenerativeMedicine #AnthonyAtala #SpaceMedicine #3DBioprinting #Kidney #Liver #ISS #NASA #AxiomSpace #OrganTransplant #Microgravity #WakeForest #Cykiert #SpaceXDragon #FirstInSpace #FutureOfMedicine #TissueEngineering

    Musk’s SpaceX Delivers First Space-Bioprinted Organs to Earth. Exclusive with Anthony Atala, M.D.
  2. 6d ago

    New FDA-Approved COVID Pill: XOCOVA Reduced Symptomatic COVID Significantly | Expert Interview

    A new FDA-approved oral antiviral may offer a new option for people exposed to COVID-19.In this episode 161 of the DoctorPodcasts Show, Dr. Robert Cykiert interviews two physicians from the Shionogi Pharmaceutical Company who discuss XOCOVA®, its recent FDA approval, how it works, who may be eligible, and the clinical trial results behind the approval.Joining us are:Florin Draica, MD — Head of U.S. Medical Affairs at Shionogi Pharmaceutical CompanySimon Portsmouth, MD — Senior Vice President and Head of Clinical Development at Shionogi Pharmaceutical CompanyIn this interview, we discuss:• Why COVID-19 is still a health concern in 2026• What happens after you are exposed to SARS-CoV-2• What is XOCOVA?• How does this new COVID antiviral work?• What is a main protease inhibitor?• How is XOCOVA different from previous COVID treatments?• Is XOCOVA for people who already have COVID—or people exposed to someone with COVID?• What did the Phase 3 SCORPIO-PEP clinical trial find?• Why did the study report a 67% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 through Day 10 in its primary analysis?• How did XOCOVA perform among people with risk factors for severe COVID?• Does XOCOVA replace COVID vaccination?• How soon after COVID exposure should someone contact a healthcare professional?• What are the potential side effects and medication interactions?• Who should and should not take XOCOVA?• Why pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss alternatives with their healthcare professional• Could main protease inhibitor technology help prepare us for future coronavirus outbreaks or pandemics?The discussion emphasizes that XOCOVA is intended for people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not yet sick, and that treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional. The interview discusses taking action promptly after exposure, including the timeframe discussed by the guests.The guests also explain why XOCOVA is not intended to replace vaccination, but may provide another approach following exposure to COVID-19.Subscribe to DoctorPodcasts for interviews with leading physicians, scientists, researchers, and experts discussing the latest developments in medicine, health, science, technology, and public health.👍 If you found this interview informative, please LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for future interviews.Important medical disclaimerThis video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not individual medical advice. XOCOVA is a prescription medication. Whether it is appropriate for a particular person depends on individual circumstances, medical history, medications, and other factors. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis and treatment decisions.#XOCOVA #Ensitrelvir #COVID19 #COVID #COVIDPrevention #Antiviral #FDAApproved #Coronavirus #SARSCoV2 #COVIDTreatment #PublicHealth #MedicalPodcast #Healthcare #DrPodcast #Shionogi

    New FDA-Approved COVID Pill: XOCOVA Reduced Symptomatic COVID Significantly | Expert Interview
  3. Aug 9

    Breakthrough cholesterol pill LIPFENDRA made by Merck, just FDA-approved: Game-changing, without the injections.

    LIPFENDRA is a brand-new oral cholesterol pill about to change everything for heart attack and stroke prevention. In this must-watch episode 160 of DoctorPodcasts, host Dr. Robert Cykiert discusses cholesterol dangers and treatments with two of the world’s leading cardiologists and lipid experts — Dr. Norman Lepor (Cedars-Sinai, UCLA) and Dr. Christy Ballantyne (Baylor College of Medicine). Watch this deep dive into LIPFENDRA (enlicitide), the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor just approved by the FDA. They break down: • Why LDL cholesterol is the #1 driver of heart attacks and strokes (1.5 million U.S. deaths yearly) • Genetics vs lifestyle: why some people still have sky-high cholesterol on perfect diets • Exact LDL targets based on your risk (and why “normal” on lab reports is often too high) • How Lipfendra works differently from injectable cholesterol medications, Repatha, Praluent, Leqvio • Real efficacy (up to ~60% LDL reduction), safety data, side effects, cost, and who should take it • When the big cardiovascular outcomes trial results are coming. If you or a loved one has high cholesterol, familial hypercholesterolemia, statin intolerance, injection phobia or just wants the latest breakthrough in heart disease prevention, this conversation is essential. Like, subscribe, and share to help more people protect their hearts, brains and other organs! Full Timeline: 0:00 – Welcome to DoctorPodcasts Episode 160 0:33 – Why cholesterol is a top cause of heart attacks & strokes 0:51 – Introducing world experts Dr. Norman Leapor & Dr. Christy Ballantyne 2:38 – What exactly is cholesterol and why does the body need it? 3:58 – How high LDL damages arteries and builds deadly plaque 5:18 – LDL vs HDL vs triglycerides vs Lipoprotein(a) explained 7:00 – Why some people have high cholesterol even on a perfect diet (genetics) 9:17 – When should you start checking cholesterol & advanced tests (Lp(a), ApoB, hs-CRP)? 12:14 – Familial hypercholesterolemia: how common is it and what to do 15:20 – What are truly safe LDL cholesterol goals today? 17:24 – How effective are diet, exercise & lifestyle for genetic high cholesterol? 19:28 – Which other arteries does high cholesterol clog (brain, legs, etc.)? 20:28 – How statins (Lipitor, Crestor) work and why they’re still first-line 22:45 – Why many patients need more than just a statin 24:49 – PCSK9 inhibitors: the injectable game-changers so far 25:55 – Deep dive into Lipfendra: the new oral PCSK9 inhibitor pill 27:57 – Key advantages of the oral pill vs injections (convenience, adherence, storage) 29:41 – When doctors will prescribe Lipfendra (add-on or monotherapy) 31:23 – Perfect for patients who can’t tolerate statins or hate injections 32:28 – Side effects and overall safety profile from the trials 34:04 – Who should not take Lipfendra (contraindications) 34:39 – Cost and insurance coverage expectations 35:33 – How fast does Lipfendra lower LDL and how long does the effect last? 36:48 – Is it as effective as injectable PCSK9 inhibitors like Repatha? 38:03 – Will Lipfendra be a true game-changer? 39:13 – Cardiovascular outcomes data: do these drugs actually prevent heart attacks & death? 42:04 – Working with Merck on the trials and when outcomes results arrive 44:56 – Will AI speed up future cholesterol drug discovery? 46:33 – Final thoughts and thank you #Lipfendra #Cholesterol #PCSK9 #HeartHealth #LDL #Cardiology #HeartAttackPrevention #StrokePrevention #NewCholesterolDrug #FDAApproved #DoctorPodcasts #Cykiert #Stroke #Dementia Please LIKE, Subscribe, Share for more expert interviews on the latest medical breakthroughs that can save lives!

    Breakthrough cholesterol pill LIPFENDRA made by Merck, just FDA-approved: Game-changing, without the injections.
  4. Aug 2

    Falling asleep while you're driving? Dangerous Sleep Disorders Many Doctors Miss: Narcolepsy Type 1 & 2 + Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

    Today we dive into two rare but life-disrupting sleep disorders: narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. People with these conditions don’t just feel tired — they can fall asleep suddenly while driving, talking, or working, or sleep 11+ hours and still feel completely unrefreshed with intense brain fog and sleep drunkenness. Our guest is world-renowned sleep expert Dr. Logan Schneider, board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford University, and Clinical Lead for Sleep Health at Google. We cover causes (including the loss of the brain chemical orexin/hypocretin), symptoms like cataplexy, diagnosis, the only FDA-approved medication for idiopathic hypersomnia (Xywav), made by Jazz Pharmaceuticals @JazzPharma, lifestyle strategies, common myths, and how to find the right specialist. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction & episode overview 1:07 – Meet Dr. Logan Schneider 2:06 – What are sleep disorders and why they matter 3:12 – How common is excessive daytime sleepiness? 5:28 – What is narcolepsy and its main symptoms 6:55 – Sleep attacks and the danger of falling asleep while driving 8:04 – Type 1 narcolepsy: the orexin/hypocretin deficiency 10:25 – Is it autoimmune? What triggers it? 10:29 – How is narcolepsy diagnosed? 12:10 – Narcolepsy Type 2 explained 13:42 – What is cataplexy and REM sleep? 15:07 – Who gets narcolepsy (age & gender) 16:55 – Idiopathic hypersomnia: how it differs from narcolepsy 18:24 – Sleeping 9–11 hours and still exhausted 19:24 – Brain fog and “sleep drunkenness” 21:06 – Does coffee help these disorders? 22:39 – Xywav (low-sodium oxybate): how it works for both conditions 26:32 – Why the low-sodium version matters for heart health 28:56 – REMS program and why it’s a controlled substance 31:45 – Who is a candidate for Xywav? 35:33 – Lifestyle tips and support strategies 37:02 – Common misconceptions about these disorders 40:08 – Do you need a sleep study before treatment? 42:10 – Who can prescribe Xywav? 44:14 – How to find a sleep specialist near you 45:50 – Final message: “Sleepiness is red alert” Subscribe for more expert medical interviews! #Narcolepsy #IdiopathicHypersomnia #SleepDisorders #ExcessiveDaytimeSleepiness #Cataplexy #Xywav #SleepMedicine #BrainFog #Hypersomnia #NarcolepsyAwareness #SleepHealth #DoctorPodcasts #Cykiert #sleep

    Falling asleep while you're driving? Dangerous Sleep Disorders Many Doctors Miss: Narcolepsy Type 1 & 2 + Idiopathic Hypersomnia.
  5. Jul 30

    From Pain Crises to Freedom: How CASGEVY Gene DNA Editing is Changing Lives of Sickle Cell Patients.

    CRISPR gene editing is no longer science fiction — it’s an FDA-approved treatment transforming lives with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. In this episode of the DoctorPodcasts, host Dr. Robert Cykiert sits down with Dr. Akshay Sharma, Associate Member at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a leading expert in gene therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Dr. Sharma was involved in the clinical trials that led to the approval of Casgevy. Discover how a single DNA edit can raise fetal hemoglobin, stop painful crises, and potentially free patients from lifelong transfusions and organ damage. Learn the real differences between gene therapy and traditional bone marrow transplant, the full treatment timeline, risks (including busulfan chemotherapy), expansion to younger patients, and how AI could accelerate the next generation of cures. This is one of the most important medical breakthroughs of our time. Timeline / Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome 2:16 – What is Sickle Cell Disease? The Genetic Defect Explained 5:37 – Inheritance Pattern & How Many People Are Affected 7:04 – Sickle Cell Trait vs. Disease 7:50 – Historical Treatments: Supportive Care, Hydroxyurea & More 12:23 – Bone Marrow Transplant History (First Success at St. Jude in 1983) 13:27 – What is Beta-Thalassemia? 15:40 – How Casgevy Differs from Transfusions & Transplants 20:25 – How CRISPR Gene Editing Works (The Molecular Scissors) 25:48 – Clinical Trials, FDA Approval (Dec 2023) & Age Expansion 30:36 – Treating Young Children: Long-Term Outlook 34:54 – Full Treatment Timeline (9–12 Months) 37:12 – Role of AI in Future Gene Therapies 39:35 – Closing Thoughts #Casgevy, #CRISPR, #sickle #thalassemia, #gene #hemoglobin, #bonemarrowtransplant, , , , #Vertex #CRISPR #DNA #Doctorpodcasts #Cykiert Subscribe for more expert interviews on breakthrough medical treatments. Like, share, and comment with your questions!

    From Pain Crises to Freedom: How CASGEVY Gene DNA Editing is Changing Lives of Sickle Cell Patients.
  6. Jul 24

    LUMVOA: New Breakthrough FDA-Approved Biologic Drug Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

    🎬Welcome to Episode 157 of the DoctorPodcasts Show! In this episode, host Dr. Robert Cykiert interviews board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Amy Patel Jain, M.D. to discuss a condition affecting thousands of people every day: Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). As a co-investigator in pivotal clinical trials, Dr. Patel Jain shares her deep expertise on how TED impacts patients' eyes and quality of life. We dive into traditional surgical treatments like orbital decompression, the paradigm shift brought on by #Tepezza, and breaking news regarding the June 2026 FDA approval of a brand-new five-infusion targeted biologic treatment: #Lumvoa.If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of this autoimmune condition, this deep-dive interview offers the clinical insights and treatment options you need to know. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, LIKE, and REPOST to help us spread awareness!⏳ Video Timeline (Chapters) 0:00 — Introduction to Episode 157 & Guest Dr. Amy Patel Jain 2:02 — What is Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) and How Does it Affect the Eyes? 3:26 — TED vs. Graves' Disease: Can You Have TED Without an Active Thyroid Problem? 4:21 — What Causes TED? The Role of TSH and IGF-1R Receptors5:08 — Who is at Risk? Demographics, Genetics, and the Impact of Smoking 7:10 — How Many People in the USA Are Affected by TED? 7:24 — Types of TED: Acute vs. Chronic and Active vs. Inactive Inflammation 10:05 — How TED Affects Patient Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Daily Functioning 11:19 — Traditional TED Treatments: Steroids, Radiation, and Multi-Stage Surgery 13:25 — How Orbital Decompression Surgery Works (The "Ice Cream Cone" Analogy) 15:25 — The Impact of Tepezza: A Paradigm Shift in Medical Treatment 16:24 — Breaking News: How the New Drug Lumvoa Works (Mechanism of Action) 17:33 — Lumvoa vs. Tepezza: Comparing Infusion Times, Frequency, and Treatment Burden 18:35 — Clinical Results: How Quickly Do Patients See Results with Lumvoa? 19:13 — Why TED Causes Diplopia (Double Vision) & Asymmetric Muscle Expansion 20:39 — Main Side Effects and Clinical Considerations (Hypoglycemia, Hearing Changes, IBD) 22:19 — Who is the Ideal Candidate for Lumvoa & Navigating the Viridian Cares Program 24:18 — Will Biologics Reduce the Need for Severe Orbital Decompression Surgeries? 25:42 — Outro & Closing Remarks 🏷️ #ThyroidEyeDisease #TED #Lumvoa #Tepezza #GravesDisease #BulgingEyes #Ophthalmology #AutoimmuneDisease #DoubleVision #ThyroidAwareness #DoctorPodcastsShow #proptosis #exophthalmos Medical Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    LUMVOA: New Breakthrough FDA-Approved Biologic Drug Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
  7. Jul 18

    MRD & ctDNA Blood Tests Catch Cancer Recurrence Before MRI & CT Scans

    Can a simple blood test catch cancer recurrence months — or even years — before a scan would ever show it? Dr. Alan Tan, a board-certified medical oncologist and leading expert in genitourinary (GU) cancers — kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer — as well as melanoma, joins Dr. Robert Cykiert to break down Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing: what it is, how it works, and why it's changing how cancer is monitored and treated.Dr. Tan serves as Vice President of MRD Research and Clinical Strategy at Tempus AI, and is Associate Professor of Medicine and GU Oncology Lead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center / Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. He shares his hands-on clinical experience using the Personalis NeXT Personal test — including how it's helping detect recurrence at ultra-sensitive levels, guide treatment decisions, and potentially reduce unnecessary chemotherapy and immunotherapy toxicity for patients who are already cured.🔑 TOPICS COVERED:00:00 – Catching recurrence before scans show it00:38 – Welcome & episode introduction01:51 – Meet Dr. Alan Tan03:38 – What is MRD? What is ctDNA?06:19 – Why a "clear scan" doesn't mean cancer-free08:19 – How the blood test actually works11:57 – How long can/should you keep testing?15:31 – Which cancers benefit most right now (colon, lung, breast, bladder)20:37 – Does this work for prostate cancer?23:05 – Inside the Personalis NeXT Personal test28:29 – False negative rates and long-term monitoring33:28 – Dr. Tan's role at Tempus AI37:22 – What does the "AI" in Tempus actually mean?40:31 – Will scans eventually be replaced?42:43 – Are patients asking about this yet?👨‍⚕️ ABOUT THE GUEST:Dr. Alan Tan is a nationally recognized GU oncology expert with extensive experience in clinical trial design, biomarker development, immunotherapy combinations, and translational research.🎙️ Subscribe to the #DoctorPodcasts Show for more expert interviews breaking down complex medical topics in plain language.👍 Like, comment, and share if you learned something new — and let us know if you'd ask your own oncologist about MRD testing after watching!⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding any medical condition or treatment.#MRD #ctDNA #CancerRecurrence #CancerResearch #OncologyNews #LiquidBiopsy #PrecisionOncology #KidneyCancer #BladderCancer #ProstateCancer #TempusAI #CancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #MedicalPodcast #CancerSurvivor #GUCancer #ImmunotherapyResearch #PersonalizedMedicine #OncologyResearch

    MRD & ctDNA Blood Tests Catch Cancer Recurrence Before MRI & CT Scans
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

DoctorPodcasts: The leading physician-hosted video podcasts that inform, inspire, & build trust in health and medicine. Created, written, directed, produced & hosted by physician, Robert Cykiert, M.D.

You Might Also Like