On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research

City of Hope
  • 5.0 (26)
  • MEDICINE

Welcome to On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, your gateway to the latest in cancer care innovation. Hosted by Dr. Monty Pal, a medical oncologist and researcher at City of Hope, we’ll bring you inside one of the top 5 cancer research and treatment institutions in the U.S., where innovation and hope go hand-in-hand. Join Dr. Pal as he sits down with some of the world’s leading cancer experts as they explore some of the most pressing challenges and promising innovations in oncology today. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional, a curious researcher, or simply someone passionate about the fight against cancer, this podcast is your front row seat to hear about the discoveries defining the future of cancer care.

  1. 4D AGO

    Unlocking the Future of Cancer Care: Precision Medicine, AI and the Patient Voice with Dr. Stacy Gray

    In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Stacy Gray, M.D., A.M., Director of Clinical and Scientific Strategy and Vice President of System Strategy at City of Hope, joins Monty Pal, M.D., F.A.S.C.O. in an engaging discussion of how precision medicine and AI are transforming cancer care and why listening to patients is the key to it all.  Dr. Gray highlights City of Hope’s leadership in precision medicine, from expanded germline testing and the INSPIRE program to emerging early‑detection studies using whole‑body MRI and liquid biopsy. The episode dissects how system‑wide integration and new technologies can expand access to expert opinions, match patients to clinical trials and ensure high‑quality cancer care, regardless of a patient’s geographic location. Oncologists sometimes worry that sharing genomic results without concrete recommendations may increase patients’ anxiety. But as Dr. Gray notes, research shows that what patients want most is actionable information that helps them understand what comes next. Her work has helped catalyze innovations such as molecular tumor boards and large‑scale genomic programs that make testing more accessible and clinically meaningful.

    44 min

  2. FEB 10

    How Team Science Fuels Cancer Breakthroughs: A Conversation with Dr. Marcel van den Brink

    In the season 4 premiere of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Monty Pal, M.D., F.A.S.C.O., welcomes Marcel van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D., President of City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center, Chief Physician Executive and the Deana and Steve Campbell Physician Executive Distinguished Chair. From mentorship and team science to the intersection of clinical care, innovation and personal resilience, this episode offers a candid look at the experiences and values driving one of cancer research’s most impactful leaders. Together, they trace Dr. van den Brink’s remarkable journey from his early medical training in Holland—including formative mentorship under pioneering immunologists—to pivotal experiences that brought him to the U.S. and shaped his career as a physician-scientist. Van den Brink reflects on the challenges of navigating academic systems, the grit required during demanding residency years and the turning points that led him to leadership roles at premier cancer centers. The conversation highlights Dr. van den Brink’s groundbreaking scientific contributions, including discoveries that have advanced understanding of T cell biology, the thymus, immune recovery and the microbiome’s role in transplant outcomes. He discusses his philosophy of fostering open, collaborative research environments and the importance of rethinking traditional academic models to empower the next generation of scientists.

    57 min

  3. JAN 7

    How Mentorship Sparks Innovation: A Conversation with Dr. Wesley Yip

    In the season 3 finale episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Wesley Yip, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Department of Surgery at City of Hope. The duo explores Dr. Yip’s career journey sparked by an early inspiration in his father’s urology practice to the cutting-edge urological oncology and microbiome research he now leads.  The conversation delves into Dr. Yip’s innovative work investigating the role of the microbiome in kidney cancer, the rigorous protocols required for scientific discovery and the promise of microbiome modulation to improve patient outcomes. He discusses the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and building multidisciplinary teams, as well as the challenges and rewards of balancing clinical practice, research, and family life. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Yip reflects on the value of asking for help, the power of saying “no” to stay focused on long-term goals, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers. He shares advice for aspiring surgeon-scientists on embracing collaboration, seeking guidance, and pursuing personalized approaches at the edge of breakthrough. Follow Us: LinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

    35 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Bonus: The Future of Cancer Surgery: Innovations, AI and Remote Robotics

    This is an audience favorite episode. Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Yuman Fong, M.D., an internationally renowned surgical oncologist and Chair of Surgery at City of Hope, to explore the leading-edge innovations shaping the future of surgical oncology. Dr. Fong shares his incredible journey from studying medieval literature to being one of the first-ever surgeons to conduct surgery in space. They discuss the evolution of oncolytic viruses, the role of AI in cancer surgery, and how remote robotic surgical procedures are transforming patient care worldwide. Dr. Fong also shares  his insights on balancing an intense surgical career with family life, mentorship, and finding passions outside the operating room. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the future of cancer care, where groundbreaking science meets human connection. Subscribe via the links below to listen now. Follow Us LinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

    33 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    The Quest to Cure: Exploring the Latest Frontiers in Autoimmune Disease Treatment

    In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Enrique Montero, research professor within the Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, to discuss his global journey in immunology and the pioneering work underway at City of Hope. Dr. Montero shares how early clinical experiences with lupus inspired his lifelong mission to bridge basic science and clinical application, leading to innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.  The episode dives into the significance of the CD6 molecule on T cells - how its overexpression drives inflammation in conditions like type 1 diabetes and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The duo discusses the development of targeted monoclonal antibodies and a groundbreaking approach using genetically modified regulatory T cells—CAR Tregs—to modulate immune responses, aiming not just to control disease but to regenerate damaged tissue.  Dr. Montero shares early insights from the first-in-human clinical trial of CAR Tregs for GVHD, noting promising safety and signs of durable benefit in patients who had exhausted other treatment options.  Looking ahead, Dr. Montero envisions expanding this technology to tackle type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions, driven by a collective dream to move beyond symptom management toward true cures.   Follow Us:   LinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

    39 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    Translating Discovery: Shaping Tomorrow’s Prostate Cancer Therapies

    In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Tanya Dorff, professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and section chief of the Genitourinary Disease Program at City of Hope. Together they dive into Dorff’s pioneering work in immunotherapy for prostate cancer - from the challenges of moving treatments from bench to bedside, to the importance of collaborative team-science, and the role of deep biological correlates in informing future studies. Beyond her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Dorff reflects on mentorship, work-life balance, and the importance of supporting diversity of thought in academic medicine. She shares how creative pursuits help her recharge and offers advice for aspiring oncologists to pursue their passions and embrace bold leaps at the edge of breakthrough. Tune in to discover how clinical innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach are the secret sauce driving advances in cancer care. Follow Us: • LinkedIn @city-of-hope • X @cityofhope • Facebook @cityofhope • Instagram @cityofhope Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

    32 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Asking the Impossible: How Bold Questions are Unlocking Diabetes Biggest Breakthroughs

    From a small Sicilian town to the forefront of diabetes research, Dr. Pugliese’s story is one of relentless curiosity and hope. He shares how early family experiences and clinical frustrations inspired his lifelong mission to improve outcomes type 1 diabetes. The conversation delves into the role of viruses and the microbiome in triggering type 1 diabetes. Dr. Pugliese describes his leadership in the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD), which has enabled collaborative studies showing evidence of chronic viral infections in the pancreas and their potential contribution to disease onset. This episode also dissects how generous giving becomes the driving force behind groundbreaking research and scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Pugliese shares details of a bold, new nationwide clinical trial led by City of Hope, inspired by philanthropic support from the Wanek Family Project. The innovative trial will assess a combination of approved therapies to investigate ways to preserve insulin secretion and control the autoimmune process in newly diagnosed patients, aiming to accelerate progress toward a cure.  Tune in to discover how Dr. Pugliese’s translational diabetes research, collaborative spirit, and commitment to mentorship are driving breakthroughs in diabetes care.   Follow Us: • LinkedIn @city-of-hope • X @cityofhope • Facebook @cityofhope • Instagram @cityofhope Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

    51 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Movement as Medicine: The Science Reshaping Oncology

    In this episode of "On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research," host Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Lee Jones, Head of the Exercise Oncology Program in the Department of Medicine at City of Hope, to discuss how exercise science is helping reshape cancer treatment and care. Dr. Jones shares his journey from the UK to City of Hope, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in establishing exercise as a vital part of oncology research.   He explains how the field of exercise oncology has taken lessons from NASA and their work to prepare astronauts going to and coming back from space to improve outcomes for cancer patients throughout their treatment journey.  The episode explores how breast cancer studies lay the groundwork for integrating exercise into survivorship and treatment and they dive into landmark trials, such as the CHALLENGE study, which showed exercise can improve survival for colorectal cancer patients. Dr. Jones emphasizes the need for rigorous, drug-like trial designs to truly measure the impact of exercise interventions. He argues innovative approaches such as decentralized trials, using remote monitoring and home-based exercise equipment are critical to expand access and collect real-time data.  Dr. Jones shares a sneak peak of new studies launching in prostate cancer, high-risk populations, and collaborations with national research networks. His vision is to move beyond a cancer-cell focus, embracing holistic interventions that consider the patient’s physiology and environment.  Tune in to hear how City of Hope is pushing the boundaries of cancer research and care.  Visit On The Edge of Breakthrough to learn more. Follow Us:  LinkedIn @city-of-hopeX @cityofhopeFacebook @cityofhopeInstagram @cityofhopePresented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

    56 min
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Welcome to On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, your gateway to the latest in cancer care innovation. Hosted by Dr. Monty Pal, a medical oncologist and researcher at City of Hope, we’ll bring you inside one of the top 5 cancer research and treatment institutions in the U.S., where innovation and hope go hand-in-hand. Join Dr. Pal as he sits down with some of the world’s leading cancer experts as they explore some of the most pressing challenges and promising innovations in oncology today. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional, a curious researcher, or simply someone passionate about the fight against cancer, this podcast is your front row seat to hear about the discoveries defining the future of cancer care.

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