CancerCast Weill Cornell Medicine

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, Annual Meeting brought together oncologists from around the world to share cutting-edge updates and scientific advancements. Every year, two of Weill Cornell Medicine’s top experts come together to discuss the latest research presented across both solid tumors and blood cancers as it pertains to patient care.

Guest: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Every child inherits a set of “germline” DNA from each of their biological parents. At times there are also mutations that are passed down. This differs from what are referred to as “somatic” mutations that are only present in cancer cells, but not in every cell in the body. Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of cancers. Knowing your family history and genetic makeup can help in understanding overall cancer risk, recommended screening and prevention strategies, as well as treatment approaches if diagnosed with cancer.



Guests: Ravi Sharaf, MD, MS, Director of Clinical Cancer Genetics at Weill Cornell Medicine



Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer care, including helping people to navigate treatment side effects. Many people like to dish out diet advice, but for cancer patients, there are unique considerations to be mindful of before, during, and after treatment. From sipping to snacking, registered oncology dietitians provide invaluable advice and recommendations to optimize health.

Guests: Emily Buchholtz, RD, CDN, CSO and Stephanie Roit, MS, RD, CDN, CSO; registered oncology dietitians at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States with an increasing number of new diagnoses under the age of 55. Screening guidelines continue to evolve in an effort to find these cancers at an early stage. New surgical advancements are increasingly less invasive, reducing recovery times and hospital stays.

Guest: Jeffrey Milsom, MD, colon and rectal cancer surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Dr. John Leonard shares his list of the 10 most interesting and impactful lymphoma and blood cancer abstracts to be presented at the 2022 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). This episode also features 5 “bonus” podcast-only abstract selections in addition to offering extra insight into one of this year’s plenary sessions.


Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, yet it receives far less research funding than other common cancers, in part due to the stigma surrounding this disease. However, smoking is not the only risk factor – many patients are diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked in their entire lives. Recent advancements in screening and treatment, including targeted therapies, have helped improve outcomes and quality of life.

Guest: Ashish Saxena, MD, PhD, hematologist and medical oncologist specializing in lung cancer and thoracic oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital