Oncology Insights with Petros Grivas

Petros Grivas
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

Cancer experts and scientists "Meet the Greek" – Fred Hutch Cancer Center's Dr. Petros Grivas – to discuss their work. This biweekly podcast explores the latest developments in cancer care and research. Dr. Grivas emphasizes the importance of learning from colleagues, engaging with patients, and fostering community partnerships. The podcast will feature diverse guests and cover a range of topics, including innovative treatments, clinical trials, and educational initiatives in oncology.

  1. Oct 13

    Keith Jerome on HSV research, cure efforts and the future of virology

    On this episode of Oncology Insights, Fred Hutch virologist Keith Jerome, MD, PhD joins Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO to discuss his decades-long pursuit of better ways to prevent, treat and ultimately cure viral infections including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Their conversation explores the biology of HSV, the barriers that have slowed progress in the field and the translational research required to turn bold scientific ideas into real-world therapies. One theme runs throughout the episode: the importance of taking more shots on goal. Despite infecting well over half the world's population, HSV has historically attracted less research attention and investment than many other diseases. Jerome argues that progress will require more scientists, more approaches and more opportunities to test promising ideas in parallel. Whether through gene editing, epigenetic silencing, vaccines or other emerging strategies, advancing the field depends on building a broader pipeline of potential solutions. Key topics Jerome's path from MD-PhD training and cancer research into virology, and how Fred Hutch's culture of challenging scientific dogma shaped his career. Early advances in viral diagnostics, including PCR-based monitoring of cytomegalovirus in transplant patients, and the importance of improving outcomes for immunocompromised people. Why HSV became a major focus of Jerome's research, including its lifelong persistence, recurrent disease burden and impact on vulnerable patients. The role stigma has played in limiting public discussion, funding and scientific momentum around HSV, and efforts to normalize conversations about the virus. The challenge of translating laboratory discoveries into therapies, where safety, efficacy and prioritization guide every step toward clinical trials. Emerging strategies for HSV control and cure, including gene editing, gene-drive concepts, epigenetic regulation and vaccines, and why the field needs more researchers pursuing multiple paths at once. Timestamps ·  00:00 – Introduction and Keith Jerome's path to Fred Hutch ·  01:28 – From cancer immunology to virology ·  04:22 – Building an infectious diseases program: CMV and beyond ·  07:14 – Challenging scientific dogma in cancer and infectious diseases ·  09:15 – Turning laboratory discoveries into clinical trials ·  13:56 – The foundations of HSV research ·  15:22 – HSV biology, persistence and the search for a cure ·  17:13 – Stigma, prevalence and why HSV needs more attention ·  22:22 – Funding, advocacy and community support ·  24:52 – Why HSV research needs more "shots on goal" ·  26:29 – Durable control versus cure ·  28:27 – Safety and the path to first-in-class cure trials ·  30:23 – Future strategies: gene editing, gene drives, epigenetic silencing and vaccines ·  32:26 – Closing thoughts

    Keith Jerome on HSV research, cure efforts and the future of virology

  2. Sep 29

    The future of lymphoma care with Dr. Ajay Gopal

    Host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO sits down with Ajay Gopal, MD, medical director of clinical research in hematologic malignancies and hematology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present and future of lymphoma care. They cover how clinical trials are changing treatment duration, how translational science is helping overcome immunotherapy resistance and why bringing research closer to patients matters. Key topics A career shaped by lymphoma research, mentorship and immunotherapy Using clinical trials to deliver more personalized care ctDNA, bispecific antibodies and the next generation of lymphoma treatments Tackling treatment resistance through translational science Expanding access to research and outpatient cancer care AI's potential to accelerate discovery and trial matching The future of lymphoma treatment: more cures with less therapy Leadership lessons and a tribute to mentor Oliver Press Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Ajay Gopal (01:05) How fellowship in 1997 led to a lifelong focus on lymphoma and immunotherapy (02:49) Why clinical research starts with unmet patient need (03:41) Intensifying curative regimens for aggressive lymphomas (05:02) Using ctDNA to de-escalate chemotherapy duration (06:37) Translational strategies to overcome checkpoint inhibitor resistance (08:17) Low-dose bispecific antibody therapy and immune correlates (10:59) Getting comfortable with bispecifics in community practice (13:10) The mission of scientific review at an NCI-designated cancer center (14:35) Bringing trials to community sites like Northwest Hospital (16:38) The move toward outpatient-first care and the role of the ACE clinic (18:58) The future of aggressive and indolent lymphoma treatment (21:41) How AI could support trial matching and research hypothesis generation (24:13) Leadership lessons: humility, mentorship, and leading from behind (25:52) What Oliver Press meant as a mentor and role model

    The future of lymphoma care with Dr. Ajay Gopal

  3. Sep 15

    Prostate Cancer Genetics, Germline Testing and Expanding Access with Dr. Heather Cheng

    In this episode, host Petros Grivas MD, PhD, FASCO speaks with Heather Cheng, MD, PhD, professor at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington and director of the genetics program at Fred Hutch. They discuss how germline and tumor testing inform cancer care, the growing role of telehealth in expanding access to genetics services, and efforts to ensure more people with metastatic prostate cancer can benefit from testing and counseling. Key topics Dr. Cheng's path from physician-scientist to cancer genetics leader How genetics became a focus of her prostate cancer research and care The value of multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care Expanding access through telehealth and at-home testing Evolving approaches to genetic counseling and education Understanding germline testing vs. tumor testing How clinicians interpret variants of uncertain significance (VUS) Closing gaps in access to genetic testing through research and outreach Why genetic information matters for treatment decisions and family health Timestamps 00:01 Introduction and Dr. Cheng's background 01:09 Training, oncology, and genetics 03:03 A patient experience that shaped her career 04:25 Broadening the reach of cancer genetics 07:20 Multidisciplinary cancer care 08:40 Telehealth and remote genetic testing 11:08 Modernizing genetic counseling 15:46 Germline vs. tumor testing 20:17 Interpreting genetic test results 23:17 The GENTleMEN study and expanding access 26:37 Identifying patients who may be missing testing opportunities 28:27 Bringing access innovations into routine care 31:20 Looking ahead: progress, partnership, and patient care

    Prostate Cancer Genetics, Germline Testing and Expanding Access with Dr. Heather Cheng

  4. Sep 1

    Thoracic oncology, veterans' cancer care and educating the next generation | Dr. Molly Tokaz

    On this episode of Oncology Insights, Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO welcomes Molly Tokaz, MD, an assistant professor Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington. They discuss her path to medicine, her work in thoracic oncology and the unique clinical and research partnerships connecting Fred Hutch Cancer Center, UW Medicine, Harborview Medical Center and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Key takeaways Dr. Tokaz shares how an unconventional path, and inspiration from her father, led her to a career in oncology The rapid evolution of thoracic oncology, including advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapy and supportive care Collaborative training and research environment across Fred Hutch, UW Medicine, Harborview and the VA The VA's role in cancer research, including opportunities to leverage large-scale clinical data and national collaborations Emerging approaches in lung cancer, from optimized immunotherapy dosing to cellular therapies, antibody-drug conjugates and cancer vaccines The importance of oncology education through her work as co-director of the Comprehensive Oncology Review Course Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Meet the Greek and introduction to Dr. Molly Tokaz 02:04 - A circuitous path into medicine and oncology 03:01 - Choosing thoracic oncology as a career focus 05:23 - Why fellowship at Fred Hutch, UW, Harborview, and the VA stands out 08:38 - The transition from fellow to attending 09:34 - Building national collaborations through the VA thoracic oncology network 12:01 - What makes VA oncology care unique for veterans 14:28 - Using VA data for retrospective research and clinical trial emulation 15:49 - Rethinking dose strategies: from maximum tolerated to minimum efficacious dose 19:44 - Pacific Northwest patient mix and the opportunity for representative research 20:41 - Decentralized trials, central IRB models, and national recruitment 23:59 - Taking on the Comprehensive Oncology Review Course 25:14 - Why CORC helps clinicians translate fast-moving evidence into practice 27:14 - The value of community oncologists and shared learning 29:18 - What's next in lung cancer: cellular therapeutics and immunologic strategies 31:34 - Closing reflections on mentorship, collaboration, and the future

    Thoracic oncology, veterans' cancer care and educating the next generation | Dr. Molly Tokaz

  5. Aug 18

    Head & Neck Cancer: Research, Teamwork & the Future of Care | Dr. Brittany Barber

    In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO interviews Brittany Barber, MD, MSc, FRCSC, associate professor, division leader and fellowship director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and UW Medicine. Key topics Barber's career path from training in Canada to New York, and ultimately Seattle, where she joined Fred Hutch nearly nine years ago. Why head and neck cancers present unique challenges because they can affect communication, eating, appearance and quality of life. The value of multidisciplinary care throughout the patient journey, from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgery and recovery. How specialized expertise in head and neck anatomy helps surgeons treat a wide range of cancers and complex conditions. HPV-related head and neck cancers, the importance of vaccination and why incidence rates are expected to continue rising in the coming years. The unexplained increase in lateral and anterior tongue cancers among younger women without a history of smoking, and why researchers do not believe these cancers are HPV-related. Research exploring oral cavity cancer risk factors, including diet, sugary beverages and global epidemiology trends. Studies examining bacterial burden and its potential relationship to tumor biology, pathology findings and response to immunotherapy. How fellowship training helps prepare the next generation of clinicians, researchers and leaders in cancer care. Barber's approach to leadership, centered on listening, removing barriers and advancing excellence in patient care, research and education. Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing Dr. Brittany Barber and her leadership roles in head and neck surgical oncology 00:55 - Dr. Barber's path from Canada to Seattle and landing her dream job 02:22 - Why head and neck cancer care is deeply meaningful and clinically complex 03:21 - Surgery and oncology as a team sport, in the OR and across disciplines 04:26 - How a strong collegial culture improves patient care and family experience 05:29 - Managing the wide range of head and neck cancer types through anatomy and teamwork 07:23 - HPV vaccination and the continuing rise in HPV related cancer incidence 07:56 - The unexplained increase in tongue cancers in young non-smoking women 09:08 - Possible non-HPV explanations, including diet, exposures, and toxins 10:13 - Research on early onset oral cavity cancer and global epidemiology 11:38 - Sugary beverages, diet quality, and oral cavity cancer risk in women 12:31 - Bacterial burden, histopathology, and possible links to immunotherapy response 14:45 - Why fellowship training is rewarding and how trainees carry the field forward 17:44 - Collaboration with community colleagues across a huge geographic region 18:13 - Tumor board consultations that help patients avoid unnecessary travel 20:33 - Rare cancers, high-volume experience, and why this setting drives research 21:52 - The role of nursing, support staff, and professional curiosity in making the work possible

    Head & Neck Cancer: Research, Teamwork & the Future of Care | Dr. Brittany Barber

  6. Aug 4

    Exploring Advances in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With Dr. Ryan Cassaday

    In this episode, Ryan Cassaday, MD, a leukemia researcher and physician at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, discusses his path to oncology, recent advances in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, and the importance of clinical trials and community partnerships. Listen to learn how emerging therapies and innovative research are helping improve outcomes and expand access to care for patients with ALL. Key topics Cassaday's career path and what inspired his interest in oncology and blood cancers His research at Fred Hutch focused on novel immunotherapy- and chemotherapy-based approaches for ALL The impact of bispecific T-cell engager therapies, including blinatumomab, and the potential of new formulations Innovative clinical trial designs, including dose-adjusted EPOCH combined with monoclonal antibody therapies The role of community partnerships in caring for patients with complex leukemia diagnoses Opportunities and challenges in coordinating inpatient and outpatient leukemia care across large geographic regions Fred Hutch's leadership in cellular therapies, stem cell transplantation and care for patients from around the world Future directions in ALL treatment aimed at improving cure rates while reducing treatment-related burden Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Ryan Cassaday and his work in leukemia research 00:29 – Cassaday's background and journey into oncology 01:12 – Early influences and interest in blood cancers 01:57 – Why he chose to join Fred Hutch and the Seattle research community 04:46 – International collaborations and caring for patients from around the world 05:32 – Building clinical research programs for adults with ALL at Fred Hutch 06:07 – The rise of immunotherapy for ALL and its impact on clinical research 07:00 – Developing data infrastructure to support research and new treatments 08:43 – Current clinical trials, including studies of new blinatumomab formulations 09:20 – How new formulations could change treatment delivery and patient experience 11:11 – The potential impact of ongoing trials on future standards of care 11:47 – Community engagement and collaboration in complex leukemia care 15:38 – Coordinating care across inpatient and outpatient settings 20:32 – Managing treatment across large geographic regions and partnering with local oncologists 23:23 – Fred Hutch's legacy in stem cell transplantation and global patient care 25:05 – Future goals for improving cure rates and expanding outpatient treatment options 26:36 – Closing thoughts on the progress and promise of ALL research and care

    Exploring Advances in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With Dr. Ryan Cassaday

  7. Jul 20

    The Future of Proton Therapy: Clinical Advances, AI, and Precision Radiation Oncology with Dr. Annemarie Shepherd

    In this episode, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO welcomes Annemarie Shepherd, MD, the medical director of Fred Hutch Cancer Center – Proton Therapy, to discuss the revolutionary field of proton therapy and its advancements. They explore the technology, clinical trials, patient-centered care, collaboration and the future of radiation oncology. Key Topics: Shepherd's journey from the Northeast to Fred Hutch and her move to Seattle Overview of Fred Hutch Proton Therapy's technology and unique regional role Advancements in proton therapy technology such as pencil beam and machine upgrades Current and upcoming clinical trials: leptomeningeal disease treatment and hippocampal sparing in craniospinal radiation National registry efforts through the Proton Collaborative Group Collaboration with community healthcare providers for patient access Future directions in radiation oncology: precision, integration with systemic therapies, and benign conditions The interdisciplinary nature of thoracic oncology and team collaboration at Fred Hutch Integration of artificial intelligence in radiation planning Leadership insights: active listening and advocacy during organizational change Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:25 - Annemarie Shepherd's background and journey to Fred Hutch 01:21 - Experience with proton centers in the Northeast and her move to Seattle 02:54 - Overview of the Proton Center and regional significance 03:59 - Technological advancements in proton therapy at Fred Hutch 07:16 - Center operating hours and machine maintenance 09:36 - Insights into the proton therapy treatment environment 10:08 - Current clinical trials focusing on leptomeningeal disease and hippocampal sparing 13:20 - The national registry and collaborative efforts for research 13:53 - Community outreach, referrals, and improving access 16:19 - Future of radiation oncology: precision, adaptive therapy, and integration 18:45 - Exploring radiation therapy for benign conditions 19:15 - Interdisciplinary collaboration at Fred Hutch 21:35 - Role of AI in radiation therapy workflows 24:19 - Leadership tips and active listening

    The Future of Proton Therapy: Clinical Advances, AI, and Precision Radiation Oncology with Dr. Annemarie Shepherd

  8. Jun 30

    Inside Sarcoma Care: New Therapies, Clinical Trials & Team-Based Treatment

    In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, host Petros Grivas MD, PhD, FASCO, sits down with Lara Davis, MD, head of the Sarcoma Program at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, to discuss the latest treatment advances for sarcomas, ongoing clinical trials, multidisciplinary care and the importance of working with community oncologists to improve patient outcomes. Timestamps: 00:07 - Introduction to Dr. Lara Davis and her role at Fred Hutch 05:58 - Overview of the diverse sarcoma types and diagnostic challenges 06:27 - The rarity of individual sarcoma subtypes despite their collective importance 08:41 - The value of multidisciplinary teams in sarcoma care 11:33 - Germline mutations associated with sarcoma risk, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome 13:27 - Outpatient vs inpatient chemotherapy management 16:56 - Exciting clinical trials at Fred Hutch, including the ASCO sarcoma plenary  17:54 - Innovative trial combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with radiation for liposarcoma 21:36 - Collaboration with community practices to ensure patient access 25:57 - Future vision: biomarkers, targeted therapies, and advancing sarcoma care 28:48 - The potential of immunotherapy and CAR T-cell approaches in sarcoma 32:07 - Closing remarks and future prospects for sarcoma research Resources & Links: Dr. Lara Davis: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/lara-davis.html Dr. Petros Grivas: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/provider-directory/petros-grivas.html

    Inside Sarcoma Care: New Therapies, Clinical Trials & Team-Based Treatment
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Cancer experts and scientists "Meet the Greek" – Fred Hutch Cancer Center's Dr. Petros Grivas – to discuss their work. This biweekly podcast explores the latest developments in cancer care and research. Dr. Grivas emphasizes the importance of learning from colleagues, engaging with patients, and fostering community partnerships. The podcast will feature diverse guests and cover a range of topics, including innovative treatments, clinical trials, and educational initiatives in oncology.

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