FLASCO OncoPod

Florida Society of Clinical Oncology
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED DAILY

The FLASCO OncoPod is a podcast series that brings you engaging interviews and conversations with oncology champions and thought leaders. Each episode explores important topics in cancer care, from the latest clinical advancements to FLASCO events and initiatives. Whether it’s discussing groundbreaking research, policy updates, or sharing personal stories from members, the OncoPod keeps oncology professionals informed and connected. It’s your go-to source for staying up-to-date on FLASCO’s efforts to support and strengthen the oncology community across Florida.

  1. Advancing Care in GI and Biliary Tract Cancers Series Episode 2: HER2 Testing in BTC and GEA

    2D AGO

    Advancing Care in GI and Biliary Tract Cancers Series Episode 2: HER2 Testing in BTC and GEA

    Join moderator Caroline DiCristo, PharmD, Associate Medical Director – Zanidatamab of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, alongside Dr. Paresh Patel and Dr. Masoumeh Ghayouri for the second installment of the Advancing Care in GI and Biliary Tract Cancers podcast series. This episode focuses on HER2 testing in biliary tract cancers (BTC) and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA), two GI malignancies where HER2 overexpression is increasingly recognized as an important biomarker for targeted therapy. HER2 has long been a key therapeutic target in breast cancer, but research now shows that HER2 overexpression occurs in up to 30 percent of biliary tract cancers and approximately 20 percent of gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas. As targeted treatment options expand, identifying HER2 status has become a critical step in guiding treatment decisions for patients with advanced disease. Testing Methods and Timing The discussion explores current guideline recommendations for HER2 testing and the importance of evaluating HER2 status early in the disease course for patients with advanced or metastatic BTC and GEA. Experts review the primary diagnostic methods used to determine HER2 expression: • Immunohistochemistry (IHC): A first-line test that evaluates HER2 protein overexpression in tumor cells. • Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH): Used to confirm HER2 gene amplification when IHC results are equivocal. • Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): A broader molecular profiling approach that can detect HER2 amplification along with additional actionable mutations. Challenges in GI HER2 Testing The episode also highlights several practical challenges associated with HER2 testing in GI malignancies. Tumor heterogeneity can lead to variation in HER2 expression between biopsy samples, making accurate tissue sampling and interpretation essential. Additionally, GI cancers follow distinct HER2 scoring guidelines compared with breast cancer, requiring specialized pathology expertise to ensure proper classification. Multidisciplinary Collaboration Dr. Patel and Dr. Ghayouri emphasize the importance of close collaboration between oncologists and pathologists when interpreting HER2 test results and determining appropriate treatment strategies. Communication between specialties, including tumor board discussions and repeat biopsies when necessary, helps ensure patients receive the most accurate diagnosis and access to targeted therapies when appropriate. Tune in for a discussion on the growing role of HER2 testing in GI cancers and how precision diagnostics and multidisciplinary care are shaping the future of treatment for patients with biliary tract cancers and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

    22 min
  2. Advancing Care in GI and Biliary Tract Cancers Series Episode 1: BTC Disease State and Patient Management; Importance of the MDT

    MAR 3

    Advancing Care in GI and Biliary Tract Cancers Series Episode 1: BTC Disease State and Patient Management; Importance of the MDT

    Join moderator Caroline DiCristo, PharmD, Associate Medical Director – Zanidatamab of Jazz Pharmaceuticals and GI Oncologist Dr. Umair Majeed of Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for the first installment of the Advancing Care in GI and Biliary Tract Cancers podcast series, focused on biliary tract cancers. The first in the series, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of biliary tract cancers, including intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, highlighting their rarity, evolving epidemiology, and complex biology. Dr. Majeed reviews key risk factors such as chronic liver inflammation, primary sclerosing cholangitis, viral hepatitis, gallstones, and metabolic-associated liver disease, emphasizing the importance of early suspicion and multidisciplinary awareness. Diagnosis & Staging Complexity: The discussion outlines the critical steps required to confirm diagnosis and stage disease accurately: • Imaging Workup: The role of CT chest, MRI abdomen, and PET imaging in determining resectability and metastatic spread. • Tissue Acquisition Challenges: Endoscopic approaches, biopsy considerations, and the importance of avoiding peritoneal violation in transplant-eligible hilar cholangiocarcinoma. • Tumor Markers: Use of CA 19-9 for monitoring disease trends. • Multidisciplinary Coordination: Collaboration among oncology, gastroenterology, surgery, radiology, pathology, and hepatology teams to optimize patient care. First-Line Treatment & Molecular Testing: Dr. Majeed discusses the current standard of care for metastatic disease, including chemoimmunotherapy based on the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials, and underscores the critical role of next-generation sequencing in identifying actionable mutations. HER2 as an Emerging Target: The episode also introduces HER2 as a clinically meaningful biomarker in biliary tract cancers, particularly in gallbladder and extrahepatic subtypes. Dr. Majeed reviews testing strategies, the importance of immunohistochemistry and confirmatory FISH testing, and emerging second-line HER2-directed therapies that may extend survival while offering chemotherapy-free intervals for appropriate patients. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the evolving diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of biliary tract cancers and the essential role of precision medicine and multidisciplinary collaboration in improving outcomes

    26 min
  3. Why First-Line Matters: Survival, Sequencing, and Support in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer

    FEB 20

    Why First-Line Matters: Survival, Sequencing, and Support in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer

    Join Dr. Edgardo Santos and Dr. Luis Raez for a practical discussion on first-line decision-making in EGFR-mutated lung cancer and how early treatment choices shape survival, sequencing, and patient experience. This episode explores why first-line therapy represents a critical window for long-term benefit, including the reality that many patients never reach later lines of treatment and the importance of early disease control. The speakers review guideline-supported first-line strategies, discuss how clinicians interpret survival and durability data, and examine the role of CNS disease as a key factor in treatment selection. The conversation also addresses real-world implementation considerations, including adverse event management, administration and dosing factors, and how early patient education can improve treatment adherence and experience. Learn how interdisciplinary care teams provide proactive support to help optimize outcomes in the first months of therapy. Tune in for key insights on optimizing first-line strategy and supporting patients from the start of therapy.

    29 min
  4. Beyond the Infusion Chair — Care Team Realities in mCRC

    11/12/2025

    Beyond the Infusion Chair — Care Team Realities in mCRC

    Join moderator Dr. Tiago Bianchi and an expert multidisciplinary panel, including Zilipah Cruz, MSN-RN, ONN-CG, Vanessa Sepulveda-Dominguez, RN, BSN, and Charlotte Martin, PharmD, for a deep dive into the essential non-clinical aspects of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) care. This episode explores the critical role of the entire oncology team in addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and supporting patient survivorship. Key Challenges & Team Coordination: The panel will discuss the reality of holistic patient support, drawing on survey findings: SDOH Screening Gaps: While 68% of clinicians report screening for SDOH, most are not using standardized tools, leading to inconsistent identification of patient needs.Support & Barriers: Despite 90% of teams reporting access to support resources (e.g., nurse navigation, pharmacy, social work), implementation varies. The top real-world barriers remain insurance, transportation, patient education, and cost.The Interdisciplinary Team: Hear how RNs, APPs, PharmDs, and Navigators coordinate care, from assessing SDOH to integrating screening into the EHR, to provide seamless support.Unique Survivorship Concerns: The conversation addresses the unique survivorship challenges faced by younger mCRC patients, including: Managing fertility and sexual health concerns.Facilitating the return to work and maintaining career stability.The importance of clear patient education, communication, and managing treatment expectations to improve long-term quality of life.Tune in for a vital discussion on how care teams move beyond clinical treatment to provide comprehensive, coordinated support for the whole mCRC patient.

    20 min
  5. The mCRC Journey Treatment Sequencing and Real-World Decisions

    11/12/2025

    The mCRC Journey Treatment Sequencing and Real-World Decisions

    The mCRC Journey: Treatment Sequencing and Real-World Decisions (Epi. 2) Join medical oncologists Dr. Tiago Bianchi and Dr. Raji Shameem for Episode 2 of our "Voices in Colorectal Cancer" Series as they navigate the complex, guideline-based, and real-world treatment landscape for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This episode delves into current practice, informed by key insights from a recent FLASCO survey: Molecular Profiling: The doctors confirm molecular profiling is widely adopted (86% of respondents test patients >90% of the time). However, they discuss persistent gaps related to insurance barriers and challenges with specimen quality.Sequencing Strategies: Explore the current NCCN mCRC treatment pathways and the variety in real-world sequencing decisions after initial chemotherapy. The discussion contrasts community versus academic approaches to later-line decision-making.New Horizons: Learn where biomarker-agnostic therapies fit into the mCRC journey and how novel treatments are integrated into existing protocols.Access & Trials: The doctors address common access issues, prior authorization, and payer challenges that complicate care. Finally, they discuss the critical—yet often delayed—process of clinical trial referral, highlighting timing and lack of awareness as the primary barriers.Tune in to understand the complexities of mCRC management, from biomarker testing to strategic sequencing and overcoming systemic access hurdles.

    18 min
  6. Younger, Later, Sicker — Changing Faces of Colorectal Cancer

    11/12/2025

    Younger, Later, Sicker — Changing Faces of Colorectal Cancer

    In this first episode of the "Voices in Colorectal Cancer" Series, medical oncologists Dr. Tiago Bianchi and Dr. Raji Shameem confront the dramatic shift in colorectal cancer (CRC) presentation, drawing on urgent, real-world data from a recent FLASCO survey. The Troubling Trend: Younger: 91% of clinicians report seeing more CRC cases in patients under age 50, mirroring incidence spikes in Florida and across the US.Later: More than half of all cases are presenting as late-stage at diagnosis—a major gap in current cancer care that severely impacts survival.Sicker: This late presentation means younger patients face more aggressive treatment and unique survivorship challenges, significantly affecting their quality of life, including financial and functional well-being.Addressing the Gaps: The doctors discuss the primary barriers driving these trends: lack of primary care relationships, payer issues, and patient education deficits. They highlight the critical need for: Updated screening practices and increased awareness among primary care providers.Targeted education and primary care partnerships to improve timely diagnosis and prevention.Tune in to understand why CRC is increasingly a disease of the young, the consequences of delayed diagnosis, and what the oncology community is doing to bridge the gaps in screening and prevention.

    17 min
  7. The Missing Treatment Layer: Daily Support That Improves Treatment Tolerance and Completion

    11/06/2025

    The Missing Treatment Layer: Daily Support That Improves Treatment Tolerance and Completion

    In this new OncoPod episode, Dr. Christopher R. Cogle (University of Florida) and Dr. Neil M. Iyengar (Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University) discuss an often-overlooked gap in oncology care - the absence of a structured, non-pharmaceutical treatment layer to help patients stay on therapy and recover stronger. Drawing on findings from the CHALLENGE trial (NEJM, 2025) and their clinical experience, the experts outline how daily lifestyle interventions in exercise, nutrition, and stress management can improve treatment tolerance, adherence, and even survival. They also explore why these evidence-based approaches have yet to become standard practice and how platforms like Complement 1 are operationalizing integrative oncology at scale, making these interventions accessible to patients beyond major academic centers.

    26 min
  8. Inside ESR1: How Mutation Testing Shapes Breast Cancer Care

    11/06/2025

    Inside ESR1: How Mutation Testing Shapes Breast Cancer Care

    In this episode, FLASCO leaders Maen Hussein, MD, and Wassim McHayleh, MD join the discussion to explore the evolving role of ESR1 mutation testing in metastatic breast cancer. They highlight how these mutations, both acquired and intrinsic, shape treatment decisions and influence patient outcomes. Drawing from real-world data and insights from FLASCO’s statewide survey, the conversation offers practical perspectives on current testing practices, clinical implications, and opportunities to improve personalized care for patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. This content has been created independently and solely by FLASCO. FLASCO would like to recognize our Elite Corporate Partner, Stemline Therapeutics, a Menarini company, for their partnership with FLASCO in advancing education and collaboration in oncology.

    18 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The FLASCO OncoPod is a podcast series that brings you engaging interviews and conversations with oncology champions and thought leaders. Each episode explores important topics in cancer care, from the latest clinical advancements to FLASCO events and initiatives. Whether it’s discussing groundbreaking research, policy updates, or sharing personal stories from members, the OncoPod keeps oncology professionals informed and connected. It’s your go-to source for staying up-to-date on FLASCO’s efforts to support and strengthen the oncology community across Florida.

Information

  • Creator
    Florida Society of Clinical Oncology
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    FLASCO OncoPod