The Cracking Cancer Podcast

Dr. Concannon and the Patient Community

Join Dr. Kyle Concannon, an MD Anderson–trained cancer doctor and scientist, together with the patient community, as we break down the knowledge and cultural barriers between cancer patients and cancer providers. Cracking Cancer empowers listeners with clear, accessible insights into cancer care, treatment options, and the complex world of cancer. Here, academic experts (providers) and experiential experts (patients) come together to discuss critical topics and build a more informed, supportive cancer community. Join us as we crack the code to better communication, knowledge, and collaboration in the fight against cancer. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. The views expressed are those of the participants and not of their affiliated organizations.

  1. May 28

    Does Fenbendazole Target Cancer with Dr. Rob Swanda and Samantha Murrell. Episode 54.

    Deconstructing Fenbendazole: Scaffolding, Solvents, and the "Joe Tippens" Protocol In this highly requested follow-up to their Ivermectin discussion, host Dr. Kyle Concannon, patient advocate Samantha Murrell, and science communicator Rob Swanda, PhD, touch the hot stove of alternative oncology once again. This time, they dive deep into Fenbendazole (commonly called "Fenben"), an antiparasitic veterinary drug that has exploded in popularity across cancer forums due to the viral "Joe Tippens Protocol." Samantha opens up about her personal choice to take Fenbendazole secretly for eight months alongside conventional chemotherapy, providing an unfiltered look at the immense "what if" pressure patients face behind closed doors. The conversation shifts to rigorous biochemical scrutiny as Dr. Kyle and Rob break down what the drug actually does inside a petri dish and a living organism. They expose the fascinating irony of alternative health branding: while Fenbendazole is frequently marketed online as a "natural, holistic alternative to harsh toxins," it is completely synthetic. Conversely, the very chemotherapies it seeks to replace are the ones derived directly from nature. Moving step-by-step through peer-reviewed data, they analyze how this compound disrupts cellular architecture, why its therapeutic thresholds carry hidden toxicities, and how missing variables in animal models can obscure the difference between a true anti-tumor signal and a general cellular poison.   Key Takeaways: The Microtubule Mechanism (Chemo in Disguise) The P53 Gene Context The "Healthy Tissue" Toxicity Flaw Flawed Mouse Models & Missing Data Association vs. Causation   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    For more information on Fenbendazole, check out Rob's info-packed video below! https://youtu.be/DDVko6G84wo   Want to see the data yourself? Check out the actual papers below: Fenbendazole acts as a moderate microtubule destabilizing agent and causes cancer cell death by modulating multiple cellular pathways https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6085345/ Fenbendazole Exhibits Differential Anticancer Effects In Vitro and In Vivo in Models of Mouse Lymphoma https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/45/11/560    Chapters: (00:00) Why Fenbendazole Now (01:38) Samantha Tries Fenben (02:09) Joe Tippens Protocol Buzz (04:04) How She Took It (06:14) Social Pressure and Disclosure (08:23) What Fenbendazole Is (11:17) Microtubules and Cancer Logic (13:29) Natural Versus Synthetic Debate (17:25) Preclinical Evidence Deep Dive (19:31) Mouse Study Caveats (25:57) Safety Unknowns and Next Steps (30:39) Paper Rigor Check (31:42) Dose Response Reality (33:15) P53 Dependency Explained (38:25) Healthy Cell Toxicity (40:32) Missing Controls Bias (42:28) Second Study Lymphoma (44:42) Why Immune Free Mice (49:30) How Strong Is Evidence (54:38) Anecdotes Versus Causation (57:00) Mechanism Gaps Takeaways (59:33) Final Verdict Sign Off   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    1h 2m

  2. May 21

    Challenges of Rural Cancer Care with Zack Schroeder and J.J. Singleton. Episode 53.

    In this critical episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon reunites with co-host JJ Singleton and welcomes Zach Schroeder, a first-year intern at Wake Forest and the founder of the Rural Cancer Institute. Zach sharing his harrowing personal journey as a 21-year-old diagnosed with Stage III melanoma in a tiny Kansas town anchors the conversation. To receive life-saving surgeries and radiation at MD Anderson, Zach faced an 1100-mile round trip, waking up at 2:00 AM on treatment days to fly across state lines—all while balancing his junior year of college. The trio dives into the staggering statistics defining the "Rural Cancer Gap." They explore the reality that while cancer mortality is declining nationwide, urban survival rates are improving significantly faster than rural ones. From local hospital closures and severe screening shortages (like having only seven providers to perform colonoscopies across a 14-county region in western North Carolina) to systemic medical licensing laws that legally prohibit academic oncologists from billing for telehealth across state lines, this episode exposes the bureaucratic and geographic barriers holding back rural survival. But it also highlights a powerful cultural truth: the profound community support unique to small-town medicine, and how model frameworks like the "Rural Oncology Home" are blending high-tier academic decision-making with local, close-to-home infusion care.   Key Takeaways: The Widening Rural Mortality Gap The Telehealth "Billing Wall" The "Rural Oncology Home" Model Severe Screening Deserts The Sibling/Caregiver Strain   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: (00:00) Zach Melanoma Journey (08:16) JJ Colon Cancer Travel (10:34) Rural Care Barriers Data (16:35) Rural Cancer Gap Explained (20:45) Rural Oncology Home Model (25:18) Telehealth and Licensing (39:41) Isolation and Culture Shock (49:45) Solutions Training and Teams (53:20) Second Opinions and Support (56:22) Final Advice and Wrap   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    1h 1m

  3. May 14

    Does Ivermectin Target Cancer with Dr. Rob Swanda and Samantha Murrell. Episode 52.

    Touching the Hot Stove: The Truth About Ivermectin and Cancer In this high-stakes episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by patient advocate Samantha Morrell and biochemist Rob, PhD, to dissect the data behind the Ivermectin "miracle cure" narrative. Samantha candidly shares her personal experience with the drug, including the social pressure that led her to try it and the subsequent disease progression she experienced while on it. The conversation moves from social media anecdotes to the hard science of the petri dish. Rob explains the actual mechanism of Ivermectin as an antiparasitic and why the "cancer is a parasite" theory is biologically incorrect. They deconstruct the preclinical studies often cited by proponents, revealing a massive dosing gap: the concentrations required to kill cancer cells in a lab are 10 to 100 times higher than what the human body can safely tolerate. From the dangers of DMSO as a solvent to the ICU-level risks of high-dose toxicity, this episode provides a grounded, peer-reviewed reality check for patients navigating the "what if" pressure of alternative therapies.   Key Takeaways: The Dosing Disconnect Cancer is Not a Parasite The Danger of "False Hope" Time-Loss The "Immune Cold to Hot" Myth Repurposing vs. Folklore   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Want to learn more about Ivermectin? Watch Rob's quick explainer video in the link below! https://youtu.be/gpaowjmeiLc   Chapters: 00:00 Why Ivermectin Now 02:35 Samantha Tried It 04:55 Pressure and Regret 06:28 What Ivermectin Is 12:32 Why Trials Matter 20:31 Doses and Toxicity 29:47 Does It Kill Cells 34:31 DMSO As Alternative Therapy 38:26 Toxicity And Neuro Risks 43:18 Glutamate Cancer Metabolism 46:41 Why Petri Dish Misleads 51:29 If It Worked Pharma Would Pivot 53:36 Anecdotes And Missing Case Reports 55:41 Self Dosing And False Hope 57:44 Wrap Up And Key Takeaways   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    1 hr

  4. May 7

    Attending the American Association for Cancer Research National Meeting with Max Doppelt. Episode 51.

    Inside the "Scientific City": Navigating the AACR Conference with Max Doppelt In this episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon and patient advocate Max Doppelt pull back the curtain on one of the world's largest oncology events: the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting. While clinical conferences focus on what drugs work now, AACR is a massive "scientific city" dedicated to the deep biology and technological breakthroughs that will define cancer care three to five years from now. From navigating the half-mile-long San Diego Convention Center to decoding posters filled with PhD-level jargon, Kyle and Max share the "sneakers-on-the-ground" reality of attending a conference where patients make up less than 1% of the audience. They discuss the striking knowledge gap between basic scientists and clinicians, the overwhelming pharmaceutical presence, and why the most valuable moments often happen over eclectic dinners rather than in lecture halls. Whether you are a researcher looking for a similarity-search algorithm for posters or a patient searching for a "seed of hope," this conversation offers a roadmap for making sense of pure scientific chaos.   Key Takeaways: AACR is Preclinical, Not Clinical The "Half-Mile" Planning Rule Scientists Are Accessible The "Similarity Index" Need Networking is the Real Dividend   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: (00:00) Why AACR Matters (01:37) Conference Scale Tour (05:20) Planning and Navigating (08:41) Making Research Accessible (15:04) Patient Tracks and Lunch (16:10) Exon 20 and Relevance Gap (21:18) Basic Biology vs Clinic (27:57) Hope and Collaboration (30:51) AI for Smarter Networking (35:58) Best Moments and People (42:40) Booths and Home Base (44:11) Wrap Up and Next Year   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    45 min

  5. Apr 24

    What is Small Cell Cancer with Misty Shields and Matt Baker. Episode 50.

    Smashing the Stigma: New Hope and Breakthroughs in Small Cell Lung Cancer In this powerful episode, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by Matthew Baker, a never-smoker living with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and Dr. Misty Shields, a physician-scientist at Indiana University and founder of the "Small Cell Smashers." Together, they strip away the "Google-induced" terror of an SCLC diagnosis to reveal a rapidly changing clinical landscape. The conversation covers the grueling reality of standard "classic" chemotherapies, the emotional weight of radiation, and the traumatic side effects like ototoxicity (hearing loss) that Matt has navigated. Dr. Shields explains why small cell is uniquely "addicted to growth," making it highly sensitive to treatment but also prone to rapid resistance. However, the focus is on the future: the trio discusses the "transformative" rise of T-cell engagers (BiTEs), Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), and the controversial shift away from prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). It’s an episode about finding your "tribe," advocating for second opinions, and reclaiming hope in a field that is finally seeing its first major breakthroughs in decades.   Key Takeaways: The "Neuroendocrine" Factor The Platinum Standard The "Silent" Side Effect—Ototoxicity The PCI Controversy The New Era of BiTEs and ADCs   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: (00:00) Meet the Guests (04:32) What Small Cell Is (06:03) Staging Confusion Explained (08:03) Chemo and Radiation Reality (14:00) Radiation Process and Support (18:48) Side Effects and Safety Tips (21:56) Hair Loss and Hearing Loss (25:05) Caregivers and Not Burdening (32:22) Extensive Stage Treatment Basics (37:57) Second Opinions Self Advocacy (39:55) PCI Controversy Explained (50:15) Transformative Trials New Drugs (52:03) Biomarkers Personalized Therapy   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    59 min

  6. Apr 16

    What is radiation? With Dr. Tim Waxweiler and Bill Thach

    Demystifying Radiation: From "Adult Coloring" to Molecular Smart Drugs In this enlightening episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by academic radiation oncologist Dr. Tim Waxweiler and stage IV neuroendocrine patient Bill Thach. They strip away the "sci-fi" mystery surrounding radiation therapy, addressing common patient fears—such as "Am I radioactive?"—and explaining the meticulous physics behind modern treatment. The trio discusses the evolution of radiation from broad-beam "front-to-back" treatments to modern dose painting, where specialists use complex algorithms to steer energy toward tumors while sparing healthy organs. Bill shares his raw experience navigating 25 rounds of external radiation and the cutting-edge world of Radiopharmaceuticals (PRRT). Dr. Waxweiler breaks down the "Goldilocks" quest for the perfect dose, the nuances of Proton Therapy, and why staying physically active is the most powerful tool a patient has to combat radiation-induced fatigue. This episode is an essential guide for anyone facing a radiation referral, offering clarity on everything from simulation casts to the cumulative risks of diagnostic scans.   Key Takeaways: Radiation is "Targeted Energy" External Beam vs. Brachytherapy The Rise of Radiopharmaceuticals (PRRT) The Proton Therapy Debate The Cumulative "Radiation Bucket"   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: (00:00) Radiation Basics Explained (07:47) Planning and Beam Shaping (17:59) Why Not Radiate Everything (29:10) Risks of Repeat Radiation (33:18) Lutathera Side Effects (41:39) How Targeted Particles Work (52:05) Choosing Treatment Together (58:35) Advice for New Patients     To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    1h 4m

  7. Apr 9

    Cancer in Adolescence and Young Adults with Alison Silberman and JJ Singleton. Episode 48.

    Young, Sick, and Isolated: Navigating the AYA Cancer Crisis with Stupid Cancer In this vital episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by JJ Singleton, a colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed at age 27, and Alison Silberman, CEO of Stupid Cancer. They dive into the world of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer—defined as patients diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39. While cancer rates in younger adults are rising, the medical system remains largely tailored to older populations, leaving AYAs in a "clinical gap" between pediatrics and geriatrics. The trio discusses the profound isolation felt by young patients who don't see themselves reflected in oncology waiting rooms and the specific milestones—fertility, career building, and financial independence—that cancer abruptly derails. Alison highlights the work of Stupid Cancer in providing "hub and spoke" resources for this community, while JJ shares his journey from "stunted growth" and mental health struggles to finding a life-changing community. This episode is a call to action for providers to integrate psychosocial checklists into clinical care and a roadmap for young survivors to stop isolating and "say yes" to community.   Key Takeaways: The AYA "Clinical Gap" The rising Incidence is Real The "Burden" of the Stoic Male Psychosocial Checklists are Needed Stop the Isolation   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer  Chapters: (00:00) Why AYA Cancer Matters (02:41) Allison’s Advocacy Origin (03:35) JJ’s Diagnosis Story (13:43) Unique AYA Life Challenges (17:32) Fixing Care Communication Gaps (25:49) Family Planning After Cancer (27:53) Stupid Cancer Programs (37:21) AYA Biology and Trials (41:58) Defining AYA Care Standards (46:55) Finding Resources and Community   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    54 min

  8. Mar 26

    What is LMD / Leptomeningeal Disease with Laura Alder and Samantha Murrell. Episode 47.

    In this crucial episode of Cracking Cancer, host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell and world-renowned expert Dr. Laura Alder, a thoracic oncologist at Duke University. Together, they demystify Leptomeningeal Disease (LMD)—a condition where cancer cells spread to the thin layers of tissue (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. LMD is often considered "the scariest" diagnosis by patients because of its historic poor prognosis and the diagnostic difficulty it presents. The team explores why an MRI alone isn't always enough for a diagnosis, the "50/50" reality of lumbar punctures, and the revolutionary shift toward CSF genomic profiling. Dr. Alder highlights the "multi-disciplinary tumor board" approach to treatment, discussing everything from intrathecal chemotherapy via Ommaya reservoirs to the latest CNS-penetrant targeted therapies. This conversation moves past the fear to focus on the emerging tools and clinical trials that are offering new hope and extended quality of life for those facing LMD.   Key Takeaways: LMD vs. Brain Metastases The Diagnostic Challenge Know the Neurological Red Flags The "Blood-Brain Barrier" Hurdle Advocating for Inclusion   Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast) Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer    Chapters: (00:00) What Is LMD (06:51) Patient Fears And Misconceptions (14:08) Diagnosing LMD MRI And Spinal Tap (23:57) Timing Risk And Why It Happens (31:47) Targeted Drugs for CNS (37:43) CNS Patients Excluded (48:06) Prognosis and Urgency (53:05) CNS vs Spine Confusion   To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org   Attributions The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License   X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Dr. Kyle Concannon, an MD Anderson–trained cancer doctor and scientist, together with the patient community, as we break down the knowledge and cultural barriers between cancer patients and cancer providers. Cracking Cancer empowers listeners with clear, accessible insights into cancer care, treatment options, and the complex world of cancer. Here, academic experts (providers) and experiential experts (patients) come together to discuss critical topics and build a more informed, supportive cancer community. Join us as we crack the code to better communication, knowledge, and collaboration in the fight against cancer. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. The views expressed are those of the participants and not of their affiliated organizations.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Concannon and the Patient Community
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Cracking Cancer Podcast

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