Kathy Giusti, founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and a two-time cancer survivor, opens up about her first diagnosis and the life-changing conversation with her primary care doctor. She reflects on the overwhelming “age of information,” which often leads patients to more questions than answers, and shares her strategies for dealing with the loss of control that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
Kathy also talks about the importance of identifying what truly matters, placing personal priorities in plain sight as daily reminders. She delves into the potential next breakthrough in multiple myeloma research, her success in engaging patients in MMRF’s direction, and offers heartfelt advice for families on when and how to tell children about a cancer diagnosis, as well as other important points through the cancer journey, drawing from her own deeply personal experiences.
Read more about the Kathy Giusti story.
Dr. Simrit Parmar, founder of Cellenkos, joins the show to discuss her journey from the lab to the biotech startup world, detailing the inspiration behind launching her company, the challenges of securing funding, and the resilience required to overcome rejections. She shares insights into Cellenkos’ lead product, its progress toward market approval, and the rigorous
Carol Rausch—a healthcare professional, cancer researcher, and former patient with lymphoma—shares how her journey from researcher to patient transformed her understanding of medical language. She discusses the impact of word choice on patients, why certain battle and war metaphors can be harmful, and how language used in clinical settings differs from what resonates with those
Drs. David Braun and Toni Choueiri join to discuss a groundbreaking Nature study on a personalized neoantigen vaccine for adjuvant renal cell carcinoma. They explore the inspiration behind the trial, how the vaccine was developed and administered, and its safety profile. The conversation also covers patient outcomes after 3-4 years, including immune responses and disease
