Bench to Bedside

The University of Kansas Cancer Center
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The University of Kansas Cancer Center's podcast Bench to Bedside provides a glimpse into the latest research discoveries that are transforming cancer care. Join Roy Jensen, MD, vice chancellor and director of the cancer center, weekly to hear from the top experts in the field as well as patients and caregivers.

  1. 12/24/2025

    Clinical Pharmacology: The Science Behind Safer, Smarter Cancer Therapies

    In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, interviews Dr. Brent Sear, director of the Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource at KU Cancer Center. Brent shares his unique career journey into clinical pharmacology, the role of clinical pharmacology in advancing cancer therapies, and the critical work his team does in guiding clinical trials and personalizing cancer treatment. They also discuss emerging technologies and their potential impact on the future of cancer research. Tune in to learn more about the intricate processes that ensure safe and effective cancer therapies. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:06 Brent Sear's Journey into Cancer Research 03:21 Understanding Clinical Pharmacology 04:54 The Role of Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource 06:40 Importance of Precise Measurement in Cancer Treatment 08:40 Collaborative Projects and Scientific Insights 09:55 Advice for Aspiring Researchers 11:52 Future of Clinical Pharmacology in Cancer Research 13:33 Conclusion and Farewell Links from this Episode: ·       Learn more about the Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource at KU Cancer Center ·       Learn about Brent Sear, director of the Clinical Pharmacology Shared Resource ·       Learn about Shared Resources and Core Facilities at KU Cancer Center To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

    15 min
  2. Looking Ahead: Hope and the Future of Cancer Research

    12/10/2025

    Looking Ahead: Hope and the Future of Cancer Research

    In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, hosts Dr. Kristy Brown, a nationally recognized expert in cancer metabolism and hormone signaling. Dr. Brown discusses the latest breakthroughs in understanding the relationship between obesity, estrogen, and cancer, along with how these discoveries shape more effective treatments. She reflects on her career and shares moving accounts of patient interactions that fuel her research. The conversation delves into emerging opportunities in cancer treatment and prevention, the role of artificial intelligence in research, and offers advice for early-career scientists on making a meaningful impact. Dr. Brown expresses optimism for future cancer research advancements and the potential for improved patient outcomes. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic 00:28 Meet Dr. Kristy Brown: Expert in Cancer Metabolism 01:02 Optimism in Cancer Research: Key Developments 02:31 Proud Moments in Cancer Research 04:15 Obesity, Metabolism, and Cancer: Emerging Discoveries 06:10 Translational Research: From Lab to Clinic 09:08 Advice for Early Career Scientists 12:18 Hope for the Future: Personal Reflections 13:24 Conclusion and Resources Links from this Episode: ·       Learn more about Dr. Kristy Brown ·       Learn about Dr. Brown's research ·       Learn about cancer prevention at KU Cancer Center To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

    14 min
  3. It Takes a Village: The Power of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration in Cancer Research

    11/26/2025

    It Takes a Village: The Power of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration in Cancer Research

    In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen speaks with Dr. Anna Arthur and Dr. Gregory Gan about their innovative cross-disciplinary work at the intersection of nutrition and radiation oncology. They explore how their combined expertise leads to holistic cancer treatment approaches, focusing on the effects of diet, inflammation, and treatment response on patient outcomes. Both experts share their personal and professional journeys into their respective fields, the collaborative projects they have undertaken, and the way they integrate multidisciplinary insights into improving cancer care. They also highlight their efforts to mentor the next generation of researchers, underscoring the value of collaboration in scientific innovation. 00:00 Introduction to Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration 00:41 Meet the Experts: Dr. Anna Arthur and Dr. Gregory Gan 00:48 Journey into Their Respective Fields 02:02 Challenges and Realizations in Cancer Research 05:22 The Intersection of Nutrition and Radiation Oncology 10:28 Collaborative Projects and Their Impact 19:31 Mentoring the Next Generation of Researchers 23:14 Future Directions in Integrating Nutrition and Cancer Treatment 25:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links from this Episode: ·       Learn more about Dr. Anna Arthur ·       Learn about Dr. Gregory Gan ·       Learn about the Nutrition Shared Resource at the cancer center ·       Learn about head and neck cancer To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

    27 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    The Power of Patient Voices in Cancer Research

    In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, talks with Marilyn Mahan and Karl Frees, members of Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together (PIVOT) – KU Cancer Center's patient research advocacy group – and co-chairs of the PIVOT Educational Task Force. They discuss PIVOT, an initiative bringing patients, survivors, caregivers, and researchers together to enhance cancer research. Marilyn and Karl share how PIVOT integrates patient perspectives into research, the ways advocates collaborate with researchers, and the program's impact on studies and researcher motivation. Both guests recount their personal cancer journeys and their dedication to influencing cancer research to become more patient-centered and effective. They stress the importance of patient advocacy, the empowerment that comes with shared knowledge, and the future goals of expanding PIVOT's reach and impact. 00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside 00:18 What is PIVOT? 02:03 How PIVOT Advocates Collaborate with Researchers 04:15 Impact of Patient Involvement on Research 06:34 Personal Cancer Journeys 13:53 Future Goals for PIVOT 18:58 Encouraging Advocacy and Involvement 21:17 Conclusion and How to Get Involved Links from this Episode: ·       Learn more about PIVOT and how to join ·       Learn about Lynch Syndrome ·       Learn about oral cancer ·       Follow PIVOT on Instagram To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

    23 min
  5. There's No Place Like Home

    10/22/2025

    There's No Place Like Home

    In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, speaks with Dr. Ronald Chen, chair of Radiation Oncology and associate director for Community Outreach and Engagement at KU Cancer Center. Dr. Chen shares his personal and professional journey from growing up in Topeka to Harvard and a career on the East Coast and back to Kansas, focusing on his motivation to return home and how his work impacts rural communities. He discusses his efforts in cancer care, telehealth and clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of bringing skills back to Kansas to improve local healthcare. 00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside 00:47 Meet Dr. Ron Chen 01:33 Dr. Chen's Educational Journey 03:41 Returning to Kansas 05:40 Advice for Young Kansans 07:19 Midwest Reflections 09:50 Addressing Rural Healthcare Challenges 12:35 Community Engagement and Partnerships 14:46 Balancing Clinical Care and Research 17:02 Future of Cancer Care at KU 19:30 Conclusion and Farewell Links from this Episode: ·       Learn more about Dr. Ronald Chen ·       Read this Q&A with Dr. Chen focused on eliminating health disparities ·       Learn more about community outreach and engagement at KU Cancer Center ·       Read about the Masonic Cancer Alliance To ensure you get our latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

    20 min

  6. 10/01/2025

    The Science of Survivorship

    In this episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, is joined by Dr. Anthony Sung and Dr. Jennifer Klemp, leaders in cancer survivorship research. They discuss their personal motivations, the importance of comprehensive survivorship care starting from diagnosis, and the innovative programs and research efforts at the KU Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by cancer survivors, the need for individualized care, and the role of community support and research in improving survivor outcomes. The episode emphasizes KU Cancer Center's mission to become a national leader in patient-oriented survivorship care and research. 00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside 00:33 Exploring Cancer Survivorship 01:09 Personal Motivations in Cancer Research 04:21 Defining Cancer Survivorship 07:40 Vision for the KU Center for Survivorship and Patient Oriented Research 13:29 Future of Cancer Survivorship Research 26:45 Conclusion and Resources Links from this Episode: ·       Learn more about Dr. Anthony Sung ·       Learn more about Dr. Jennifer Klemp ·       Learn more about the KU Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

    28 min

  7. 09/17/2025

    This is Personal with Dr. Gary Doolittle

    In the season six premiere of the Bench to Bedside podcast, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, sits down with his friend and colleague Dr. Gary Doolittle, medical director of the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA) and melanoma expert. Dr. Doolittle shares his personal and professional experiences in oncology, including his own cancer diagnosis and how it has influenced his approach to patient care. They discuss the unique challenges rural communities face in accessing cancer treatment and the role initiatives like the Masonic Cancer Alliance and telemedicine play in improving care accessibility. Dr. Doolittle offers insights from his dual perspective as a physician and a cancer survivor, emphasizing the importance of empathy, swift patient management and building trust in healthcare systems. 00:00 Introduction to Bench to Bedside 00:33 Meet Dr. Gary Doolittle 01:29 Dr. Doolittle's Personal Cancer Journey 03:01 Impact on Patient Care 06:36 Challenges in Rural Cancer Care 12:59 Telemedicine and the MCA 18:50 Advice for Patients and Physicians 21:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links from this Episode: ·       Learn more about Dr. Gary Doolittle ·       Learn more about the Masonic Cancer Alliance ·       Learn more about the MCA's community outreach and engagement efforts For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center.

    23 min

  8. 06/11/2025

    Advancing Progress Against Brain Cancer with Cell Therapy

    In this episode of Bench to Bedside, Dr. Roy Jensen, vice chancellor and director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center, sits down with Dr. David Akhavan, a physician-scientist pioneering cell therapy research for brain cancer. Dr. Akhavan discusses the revolutionary potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in treating cancers like glioblastoma, the complexities involved and the innovative approaches his team is employing, such as smarter engineered T-cells and nanoparticles. Highlighting the collaboration within KU Cancer Center, Dr. Akhavan also shares personal insights into his motivation and the future of cancer treatment. Do you have questions about cancer? Call our Bench to Bedside Hotline at (913) 588-3880 or email us at benchtobedside@kumc.edu, and your comment or question may be shared on an upcoming episode! If you appreciated this episode, please share, rate, subscribe and leave a review. To ensure you get our latest updates, For the latest updates, follow us on the social media channel of your choice by searching for KU Cancer Center. Links from this Episode: Learn more about cell therapy at KU Cancer Center Learn more about brain cancer Read more about Dr. Akhavan's work on the KU Cancer Center blog, "Exploring Immunotherapy Treatments to Treat Brain Cancer" Learn about Head for the Cure Read how physician-scientists at KU Cancer Center bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic

    19 min
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4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The University of Kansas Cancer Center's podcast Bench to Bedside provides a glimpse into the latest research discoveries that are transforming cancer care. Join Roy Jensen, MD, vice chancellor and director of the cancer center, weekly to hear from the top experts in the field as well as patients and caregivers.

Information

  • Creator
    The University of Kansas Cancer Center
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Bench to Bedside