The Cracking Cancer Podcast

Dr. Concannon and the Patient Community
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Education

Join Dr. Kyle Concannon, an MD Anderson–trained cancer doctor and scientist, together with the patient community, as we break down the knowledge and cultural barriers between cancer patients and cancer providers. Cracking Cancer empowers listeners with clear, accessible insights into cancer care, treatment options, and the complex world of cancer. Here, academic experts (providers) and experiential experts (patients) come together to discuss critical topics and build a more informed, supportive cancer community. Join us as we crack the code to better communication, knowledge, and collaboration in the fight against cancer. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. The views expressed are those of the participants and not of their affiliated organizations.

  1. 5d ago

    Does Sugar Feed Cancer with Dr. Swanda. Episode 65.

    In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon sits down in person with science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, to tackle one of the most persistent and anxiety-inducing topics in oncology: Does sugar feed cancer? Rob and Kyle break down the biochemistry behind how the body processes carbohydrates, deconstruct online misconceptions, and address the real-world harm caused when cancer patients starve themselves of vital nutrition out of fear. Rob explains the Warburg Effect—a phenomenon where cancer cells preferentially use glucose via fast, anaerobic glycolysis to generate rapid cellular energy—and clarifies why cell culture findings in a Petri dish do not translate to human metabolism. Dr. Kyle discusses human glucose homeostasis, highlighting how the liver and muscles maintain steady blood sugar through gluconeogenesis and glycogen breakdown regardless of dietary intake. The hosts issue a stark warning against extreme restrictions that lead to cancer cachexia (muscle and weight wasting) and explain why, for patients without uncontrolled diabetes, enjoying food and maintaining caloric intake is far more vital than cutting out sugars.   Key Takeaways: The Warburg Effect Misconception The Body Regulates Blood Sugar Automatically The Danger of Cancer Cachexia When Sugar Does Matter (Uncontrolled Diabetes) A Calorie is a Calorie During Treatment   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Intro: Addressing the "Sugar Feeds Cancer" Myth 2:15 Biochemistry 101: Deconstructing the Warburg Effect 6:40 Blood Sugar Regulation: Why the Body Makes Its Own Glucose 11:50 Metabolic Syndromes vs. Direct Tumor Growth 16:20 The Real Danger: Malnourishment, Starvation, and Cachexia 21:10 Preclinical Mouse Models vs. Human Diets 28:30 Evaluating the Clinical Data: Why Ketogenic Studies Struggle 35:15 Restoring Quality of Life: Why You Should Eat Your Ice Cream   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

  2. Sep 17

    Inside Early Stage Cancer Research with Drs. Rob Swanda and Julio Sanchez. Episode 64.

    In this episode of Cracking Cancer, science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, is joined by glioblastoma researcher Dr. Julio Sanchez, a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA. Julio pulls back the curtain on early-stage cancer research, shedding light on the quiet, rigorous, and often high-failure world of preclinical science that takes place long before a new drug ever reaches a clinical trial. Julio details the transition from in vitro cell line work to complex in vivo mouse models, explaining why glioblastoma remains one of the most notoriously aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain cancers. He highlights his lab's recent publication in Cancer Research, which introduced next-generation, CRISPR-engineered mouse models that far better mirror human glioblastoma pathology and the tumor immune microenvironment compared to traditional cell lines developed in the 1970s. The pair also explore the rise of therapeutic mRNA vaccines and organoid platforms, and discuss why the scientific method is fundamentally a mindset built on resilience, critical thinking, and iterative problem-solving.   Key Takeaways: The In Vitro to In Vivo Pipeline Modernizing Glioblastoma Models Therapeutic vs. Preventative Vaccines The Promise of Organoid Platforms Resilience as a Core Metric   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: 00:00 Meet Rob and Julio 02:29 Inside the Lab Pipeline 03:03 Julio Research Focus 04:45 Teamwork in Science 07:42 Cell Lines Explained 11:41 Limits of In Vitro 15:31 From Cells to Mice 17:19 Better GBM Models 22:25 Immunocompetent Mice 25:42 Choosing Mouse Strains 28:07 Organoids as Bridge 31:12 Why Research Takes Time 36:56 Mechanisms and Rigor 40:01 Future of GBM Therapy 47:43 Science as Mindset 50:59 Resilience and Hope 53:36 Trust Science Outreach 57:13 Closing Thanks and Wrap   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

  3. Sep 10

    Clinical trials in colorectal cancer demystified with 5-time trial trial participant Bill Thach and specialist Dr. Christopher Lieu. Episode 63.

    In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by GI medical oncologist Dr. Chris Lieu (University of Colorado Cancer Center) and Stage IV neuroendocrine rectal cancer patient advocate Bill Thach. Bill brings an incredible, rare perspective—having navigated 11 lines of therapy and participated in 5 distinct clinical trials since his diagnosis in 2018. Dr. Lieu and Bill break down why clinical trials should be viewed as proactive options starting at diagnosis rather than as "last resorts." They demystify the multi-phase clinical trial pipeline, dispel common myths around "guinea pigs" or placebo controls, and highlight how trial participants gain access to FDA-approved therapies years ahead of the public. The panel also covers the essential role of comprehensive biomarker testing in colorectal and GI cancers—such as KRAS, DLL3, ATM, and Claudin—and highlights game-changing emerging modalities like Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Radieligand/Radiopharmaceutical therapies, and homegrown CAR-T cell trials.   Key Takeaways: Early Access Advantage Debunking the Placebo Myth The Three Essential Biomarker Questions Sequencing Strategy Matters Concierge Level of Monitoring   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Cracking Cancer 01:55 Bill’s Diagnosis Journey 05:42 When to Consider Trials 08:51 What Trials Really Are 14:07 Finding Trial Options 19:55 Second Opinions Matter 22:46 Trial Logistics and Tradeoffs 29:27 Trial Phases Explained 36:16 Choosing the Right Trial 39:25 Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer 49:05 Future Therapies on the Horizon 52:54 Final Advice and Wrap Up     To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

  4. Sep 3

    How Research Funding Really Works in Cancer Research with Dr. Cole Peters and Dr. Rob Swanda. Episode 62.

    In this episode of Cracking Cancer, science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, is joined by virologist and gene therapy researcher Dr. Cole Peters to pull back the curtain on the hidden mechanics of academic cancer funding in the United States. Dr. Peters walks listeners through the pipeline of National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) grants—from training awards to multi-year R01 research grants. He exposes the immense administrative burden and fierce competitiveness required to keep basic research labs alive. The conversation explores the critical distinction between basic research (discovering fundamental biological processes) and translational research (moving lab findings to clinical trials), illustrating how iconic breakthroughs like PCR testing, Keytruda (PD-1 inhibitors), and CRISPR gene editing were all born out of basic research that initially had no direct clinical mandate. Dr. Peters also breaks down recent 2025–2026 administrative policy changes regarding grant funding structures and political oversight of peer review. He provides a stark, first-hand account of how grant freezes, "brain drain," and sudden funding interruptions disrupt mouse models, dismantle research teams, and set scientific momentum back by years.   Key Takeaways: The Engine of American Innovation Basic vs. Translational Research The High Bar of Peer Review Policy Shifts in Grant Oversight The True Cost of Funding Delays   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Cracking Cancer 01:41 Why Early Funding Matters 02:11 How NIH Funding Works 04:13 What Makes a Strong Grant 11:01 Grant Success Rates and Competition 15:33 Why Basic Research Matters 18:34 Keytruda and PD-1 Origins 23:52 How Grants Get Awarded 27:35 Peer Review Changes and Risks 33:38 Funding Cuts Hit Labs 36:30 Brain Drain and Lost Momentum 46:54 Basic Research Breakthroughs PCR 50:30 State Funding and Local ROI 52:55 Get Involved and Closing   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

  5. Aug 27

    Do Statins Influence Cancer Outcomes with Dr. Rob Swanda and Samantha Murrell. Episode 61.

    In this solo episode of Cracking Cancer, patient advocate Samantha Murrell and science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, dive into an unexpected topic in integrative oncology: the potential anti-cancer properties of statins—the most widely prescribed class of cardiovascular medications in the world. Driven by digital discussions around drug repurposing (similar to their recent exploration of GLP-1s), Samantha and Rob explore how cholesterol-lowering drugs might influence oncogenic signaling pathways and complement standard cancer therapies. Rob breaks down the underlying biochemistry of statins, detailing how they block the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. This mechanism not only reduces bad LDL cholesterol production but also cuts off the synthesis of isoprenoid lipids. These lipids act as essential molecular anchors that help key oncogenic driver proteins—such as RAS and Rho—attach to cell membranes and send downstream growth signals. The hosts contrast lipophilic versus hydrophilic statins, evaluate retrospective survival data in breast and lung cancer cohorts, and emphasize the critical importance of checking for drug-drug interactions and genetic variants (like the SLCO1B1 transporter gene) before modifying any medication regimen.   Key Takeaways: Beyond Cholesterol Reduction The Lipophilic vs. Hydrophilic Difference Biomarker Overlaps (HER2 & EGFR) The Danger of Pharmacogenomic Toxicity Association Is Not Causation   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Want to read the papers disussed in this episode yourself? Links are below! https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11912801/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1933287423001630?utm_source=copilot.com https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12170056/     Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Mission 01:10 Why Statins and Cancer 02:01 Cholesterol and Statins 101 04:24 Other Cholesterol Drugs 06:50 Statins Bad Rap 12:06 Mevalonate Pathway and Cancer 15:13 HER2 EGFR Connections 18:34 What the Studies Show 27:37 Why Papers Say More Research 30:31 Drug Interactions and Dosing 34:04 Genetics and Statin Response 41:31 Wrap Up and Next Topics 42:29 Outro and Support the Show   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

  6. Aug 20

    What are trial exclusion criteria? Know before you go with Max Doppelt. Episode 60.

    In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by Max Doppelt, founder of Patient Data Vault, to tackle one of the most frustrating aspects of modern oncology: clinical trial exclusion criteria. Max shares the heartbreaking story of his mother, who was diagnosed with EGFR Exon 20 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). After weeks of agonizing screening to access a promising targeted trial, she was rejected over subtle CT scan findings that hinted at—but did not confirm—pneumonitis. That screening failure forced their family to travel to China to obtain a life-saving drug that was not yet accessible to her in the United States. Dr. Kyle and Max dissect the hidden mechanics of clinical trial design, explaining why trials are often risk-averse, hyper-rigorous experiments designed to isolate variables for FDA approval rather than accommodate real-world complexity. The panel exposes common pitfalls that screen-fail patients—from active brain metastases and strict ECOG performance scores to the "first-line trap," where receiving a single dose of standard chemotherapy permanently disqualifies a patient from frontline trials. They also address "time toxicity"—the dangerous weeks lost in administrative limbo while a patient's cancer progresses—and highlight how platforms like Patient Data Vault use AI to bring total protocol transparency to patients before they waste critical time.   Key Takeaways: The "First-Line" Trap ECOG Performance Status is Dynamic Brain Metastases Risk-Aversion The High Cost of "Time Toxicity" The US vs. EU Protocol Transparency Gap   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Cracking Cancer 00:59 Meet Max Doppelt 01:20 A Trial Rejection Story 04:36 Why Exclusion Criteria Exist 06:40 Pneumonitis Gray Areas 09:58 Common Trial Dealbreakers 11:04 Brain Mets and Delays 16:29 Lines of Therapy Trap 18:56 Finding Frontline Trials 23:59 ECOG Performance Status 34:25 Labs and Modifiable Factors 36:32 Screening Delays and Retesting 42:33 Protocol Design and Copy Paste 45:25 Transparency and AI Tools 55:12 Patient Support and Advocacy 59:37 Final Takeaways and Resources   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

  7. Aug 6

    Cancer Trial Prediction Markets Have Arrived with Samantha Murrell and Rob Swanda. Episode 59.

    The Ethics and Impacts of Clinical Trial Prediction Markets In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell and science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, to tackle an unforeseen intersection in modern medicine: the rise of prediction markets on clinical trial outcomes. The panel dissects the recent introduction of prediction markets for FDA regulatory approvals and Phase 3 trial endpoints—including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The team explores the severe moral and psychological ramifications of treating life-saving medical research like a sports wager. Samantha shares the distressing reality for cancer patients facing a Phase 3 trial, who may now see public financial markets actively "b*****g against" their treatment's success. Dr. Kyle and Rob analyze how these speculative markets risk introducing profound biases into clinical trial measurements, threatening patient enrollment, compromising investigator objectivity, and reducing complex biological discoveries down to binary, short-term financial wagers.   Key Takeaways: The Arrival of Clinical Trial Prediction Markets The Psychological Toll on Enrolled Patients Unconscious Bias in Scan Measurement Erosion of Scientific Nuance Ethical and Insider Trading Vulnerabilities   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: 00:00 B*****g On Trials 02:47 Patient Advocate Reaction 05:03 Hope And Harm 09:24 Endpoints Explained 11:25 How Trial Data Forms 12:40 Bias And Measurement 17:29 Insider Info Risks 25:01 Threats And Coercion 39:04 Negative Trials Still Help 47:57 Symptom Bias And Reporting 59:07 Better Things To B** On   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

  8. Jul 30

    What is stomach cancer? With Frank Blandon and Dr. Sam Klempner. Episode 58.

    In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by GI medical oncologist Dr. Sam Klempner (Mass General Brigham) and Stage IV gastric cancer patient advocate Frank Blandon. Frank shares his journey of navigating a diagnostic whirlwind—from being initially misdiagnosed with testicular cancer to finding that a "collapsed stomach" on CT scans hid the true primary tumor. Dr. Klempner breaks down the biology of gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers, explaining how chronic inflammation (from sources like H. pylori or Epstein-Barr Virus) can spark mutations. The panel explores the rapidly expanding biomarker landscape—including PD-L1, HER2, MSI/MMR, and Claudin 18.2—and why getting comprehensive testing upfront is vital for matching patients to modern immunotherapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and clinical trials. They also address the psychological hurdles of seeking a second opinion and why "stage is just a number" in an era of transformative treatments.   Key Takeaways: Vague Early Symptoms Lead to Delays The Four Essential Biomarkers EBV-Associated Gastric Cancer Managing "Time Toxicity" and Treatment Regimens Second Opinions Are Not Insults (MOST IMPORTANT)   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: (00:00) Meet The Guests (02:48) Frank Misdiagnosis Story (07:02) Symptoms And Early Clues (09:07) Risk Factors And Causes (12:03) EBV And Anemia Explained (14:49) Biomarkers That Guide Care (22:05) Frank Treatment Journey (24:48) Managing Side Effects (27:28) Stage Based Treatment Options (31:59) Trials And New Therapies (37:04) Hope From Research And ASCO (39:01) Support Groups And Advocacy (41:09) Second Opinions Matter (47:57) Final Advice And Wrap Up   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Join Dr. Kyle Concannon, an MD Anderson–trained cancer doctor and scientist, together with the patient community, as we break down the knowledge and cultural barriers between cancer patients and cancer providers. Cracking Cancer empowers listeners with clear, accessible insights into cancer care, treatment options, and the complex world of cancer. Here, academic experts (providers) and experiential experts (patients) come together to discuss critical topics and build a more informed, supportive cancer community. Join us as we crack the code to better communication, knowledge, and collaboration in the fight against cancer. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. The views expressed are those of the participants and not of their affiliated organizations.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Concannon and the Patient Community
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Cracking Cancer Podcast

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