Ep. 245 Intravesical Therapies for Intermediate Risk Bladder Cancer with Dr. Lindsey Herrel
With BCG in short supply and recurrence rates still high, the race is on for better intravesical options. In this episode of BackTable Tumor Board, Dr. Lindsey Herrel, urologic oncologist at the University of Michigan, joins Dr. Ruchika Talwar to explore the evolving landscape of intravesical therapy for intermediate risk bladder cancer.
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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from UroGen Pharma.
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors break down the nuances of defining this risk category and the clinical gray zones that complicate treatment decisions. Dr. Herrell shares her patient-centered approach to surveillance and therapy, and introduces promising new agents, including Anktiva, UGN-102, and the gemcitabine-releasing TAR-200 "pretzel" device. The discussion also highlights how advances in molecular profiling are reshaping care strategies.This episode underscores the urgent need for clearer guidelines and continued innovation to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with this nuanced disease subtype.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:03 - Defining Intermediate Risk Bladder Cancer06:12 - Intravesical Therapy Options08:47 - Quality of Life and Patient Counseling10:18 - New Treatments on the Horizon12:56 - Practical Tips for TURBT Recovery17:03 - In-Office Procedure Management21:38 - Managing Symptoms and Quality of Life31:50 - A Note on Smoking Cessation33:37 - Conclusion and Future Directions
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35:51
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35:51
Ep. 244 Urology Mission Trip to Africa: Impact & Insights with Dr. Kenneth Peters and Dr. Spencer Hiller
Global medical missions bring unique challenges and powerful rewards—something Dr. Spencer Hiller and Dr. Kenneth Peters know firsthand. In this episode of BackTable Urology, they join host Dr. Jose Silva to reflect on their work in global health, focusing on their surgical missions to Zambia to treat complex urologic conditions, including vesicovaginal fistula, and a variety of general urologic cases.
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SYNPOSIS
The discussion covers the origins and evolution of their missions, the preparation required for high-volume surgical trips, and the clinical impact on both patients and participating healthcare providers. Dr. Peters and Dr. Hiller detail the logistical and financial hurdles involved, the emphasis on sustainable care models, and their strategies for fundraising. They also emphasize the value of cultural immersion and the long-term goal of establishing educational and medical infrastructure within the communities they serve.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction 01:23 - The Mission to Africa: How It All Began02:32 - Challenges and Logistics of Medical Missions06:02 - Resident Involvement and Impact09:10 - Preparation and Experiences in Africa11:38 - Overcoming Obstacles: Supplies and Customs19:18 - Types of Procedures and Medical Work in Africa21:45 - Upgrading Equipment and Training Local Staff28:28 - Daily Operations and Patient Management31:00 - Post-Trip Activities and Community Engagement34:26 - Funding and Sustainability Efforts40:31 - Personal Reflections and Future Plans
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45:28
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45:28
Ep. 243 Intermediate Risk NMIBC: Patient-Centered Treatment Strategies with Dr. Kelly Bree
Counseling patients with intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer can be complex, with a wide range of treatment options and care pathways. In this episode of BackTable Urology, urologic oncologists Dr. Ruchika Talwar and Dr. Kelly Bree explore how to approach this challenge with clarity and compassion.
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This podcast is supported by an educational grant from UroGen Pharma.
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SYNPOSIS
They emphasize a shift toward patient-centered, less aggressive treatment strategies, highlighting the importance of quality of life in clinical decision-making. The discussion includes risk stratification, the use of intravesical gemcitabine, and ongoing clinical trials. Dr. Bree also offers actionable tips for optimizing patient preparation and recovery. This episode underscores the growing importance of listening to patient voices to shape future standards of care.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction and Overview02:09 - Risk Stratification and Treatment Approaches06:12 - Intravesical Therapy Options08:47 - Quality of Life and Patient Counseling12:56 - Practical Tips for TURBT Recovery17:03 - In-Office Procedures and Patient Management21:23 - Resources and Support for Patients24:13 - Future Directions and Final Thoughts
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RESOURCES
Society of Urologic Oncologyhttps://suonet.org/home.aspx
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29:17
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29:17
Ep. 242 Prostate Cancer Management: Screening, Biomarkers, and Future Therapies with Dr. Gerald Andriole
This week, we present an inspiring episode for anyone interested in the history, present, and future of prostate cancer care. In this Legends in Urology installment of the BackTable Urology Podcast, Dr. Gerald Andriole joins guest host Dr. Niraj Badhiwala to reflect on a career that has left a lasting impact on the field.
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Andriole shares personal stories from his upbringing in Northeastern Pennsylvania and his journey into medicine. He reflects on his expedited education through Penn State and Jefferson Medical College and his path to urology. He discusses his pivotal work in prostate cancer screening, including the influence of major trials like The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, and traces the evolution of surgical and diagnostic techniques. The conversation also touches on current innovations and the future of prostate cancer management, offering valuable advice for the next generation of urologists.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction01:59 - From Childhood to Medical School06:48 - Discovering Urology16:52 - Pioneering Prostate Cancer Screening24:07 - The PLCO Study: Design and Challenges28:57 - Controversies and Criticisms in Prostate Cancer Screening33:29 - Evolving Practices in Prostate Cancer Management44:19 - Future of Prostate Cancer Treatment
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49:35
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49:35
Ep. 241 Penile Cancer Management: Insights and Case Studies with Dr. Juanita Crook and Dr. Andrea Apollo
How do the experts balance organ preservation, oncologic control, and emerging therapies in both localized and metastatic cases of penile cancer? This episode of BackTable Tumor Board focuses on penile cancer diagnosis and treatment, featuring urologic oncologist Dr. Charles Peyton (UAB), radiation oncologist Dr. Juanita Crook (UBC), and medical oncologist Dr. Andrea Apolo (NCI).
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This podcast is supported by:Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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SYNPOSIS
This session covers case studies ranging from localized to advanced penile cancer, diagnostic practices, imaging preferences (MRI vs. CT), and treatment options, including surgery, brachytherapy, chemoradiation, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The multidisciplinary team highlights the complexities of treating this rare cancer, underscores the importance of physical exams, and stresses the necessity of personalized treatment plans. They also delve into the challenges of managing metastatic stages, potential salvage therapies, and the importance of clinical trials in enhancing treatment efficacy. The doctors also emphasize the potential of immunotherapy and chemotherapy combinations for metastatic disease.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:23 - Imaging Preferences03:29 - Biopsy vs Immediate Surgery06:04 - Lymph Node Dissection vs Radiation13:48 - Brachytherapy Techniques and Case Study23:21 - Challenges in Advanced Penile Cancer27:03 - Chemotherapy and Chemoradiation30:15 - InPACT Trial37:12 - Salvage Therapies and Exploring New Treatment Frontiers44:25 - Support and Awareness for Penile Cancer51:29 - Final Thoughts
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RESOURCES
Society of Urologic Oncologyhttps://suonet.org/home.aspx
The BackTable Urology Podcast is a resource for practicing urologists to learn tips, techniques, and practical advice from their peers in the field. Listen here or on the streaming platform of your choice.
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