The Oncology Podcast

The Oncology Network
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

The Oncology Podcast including The Oncology Journal Club Podcast by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson; and Supportive Care Matters by Dr. Bogda Koczwara.Oncology News and Expert Analysis from a unique Australian viewpoint. Proudly brought to you by The Oncology Network. The Oncology Network are producers of digital resources that support busy oncology health professionals. For more information visit our website www.oncologynetwork.com.au.We also invite Healthcare Professionals to subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter and our Oncology Portal for free and exclusive resources at: www.oncologynetwork.com.au

  1. Aug 5

    The PBS Update August 2026

    Send us Fan Mail PBS listings can radically reshape practice and the August changes are all about precision. Rachael Babin from the Oncology Network sits down with Professor Craig Underhill to translate the latest Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) oncology and haematology listings into what clinicians actually need: who’s eligible, what the key trials show and what to watch for once the script is written.  We start with vorasidenib, newly listed for IDH mutant astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Alongside a powerful public advocacy story, we unpack the INDIGO phase 3 data and why a clear progression-free survival gain matters for patients facing long treatment journeys. We also get practical about toxicity, including fatigue and liver function abnormalities, and the reality that chronic low-grade side effects still require close monitoring and supportive care to keep people well on therapy.  Next, we move to selpercatinib for RET-mutated medullary thyroid cancer, a rare disease where “getting the target right” can be transformative. Craig talks us through the LIBRETTO-531 results, what “PFS not reached” signals, and why tolerability and discontinuation rates matter just as much as headline efficacy.  We then cover tafasitamab (anti-CD19) added to rituximab and lenalidomide for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, including day unit visit burden, neutropenia risk and the size of the benefit reported.  To close, we ask the bigger question: as targeted therapy and tumour-agnostic approvals increase, are we heading toward mutation specialists rather than tumour-type silos? If this helped you keep up with PBS oncology and haematology updates, please subscribe, share it with a colleague and leave a review so more clinicians can find us. Visit the Show Notes for links to the papers and other materials related to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes. Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

    The PBS Update August 2026

  2. Jul 30

    The OJC S4E6: HIPEC Hits a Wall, Beyond Curative vs Palliative + ctDNA After Metastasectomy

    Send us Fan Mail Negative trials matter. In this episode, the Oncology Journal Club team discuss research that challenges established practice, alongside thought-provoking papers exploring how we communicate treatment goals in the era of immunotherapy and precision oncology. Professor Chris Jackson reviews the PERISCOPE II trial, showing that adding gastrectomy, cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC to systemic therapy does not improve survival for patients with gastric cancer and limited peritoneal metastases, while substantially increasing treatment-related morbidity. Dr Kate Clarke examines the NeoSUMMIT-01 trial, which provides further evidence supporting perioperative PD-1 inhibition alongside chemotherapy for gastric and gastro-oesophageal cancers, with encouraging improvements in event-free and overall survival. Professor Craig Underhill leads a discussion on a JAMA Oncology viewpoint questioning whether the traditional "curative" versus "palliative" treatment framework remains fit for purpose in modern oncology, particularly as immunotherapy and targeted therapies create new patterns of long-term survival. The team also explores: Smoking cessation programmes that improve outcomes for patients with cancer New ctDNA data following colorectal liver metastasectomy Steroids to reduce morphine-induced nausea and vomiting Highlights from the ASCO Breakthrough meeting The Lancet Oncology Commission on the global cancer workforce crisis Tumour-agnostic therapies and the challenges of equitable implementation Five-year follow-up from TOPAZ-1 in advanced biliary tract cancer A comprehensive review of recent advances in prostate cancer The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network. Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information.

    The OJC S4E6: HIPEC Hits a Wall, Beyond Curative vs Palliative + ctDNA After Metastasectomy

  3. Jul 14

    The PBS Update July 2026

    Send us Fan Mail The July 2026 PBS update brings a number of important changes for oncology clinicians, with several new and expanded cancer medicine listings set to improve access to cancer treatments across breast, lung, blood and biliary tract cancers. In this episode, Rachael Babin and Professor Craig Underhill discuss the clinical significance of the latest Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme changes, including who is now eligible for treatment, what these listings mean for multidisciplinary care and why comprehensive biomarker testing continues to grow in importance. In this episode: PBS listing for pertuzumab (Perjeta®) in high-risk HER2-positive early breast cancer Listing of alectinib (Alecensa®) for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer Osimertinib (Tagrisso®) listing for EGFR-mutated unresectable Stage III NSCLC following chemoradiation First PBS listing of romidepsin (Romidepsin-Reach®) for relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphoma First PBS listing of futibatinib (Lytgobi®) for FGFR2-altered advanced cholangiocarcinoma What the new broad (multi-cancer) PBS listing principles for PD-(L)1 inhibitors could mean for future cancer drug fundingFollow The PBS Update for regular discussions on PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals. Visit the Show Notes for links to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes. Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

    The PBS Update July 2026

  4. Jul 6

    Making Cancer Care Smarter

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Episode 30 of The Oncology Podcast's Experts On Point series, brought to you by The Oncology Network. Hosted by Rachael Babin. What does it really take to make cancer care smarter? In this episode of Experts on Point, host Rachael Babin is joined by Associate Professor Jenny Liu and patient advocate Beth Ivimey to explore how precision oncology is reshaping not only cancer treatment but the way clinical trials are designed and delivered.  It's a conversation that we hope you will find inspiring - its about combining innovation with compassion—and  its a reminder that some of the biggest advances in oncology may come not only from scientific breakthroughs, but from building systems that put patients at the centre of every decision.  Drawing on both clinical expertise and lived experience, they discuss genomic testing, trial navigation, toxicity management, patient partnership and the challenges of ensuring the right patient reaches the right trial at the right time.  Together, they reflect on why the future of cancer research depends as much on smarter systems and meaningful collaboration as it does on scientific innovation. We hope you enjoy listening. For news and podcast updates subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter,  a free weekly publication for healthcare professionals with an interest in oncology. Click here to subscribe. PART OF THE ONCOLOGY NETWORK... Join Us

  5. Jun 30

    The PBS Update June 2026: Guest Prof John Zalcberg AO + acalabrutinib venetoclax listing

    Send us Fan Mail Join our Hosts Professor Craig Underhill and Rachael Babin to discuss the June 2026 PBS update including a new listing for fixed-duration acalabrutinib plus venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.  They also explore the growing challenges facing Australia's PBS, with special guest Professor John Zalcberg AO sharing his insights into delays in access to innovative cancer medicines, global pricing pressures, the impact of changing US drug policy and what reforms may be needed to ensure Australian patients continue to benefit from timely access to life-changing treatments. Follow PBS Update for regular discussions on PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals. Visit the Show Notes for links to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes. Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

    The PBS Update June 2026: Guest Prof John Zalcberg AO + acalabrutinib venetoclax listing

  6. Jun 13

    The OJC ASCO 2026 Special Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail S4E5 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast  The Oncology Journal Club team returns with Part 2 of its ASCO 2026 coverage, delivering a whirlwind tour through some of the most interesting studies presented across gastrointestinal, breast, lung, genitourinary, gynaecological, skin and haematological cancers. Craig Underhill, Kate Clarke and Christopher Jackson discuss emerging data on ctDNA-guided treatment strategies, exercise as adjuvant therapy, genomic testing in breast cancer, novel antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy advances, de-escalation studies and potential new standards of care. They also explore the growing role of precision medicine, evolving treatment sequencing strategies and the challenges facing the global oncology workforce. Along the way, expect the usual OJC banter, ASCO bingo, questionable drug pronunciations and a recurring tribute to Qantas pyjamas! The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information. And to download your bingo card if you'd like to play along with the team!

    The OJC ASCO 2026 Special Part 2

  7. Jun 9

    The OJC ASCO 2026 Special Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail S4E4 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast In this special ASCO 2026 edition of The Oncology Journal Club, Craig Underhill, Chris Jackson and Kate Clarke unpack some of the meeting’s most talked-about studies and discuss what they could mean for clinical practice. From the PROTEUS trial in high-risk prostate cancer and promising advances in RET fusion-positive lung cancer, to a rare sarcoma study demonstrating the potential of CDK4 inhibition, the team explores the data behind the headlines and highlights the challenges of translating trial results into real-world care. The episode also dives into what many are calling the breakthrough study of the meeting – the RESOLUTE-302 trial of daraxonrasib in previously treated pancreatic cancer. With a striking overall survival benefit in a disease that has seen few meaningful advances, the results sparked excitement throughout the oncology community. Along the way, the panel reflects on the atmosphere at ASCO, emerging trends in precision oncology, and how new therapeutic approaches such as KRAS inhibitors, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates are reshaping the future of cancer treatment. The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information. And to download your bingo card if you'd like to play along with the team!

    The OJC ASCO 2026 Special Part 1

  8. May 20

    S4E3 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast: ‘Mouthwatering’ RAS(ON), Bob Marley’s Melanoma, ADT Hot Flushes + Prostate Cancer Terminology

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Oncology Journal Club, the team cover one of the most talked-about pancreatic cancer papers of the year, unpacking the promising early results for daraxonrasib in previously treated RAS-mutated pancreatic cancer and the science behind new RAS(ON) therapeutics.  The team also discuss a fascinating phase II study of single-cycle neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in MMR-deficient colon cancer, new recommendations from the Prostate Cancer Working Group 4 and why the terminology we use in prostate cancer matters. Along the way, there’s discussion of Bob Marley’s acral melanoma, multidisciplinary lung cancer meetings, androgen receptor-positive TNBC, HER2-mutant lung cancer and whether oxybutynin could help men experiencing androgen deprivation-related hot flushes. The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information.

    S4E3 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast: ‘Mouthwatering’ RAS(ON), Bob Marley’s Melanoma, ADT Hot Flushes + Prostate Cancer Terminology
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Oncology Podcast including The Oncology Journal Club Podcast by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson; and Supportive Care Matters by Dr. Bogda Koczwara.Oncology News and Expert Analysis from a unique Australian viewpoint. Proudly brought to you by The Oncology Network. The Oncology Network are producers of digital resources that support busy oncology health professionals. For more information visit our website www.oncologynetwork.com.au.We also invite Healthcare Professionals to subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter and our Oncology Portal for free and exclusive resources at: www.oncologynetwork.com.au

Information

  • Creator
    The Oncology Network
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Oncology Network Pty Ltd
  • Show Website
    The Oncology Podcast

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