Prostate Cancer and You

Genetics plays a major role in prostate cancer. In fact, an estimated 58% of the variation in prostate cancer risk can be explained by genetic factors, making prostate cancer one of the most heritable forms of cancer. In this two-part episode of Prostate Cancer & You, Michael A. DiSpezio and Dr. Keyan Salari break down the genetic components of prostate cancer in a clear, easy-to-understand way and explain what patients and their families should know. DiSpezio shares his own experience with germline genetic testing, including what prompted him to be tested and what he learned from the process. Dr. Salari provides the medical perspective, explaining how inherited genetic changes can affect prostate cancer risk and why genetic testing may be important for some patients.

Genetics plays a major role in prostate cancer. In fact, an estimated 58% of the variation in prostate cancer risk can be explained by genetic factors, making prostate cancer one of the most heritable forms of cancer. In this two-part episode of Prostate Cancer & You, Michael A. DiSpezio and Dr. Keyan Salari break down the genetic components of prostate cancer in a clear, easy-to-understand way and explain what patients and their families should know. DiSpezio shares his own experience with germline genetic testing, including what prompted him to be tested and what he learned from the process. Dr. Salari provides the medical perspective, explaining how inherited genetic changes can affect prostate cancer risk and why genetic testing may be important for some patients.

In this special episode recorded live at the Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition Symposium, host Jordan Rich welcomes Dr. Howard Soule, Chief Science Officer Emeritus of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Dr. Adam Feldman, Director of Urologic Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of prostate cancer research. Howard Soule, PhD, Chief Science Officer Emeritus of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

In this special episode recorded live at the Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition Symposium, host Jordan Rich welcomes internationally recognized radiation oncologist Dr. Anthony Zietman for a fascinating discussion on how decades of research have transformed prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Anthony Zietman, Shipley Professor of Radiation Oncology, Emeritus, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School

In this episode of Prostate Cancer and You, host Jordan Rich speaks with Dr. Todd Cohen of Blue Earth Diagnostics about the growing role of radioligand therapy in prostate cancer treatment. Dr. Cohen explains how PSMA-targeted imaging and radioligand therapy work together to identify and treat prostate cancer with greater precision. The discussion covers which patients may be candidates for these therapies, how treatment decisions are made, and what emerging research may mean for future care.

Today’s “Prostate Cancer and You” podcast features Joshua Kraft, head of Kraft Family Philanthropies and former CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. In this conversation with host Jordan Rich, Kraft discusses his experience with prostate cancer, sharing his journey from a PSA test to a Gleason score of 7. Kraft emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment, as well as the significance of regular check-ups and the need for community awareness, particularly among men of color. He also discusses his family’s philanthropic legacy and his ongoing commitment to community service, including his role with the New England Patriots Foundation. Josh Kraft serves as president of the New England Patriots Foundation, where he oversees philanthropic support of education, health, social justice, diversity, and youth development. Josh has spent the majority of his career working in communities in and around Boston, starting with the Boys & Girls Club in Chelsea, which he founded in 1993 and went on to serve as executive director for 15 years.

Today’s “Prostate Cancer and You” podcast features Dr. Adam Kibel is chair of the department of urology at Mass General Brigham. In this conversation with host Jordan Rich, Dr. Kibel discusses a clinical trial focused on using genetic data and MRI to improve early detection of prostate cancer. The trial, involving men aged 40-69, aims to identify high-risk individuals through genetic testing and targeted screening. Dr. Kibel discusses the importance of clinical trials as well as the promise of this particular study to improve detection, treatment, and even prevention of prostate cancer in the future. You can learn more about the study at https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/prostate_polygenic_risk_score. Dr. Adam S. Kibel is chair of urology at Mass General Brigham. In addition, he is the Elliott Carr Cutler Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical Medicine and chairman of the Harvard Urology Residency Program. Dr. Kibel received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Cornell University, completed his urology residency at the Harvard Urology Program, and completed his fellowship at the Brady Urologic Institute at Johns Hopkins.

In this second of a two-part podcast episode, Dr. Todd Cohen discusses the role of PSMA PET imaging in prostate cancer active surveillance, highlighting its potential to replace invasive biopsies. Cohen emphasizes the importance of communication and family involvement in active surveillance protocols. Advanced imaging technologies are evolving, offering hope for less invasive and more effective cancer management. Dr. Todd Cohen earned his MD from the University of Rochester and completed a Urology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship at Duke. He founded Piedmont Urology in Charlotte, NC, and co-founded Carolina Urology Partners, serving as CEO for nine years. He held leadership roles at Myriad Genetics and currently serves as VP of Medical Affairs at Blue Earth Diagnostics.

In this first of a two-part podcast episode of “Prostate Cancer and You,” brought to you in part by Blue Earth Diagnostics, Dr. Todd Cohen, Blue Earth Diagnostics vice-president of medical affairs, discusses the practice of active surveillance in prostate cancer screening. Cohen explains the advancements in imaging, particularly PSMA PET scans, which have revolutionized prostate cancer detection. He also differentiates between active surveillance and watchful waiting, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and patient commitment in active surveillance. Dr. Todd Cohen earned his MD from the University of Rochester and completed a Urology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship at Duke. He founded Piedmont Urology in Charlotte, NC, and co-founded Carolina Urology Partners, serving as CEO for nine years. He held leadership roles at Myriad Genetics and currently serves as VP of Medical Affairs at Blue Earth Diagnostics.

Today’s “Prostate Cancer and You” podcast features Dr. Jean Joseph, chairman of the department of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and keynote at the May 2025 MPCC Symposium. In this conversation with host Jordan Rich, Dr. Joseph furthers his keynote topics, discussing the history, benefits, and future development of robotic surgery for prostate cancer. The technology, initially developed for cardiac surgery, is less invasive than traditional surgery and has significantly reduced complications and side effects, allowing for a quicker recovery.  Jean V. Joseph, MD, is W.W. Scott Professor and chairman of the department of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He specializes in robotic surgery for urologic diseases, particularly prostate cancer. His research interests include surgical innovation, applications of novel robotic technology, and patient outcomes. Dr. Joseph completed a master class in laparoscopic prostatectomy at the Institute Mutualiste Montsouris (Paris, France) and holds a master’s in business administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology.