CancerCast Weill Cornell Medicine

Pancreatic cancer can be a difficult cancer to diagnose and treat because symptoms don’t often appear until the disease is very advanced. New imaging techniques, personalized therapies and genetic knowledge are helping to change the landscape, as well as enabling families and loved ones to access better screening tools and technologies. Ongoing pancreatic cancer research is leading to continued advancements in the management and outcomes for patients and their families.

Guests: Despina Siolas, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and pancreatic cancer researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

The skeletal system keeps the body upright, but did you know that the bones play a number of pivotal roles in the body? From storing minerals to providing the home for new cell creation, the body’s bones are dynamic and critical to the body in various ways. When things go awry, deterioration, fractures, and pain can occur. Cancer and its treatments – especially those involving or disrupting hormonal systems – can have a big impact on bone health. Tune in for a breakdown of the bone-cancer connection.

Guest: Panagiota Andreopoulou, MD, an endocrinologist and bone health expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Dr. John Leonard shares his list of the 10 most interesting lymphoma-related abstracts to be presented at the 2023 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The ASH annual meeting brings together blood cancer experts from around the world to present the most exciting research in the field. This annual special episode features an in-depth look at this year’s cutting-edge research and also features 5 “bonus” podcast-only abstract selections. 


Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, Annual Meeting brought together oncologists from around the world to share cutting-edge updates and scientific advancements. Every year, two of Weill Cornell Medicine’s top experts come together to discuss the latest research presented across both solid tumors and blood cancers as it pertains to patient care.

Guest: Manish Shah, MD, Chief of Solid Tumor Service and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Every child inherits a set of “germline” DNA from each of their biological parents. At times there are also mutations that are passed down. This differs from what are referred to as “somatic” mutations that are only present in cancer cells, but not in every cell in the body. Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of cancers. Knowing your family history and genetic makeup can help in understanding overall cancer risk, recommended screening and prevention strategies, as well as treatment approaches if diagnosed with cancer.



Guests: Ravi Sharaf, MD, MS, Director of Clinical Cancer Genetics at Weill Cornell Medicine



Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer care, including helping people to navigate treatment side effects. Many people like to dish out diet advice, but for cancer patients, there are unique considerations to be mindful of before, during, and after treatment. From sipping to snacking, registered oncology dietitians provide invaluable advice and recommendations to optimize health.

Guests: Emily Buchholtz, RD, CDN, CSO and Stephanie Roit, MS, RD, CDN, CSO; registered oncology dietitians at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Host: John Leonard, MD, a leading hematologist and medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.