Outperform Cancer

Marybeth Gilliam
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Monthly

Actionable, anti-cancer strategies found in peer-reviewed, scientific research to improve cancer outcomes.

  1. Jun 2

    A New Operating System for Cancer: How Sid Sijbrandij Is Outpacing an Evolving Disease

    A New Operating System for Cancer: How Sid Sijbrandij Is Outpacing an Evolving Disease Going “Founder Mode” — And What Patients Can Do to Take Control of Their Own Care What do you do when you’re told:“There’s nothing more we can do”? That’s the moment Sid Sijbrandij faced after completing standard of care for osteosarcoma—and seeing his cancer return. In this conversation, Sid shares how that moment forced a shift in thinking: from following a treatment plan to actively building a system to stay ahead of the disease. Drawing on his experience as Co-Founder of GitLab, Sid applies principles from software development—continuous feedback, iteration, and systems thinking—to cancer care. 🧠 In This Episode Sid shares how he shifted from following a treatment plan to actively building a strategy to stay ahead of his disease. We discuss: - Why he wishes he had focused earlier on tissue preservation and deeper testing - The limitations of how tumors are typically stored (and why it matters) - How cancer can be approached as a dynamic, evolving system - The role of continuous diagnostics, including ctDNA and immune monitoring - Why most patients don’t have a clear therapeutic plan beyond the next step - The real-world challenges of accessing your own tissue and data Sid also walks through how he began exploring combination and off-label therapies, including immunotherapy approaches designed to increase immune system response. ⚙️ Key Insights More data creates more optionsTissue quality and sequencing can shape future treatment possibilities. Cancer evolves—and treatment needs to keep up. Static, step-by-step approaches may not match the speed of the disease. The system isn’t built for this approach. Patients often face barriers around access, time, and medical liability. Risk looks different in advanced disease. For some patients, the risk of progression may outweigh treatment risks. AI is changing access to informationWhat once took months of research can now be explored in hours. 🔬 Looking Ahead Sid also shares his experience with a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine—a promising but early technology with a favorable safety profile and growing potential as sequencing and AI improve. 🚀 What Patients Can Do For those who want to take a more active role in their care, Sid suggests: - Asking about comprehensive testing and sequencing - Preserving and accessing tumor tissue whenever possible - Using AI tools to explore treatment options and questions - Seeking second opinions and broader expertise - Considering whether additional or combination approaches may be appropriate. He also emphasizes: This approach is not for everyone.It requires time, effort, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty. 🧭 Final Thought This episode isn’t about rejecting standard of care. It’s about what happens when patients need—or choose—to go further. Sid’s story highlights a shift: from following a plan→ to building a system. And from treating cancer as fixed→ to engaging with it as something that evolves. Timestamps 00:00 Episode Intro02:37 Meet Sid Sijbrandij09:51 What GitLab Teaches Us About Cancer Care13:54 The Tissue Hostage Problem18:39 Building a Therapeutic Ladder24:11 How AI Empowers Patients31:36 Future of Cancer Care Today37:45 Closing Thoughts PATIENT RESOURCE: Sijbrandij Foundation, Future of Cancer Care Today. A great article about Sid’s Story: https://centuryofbio.com/p/sid Sid’s personal website with links to all his healthcare information: https://sytse.com/ Even One Ventures (Sid’s Venture Capital company) invests in companies overcoming the barriers of cancer care: https://www.evenone.ventures/ If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access anti-cancer strategies. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outperformcancer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outperform-cancer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marybethgilliam/

    39 min

  2. May 14

    Can Broccoli Sprouts Fight Cancer? What 30 Years of Research Shows

    What You’ll Learn - What sulforaphane is and why it’s one of the most studied compounds in cancer research - Why broccoli sprouts contain up to 100x more sulforaphane than mature broccoli - How sulforaphane activates detoxification pathways like NRF2 and impacts inflammation - The evidence behind cancer prevention and epidemiology studies - How sulforaphane may enhance chemotherapy (chemosensitization) - Its potential role in cancer stem cells, metastasis, and recurrence - The difference between glucoraphanin vs. sulforaphane (and why it matters for absorption) - Supplements vs. whole foods: what patients need to know - Practical ways to grow, store, and use broccoli sprouts daily Key Takeaways - Sulforaphane is a bioactive compound found in cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli sprouts - It has been studied in hundreds of preclinical and over 100 clinical studies for its anti-cancer potential - It works across multiple cancer-related pathways including detoxification, inflammation, and cellular protection - Broccoli sprouts are one of the most effective and affordable ways to access sulforaphane - While not a cure, it may play a meaningful role in a multi-layered cancer strategy alongside standard care Actionable Insights - Add broccoli sprouts to your diet regularly (one of the simplest evidence-based strategies) - If considering supplements, understand bioavailability and dosing differences - Focus on stacking strategies: nutrition, exercise, and standard treatment - Prioritize consistency over intensity (small daily actions matter) - Discuss any supplement use with your healthcare team Visit www.outperformcancer.com for more anti-cancer strategies. Visit https://www.jedfahey.com for more information about Dr. Fahey’s research interests and a full list of his publications. Timestamps 00:00 Sulforaphane & Cancer: Why It Matters02:28 Anti-Cancer Research on Sulforaphane (Studies Explained)07:15 Dr. Jed Fahey: Johns Hopkins Sulforaphane Expert08:05 What Is Sulforaphane? Broccoli & Broccoli Sprouts11:21 How Sulforaphane Works: Detox, NRF2 & Cancer Pathways15:43 Sulforaphane Dosage: Food vs Supplements21:05 Sulforaphane Supplements: Are They Effective?24:42 Best Dose of Sulforaphane (Research-Based Range)26:56 Bioavailability: Myrosinase, Gut Microbiome & Absorption29:40 Broccoli Sprouts vs Supplements: Which Is Better?33:41 Where to Buy Broccoli Sprout Seeds (High Sulforaphane)37:04 Cancer Costs & Why Prevention Matters39:36 Diet & Cancer Prevention: What Studies Show42:14 Air Pollution, Detoxification & Sulforaphane Benefits45:39 50% Cancer Risk Reduction from Cruciferous Vegetables51:48 Can Sulforaphane Prevent Metastasis?54:46 Cancer Stem Cells, Dormancy & Recurrence Risk01:03:00 NRF2 & KEAP1: Is Sulforaphane Safe in Cancer?01:09:06 Why Cancer Nutrition Science Is Confusing01:13:54 Should You Eat Broccoli Sprouts? (Expert Answer)01:15:22 Sulforaphane + Cancer Treatment (Synergy Explained)01:17:19 Food Synergy: Broccoli, Quercetin & Genistein01:19:45 Bladder Cancer & Sulforaphane Research01:22:58 Detoxing Benzene & Environmental Toxins01:25:40 GLP-1 Weight Loss & Toxin Release (Why Detox Matters)01:29:05 Diet, Doctors & Cancer Nutrition Gaps01:31:30 Broccoli Sprouts: Practical Anti-Cancer Strategy01:33:53 Medical Disclaimer

    1h 34m
  3. The Cancer Test Too Many Patients Still Aren't Getting

    Apr 16

    The Cancer Test Too Many Patients Still Aren't Getting

    In this episode, Marybeth speaks with Dr. Nathan Fowler, Chief Medical Officer of BostonGene and former Professor of Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center, about why biomarker testing is helping turn personalized medicine from an idea into a reality. They discuss what biomarker testing, tumor sequencing, liquid biopsy, and ctDNA actually mean, why this information can be critical to choosing the right treatment, and why too many patients still are not being tested. Dr. Fowler explains why he believes biomarker testing should happen as early as possible, how patients can advocate for themselves, how tumor testing differs from inherited genetic testing, and when repeat testing may be needed. He also shares a remarkable story of a patient with advanced lymphoma whose biomarker matched an experimental therapy and led to a complete remission that has lasted more than a decade. Topics discussed: What biomarker-driven care actually means Why tumor sequencing can change treatment decisions The difference between tumor testing and genetic testing When liquid biopsy and ctDNA may be useful How biomarker testing can open clinical trial options Why testing should happen earlier in cancer care How BostonGene is using AI to improve precision oncology If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access life-saving information! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outperformcancer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outperform-cancer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marybethgilliam/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@marybethgilliam

    54 min
  4. 22 Years Metastatic: How Teri Pollastro Combined Standard Treatment, Cancer Vaccines & Self-Advocacy

    Feb 17

    22 Years Metastatic: How Teri Pollastro Combined Standard Treatment, Cancer Vaccines & Self-Advocacy

    Teri Pollastro shares how she combined standard of care treatment with bold, informed self-advocacy — and why that combination may have shaped her extraordinary 22-year survival after a stage 4 metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights a critical reality: Standard of care is foundational.But progress often requires patients willing to responsibly go beyond it. If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access life-saving information! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outperformcancer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outperform-cancer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marybethgilliam/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@marybethgilliam Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outperformcancer.bsky.social

    1h 4m
  5. Dr. Abby Overacre's Warning for Cancer Patients: Sucralose May Block Immunotherapy

    11/07/2025

    Dr. Abby Overacre's Warning for Cancer Patients: Sucralose May Block Immunotherapy

    What if something as small as the sweetener in your coffee could decide whether your cancer treatment works? In this episode, Dr. Abby Overacre, a microbiome and immunology researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, discusses her team’s new findings published in Cancer Discovery: the common artificial sweetener sucralose can undermine immunotherapy effectiveness by disrupting the gut microbiome and depleting immune-fueling amino acids like arginine. Even modest use—about three packets of Splenda per day—was associated with faster tumor growth and poorer progression-free survival in both preclinical models and cancer patients. Dr. Overacre explains how the microbiome links diet to immune response, why natural sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit appear safer, and how fiber-rich and fermented foods can support gut and immune health during treatment. She also shares emerging research into arginine and citrulline supplementation, fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), and how restoring microbial balance could improve outcomes across cancer types, including melanoma, lung, and liver metastases. Key takeaways: —Sucralose consumption can blunt immunotherapy response. —Gut microbiome diversity plays a pivotal role in cancer outcomes. —Fiber and fermented foods strengthen immune-microbiome synergy. —Arginine and citrulline may help restore immune cell metabolism. Patients can take concrete steps to protect their microbiome during therapy. “Just three packets of sucralose a day were enough to completely blunt immunotherapy response. Patients deserve to know this.” — Dr. Abby Overacre 🎧 Listen now and learn what every cancer patient on immunotherapy should know about artificial sweeteners. If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access life-saving information! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outperformcancer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outperform-cancer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marybethgilliam/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@marybethgilliam Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outperformcancer.bsky.social

    1h 9m
  6. Kristen Dahlgren on the Cancer Vaccine That’s Changing Lives

    06/04/2025

    Kristen Dahlgren on the Cancer Vaccine That’s Changing Lives

    When Kristen Dahlgren was diagnosed with breast cancer, she thought she’d seen it all as an NBC correspondent. But she quickly discovered a story no one was telling: the promise of therapeutic cancer vaccines. These revolutionary treatments are showing 10+ year survival in advanced breast cancer clinical trials, and similar mind blowing results for other cancers, yet most doctors—and patients—still don’t know they exist. In this inspiring and informative episode, Kristen shares her journey from diagnosis to advocacy, the science behind cancer vaccines, and how we can all play a role in bringing them to market faster. If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access life-saving information!

    50 min
  7. Are Cancer Vaccines the Breakthrough We've Been Waiting For? Dr. Nora Disis Explains

    05/07/2025

    Are Cancer Vaccines the Breakthrough We've Been Waiting For? Dr. Nora Disis Explains

    What if your own immune system could be trained to find and destroy cancer? In this uplifting episode, Dr. Nora Disis shares the exciting breakthroughs in cancer vaccines—and why there’s real hope for patients today and in the future. If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access life-saving information!

    1h 12m
  8. The Future of Cancer Radiation Treatment with Dr. Henry Park

    04/04/2025

    The Future of Cancer Radiation Treatment with Dr. Henry Park

    Leading radiation oncologist Dr. Henry Park—Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital— reveals how radiation can cure some cancers and be used to treat patients with multiple tumors. Learn which gender may respond better to radiation and how cutting-edge technology like RefleXion Scintix is changing the game by targeting multiple tumors in real time, even while patients breathe. This episode dives into what “curative intent” really means, the impact of genomics and immunotherapy on radiation outcomes, and why radiation is more precise—and powerful—than ever. If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access life-saving information!

    1h 15m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Actionable, anti-cancer strategies found in peer-reviewed, scientific research to improve cancer outcomes.

Information

  • Creator
    Marybeth Gilliam
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Outperform Cancer. All rights reserved. This podcast is protected by copyright under the laws of the United States and other countries. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Outperform Cancer, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to marybeth@outperformcancer.com, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator.” 560284
  • Show Website
    Outperform Cancer

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