Cancerwise Podcast

Many chemotherapy patients experience changes in their thinking or cognitive function during or after cancer treatment, including brain fog or cloudiness or difficulty concentrating. Neuropsychologist Jeffrey Wefel, Ph.D. and neuroscience researcher Yuan Pan, Ph.D., discuss the symptoms and signs of chemobrain, as well as research advancements that could lead to new treatments.

Recently diagnosed with cancer? UT MD Anderson genitourinary medical oncologist Craig Kovitz, M.D., and UT MD Anderson The Woodlands social work counselor Hayle Lopez share what to do first, from preparing for appointments to managing stress and building your support team.

Anal cancer is a rare but growing problem in Texas and across the United States. GI radiation oncologist Emma Holliday, M.D., and GI medical oncologist Van Morris, M.D., discuss new treatment advances and how they impact patients’ quality of life and side effects. Holliday and Morris delve into the differences between anal and colorectal cancers, and share ways to reduce your risk, including the HPV vaccine.

Some patients with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy can no longer do simple things like make a cup of coffee or tie their shoes. Salahadin Abdi, M.D., Ph.D., and Tracy Eckett share how patients can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Request an appointment at UT MD Anderson by calling 1-877-632-6789 or online: https://My.MDAnderson.org/RequestAppointment Subscribe to our channel for more cancer news and health information from UT MD Anderson.

Shubham Pant, M.D., and David Hong, M.D., discuss advances in pancreatic cancer treatment and research, explaining how KRAS genetic mutations were once considered “undruggable” and made the disease difficult to treat. They explore breakthrough treatments like daraxonrasib and how clinical trials and combination therapies may further improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer and other cancer types.

Do you know any men who avoid going to the doctor? Lisly Chéry, M.D., and Amy Hassan, M.D., discuss men’s health problems, important cancer screenings and tactics to help convince your loved ones to get the care they need.

Hannah Kahn was a newlywed marathon runner when she suffered a sudden seizure. Diagnosed with astrocytoma just two days before her 32nd birthday, Hannah talks about recovering from her brain tumor surgery and her survivorship experience with Adolescent and Young Adult Program Director Wendy Girbach. They explore topics like fertility planning, enduring treatment side effects like hair loss, and the importance of staying connected with other survivors through social media.

Lung cancer treatment is evolving, with combination therapies providing a more personalized approach to care. Lauren Byers, M.D., and Ferdinandos Skoulidis, M.D., Ph.D., discuss how targeted therapy and immunotherapy are being used together to improve outcomes, the importance of biomarkers in guiding treatment decisions and new advances in KRAS research. They also explore the growing role of personalized immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates, including how these approaches may reduce reliance on chemotherapy, and what this means for patients facing lung cancer today.

Have you ever wondered if UPF clothing is an effective way to prevent skin cancer? UT MD Anderson dermatologists Susan Chon, M.D., and Hung Doan, M.D., Ph.D., talk about how sun protective clothing works and why you should consider incorporating sunglasses, hats and items like driving gloves or sleeves into your daily sun safety plan.

Accurate diagnosis and staging are critical for optimizing bladder cancer treatment outcomes. Ashish Kamat, M.D., professor of Urology, and Matt Campbell, M.D, associate professor of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, discuss how bladder cancer is diagnosed, treatment options and bladder preservation strategies in muscle-invasive and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.