This week, we take a "back to the future" look at the early-stage pancreatic cancer phase, a relatively stagnant area in terms of pivotal trials. The two trials are the ESPAC4 trial, which examines doublet chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer, and Josh does a traditional deep dive into the world of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. He highlights ESPAC-5, PREOPANC-2, and the TAPS consortium, to name a few. A complicated but overall evolving field. Studies discussed in this episode: ESPAC-4 FOLFOXIRI PREOPAN...
May 31, 2026•26 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Today, we accidentally skipped early pancreatic cancer and jumped straight to advanced pancreatic cancer. It was a sombre episode, with clinicians and advocates screaming for better treatment options for this cancer. While small incremental advances have been made, the holy grail remains elusive. Today our focus is on NAPOLI-3, the use of liposomal irinotecan (NALIRIFOX), and PANOVA-3, where TTFields are used in combination with gemcitabine/abraxane. A good conversation, though the current premi...
May 24, 2026•22 min•Season 4Ep. 18
On today's episode, Josh and Michael "advance" in their ongoing GI journey, as Michael continuously insists on saying, to discuss advanced gastric and GOJ cancer. Historically, an orphan disease with a very poor prognosis, perhaps the first rays of light are beginning to shine on this difficult-to-treat cancer type. Immunotherapy has been well established as standard of care, but are there any new agents that are emerging in this space? As always, the answer to that question is "yes," and as usu...
May 17, 2026•28 min•Season 4Ep. 17
This week, as we enter our 200th episode, Michael and Josh continue their journey through the alimentary canal, exploring the world of stomach cancer. Gastric cancer has been notoriously difficult to treat, with a thirty-year grace period of multiple trials seeking an appropriate regimen that reduces recurrences while remaining effective. This episode gives you all the answers, and just when we thought everything was settled, immunotherapy enters the fray with MATTERHORN. Studies discussed in th...
May 09, 2026•29 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Good therapeutic options for metastatic colorectal cancer are limited after the fluoropyrimidine-based options are exhausted. This week, we explore the role of trifluridine-tipiracil (Lonsurf) and bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor), and a newish kid on the block, fruquitinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. While not perfect, they do represent later-line options for patients Studies discussed in this episode: SUNLIGHT FRESCO-2 For more episodes, resou...
May 03, 2026•24 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Today's episode, like several of the greatest cult classics, comes a bit earlier than anticipated. Before we wrap up our epic recap of the colorectal space, we will give you a little taster of our UGI series with a look at early oesophageal cancer, focussing on the chemotherapy backbone and whether immunotherapy has any place in this space. Spoiler alert (as always): it does. Studies discussed in this episode: ESOPEC Checkmate 577 For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiv...
Apr 26, 2026•28 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer has a dearth of targetable mutations that have effective outcomes. This week, Michael and Josh see whether the wonder drug (trastruzumab deruxtecan) works in HER2-expressing colorectal cancer. Michael takes a more positive tone, with the recycling of aspirin to reduce recurrence risk for PI3K pathway cancers. Josh promised he will have the right audio this episode - thanks to our astute listener who told us last time! Studies discussed in this episode: ALASCCA Destin...
Apr 18, 2026•39 min•Season 4Ep. 13
UPDATED WITH CORRECT AUDIO While Michael daydreams of getting a haircut, this week's topics are slightly more conventional as we explore the role of more targeted agents in metastatic colorectal cancer. KRAS and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer were historically prognostic; this has now shifted with targeted therapies available for both. In the context of metastatic colorectal cancer, BRAF mutations account for up to 10% of cases and are associated with significantly poorer overall survival c...
Apr 09, 2026•27 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Historically, colorectal cancer treatment has been fairly standard, but this has shifted over the past decade with the introduction of targeted therapies. This week, our focus is on patients with microsatellite instability (dMMR) colorectal cancer, a small but meaningful cohort. This condition affects up to 15% of patients, many of whom carry germline mutations in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes, which simply means that cells can't recognise and fix spontaneous mutations. Historically, these cancers are...
Mar 28, 2026•26 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Metastatic colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and among the most common types of cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the main treatment, but the question is: how can we make it more effective without increasing toxicity? This week, we explore the intensification of chemotherapy in an effort to improve overall survival. The second topic involves the use of monoclonal antibodies and targeted therapy to enhance existing regimens. Josh also conducts his charac...
Mar 21, 2026•27 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Professor Jonathan E. Rosenberg, MD, serves as the Chief of the Genitourinary Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC). He is a prolific researcher and author, holding multiple titles including Attending Physician at MSKCC, Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, and the Enno W. Ercklentz Chair in Genitourinary Oncology. Today, Jonathan explores metastatic urothelial cancer, discussing the current landscape and available treatment options, emphasising th...
Mar 14, 2026•37 min•Season 4Ep. 9
The DYNAMIC duo are back, with Michael climbing the "Everest" of oncology and exploring the role of CTDNA in stage two colorectal cancer. Josh has the easier job of exploring neoadjuvant immunotherapy (ipilimumab and nivolumab) in dMMR advanced colorectal cancer. Both are excellent trials, and a worthy addition to your reading list. Don't forget to check us out on YouTube if that's your thing! Studies discussed in this episode: DYNAMIC -II NICHE-2 For more episodes, resources and blog posts, vis...
Mar 07, 2026•24 min•Season 4Ep. 8
This week, we explore early colorectal cancer. Maybe it’s just this week, but there were plenty of “IDEAS” around. Michael highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate adjuvant regimen, whether that be FOLFOX or CAPOX. Josh digs a bit deeper and, as the name suggests, looks at whether patients with liver metastases can be cured with chemotherapy and a liver transplant. Studies discussed in this episode: IDEAS TransMET EORTC For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisiti...
Feb 28, 2026•26 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Mesothelioma can strike at any time, but it most commonly affects those in their 70s, with cases continuing well into the 2030s. The time from exposure to diagnosis can be up to 60 years. This week, we explore treatment options for pleural mesothelioma, including ipilimumab and nivolumab, and consider whether chemotherapy and bevacizumab work for mesothelioma as well. The MAPS trial was published in 2016, while Checkmate was published in 2022. Studies discussed in this episode: MAPS Checkmate 74...
Feb 21, 2026•19 min•Season 4Ep. 6
This week, we return to our regular programming with a back-to-basics exploration of extensive small-cell lung cancer. A notorious killer and an aggressive type of lung cancer, it has seen new treatments developed at a faster rate than in the last twenty years combined. We explore tarlatamab, a bispecific delta-like ligand 3-directed T cell engager. The results show that, in the second-line setting, it improves overall survival (spoiler alert). The second study is IMforte, utilising lurbinectedi...
Feb 16, 2026•21 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Today, our guest is a transformative figure in bowel cancer treatment. Professor Jenny Seligmann, a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Professor of Gastrointestinal and Translational Oncology at the University of Leeds, is renowned for leading the groundbreaking FOxTROT and ARIEL trials. These studies challenged traditional practices by demonstrating the advantages of administering chemotherapy before surgery, a change now saving lives and influencing worldwide protocols. As a devoted mentor and ...
Feb 11, 2026•35 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In our final take on ESMO 2025, we talk about Genitourinary Cancers. This was a dense area with numerous trials. Today we explore distimiab vedotin in those with advanced bladder cancer, the role of combining lutetium with an ARPI in advanced prostate cancer, whether de-escalation of docetaxel in high volume prostate cancer was just as efficacious as the regular six cycles, immunotherpay plus bCG in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, adjuvant durvalumab in renal cell caricnoma and the periopera...
Feb 02, 2026•39 min•Season 4Ep. 3
ESMO Episode 6 is here! The longest award ceremony in the world continues. This episode covers colorectal cancer, a cancer stream that has relied heavily on the same three drugs for the past twenty-five years. We cover the golden pinnacle of real-world use cases for CTDNA, neoadjuvant immunotherapy in those with proficient MMR colorectal cancer, whether Zanzalimab helps in refractory colorectal cancer, and much more. Studies: BREAKWATER NEOADJUVANT IMMUNOTHERAPY (pMMR) STELLAR-303 CHECKMATE 8HW ...
Jan 25, 2026•22 min•Season 4Ep. 2
We're back, baby! Michael and Josh predicted their ESMO journey would have eons to run, and they weren't wrong! For our first episode back in 2026, we revisit the important coverage of ESMO 2025, highlighting advances in upper gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary cancers. This episode covers FGFR inhibitors (Bemartizumab), updates on the MATTERHORN trial, the use of immunotherapy with trastuzumab and FLOT in HER2-positive localised oesophageal carcinoma, and investigates the use of TKIs and ...
Jan 21, 2026•32 min•Season 4Ep. 1
This week, we discuss neuroendocrine tumours and melanoma as our ESMO 25 journey continues. Trials for neuroendocrine cancers include HIF-2 alpha inhibitors, targeted alpha therapy, and a classic anti-PD-1/TIGIT bispecific antibody combined with standard etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapies. Melanoma is once again seeking that elusive breakthrough: the second-line therapy that demonstrates immunotherapy is not a one-time opportunity. We also highlight both the BNT111 RNA-based lipoplex immunot...
Dec 13, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 44
For our third instalment of ESMO 2025, we explore lung cancer in all its glory, including small cell, mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. Studies: DeLLphi-303 SOHO-01 ALBATROS PAULIEN DREAM3R OptiTROP-Lung04 For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com Please find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc! If you want us to look at a specific trial or subject, email us at inquisitiveonc@gmail.com Art courtesy of Taryn Silver Music courtesy of AlisiaBeats: https://pixaba...
Dec 05, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 43
ESMO 2025 continues this week with coverage including early breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer and gynaecological malignancies. A mammoth episode covering giants and pioneers of the oncology world. Studies: SOLTI-RIBOLARIS POSITIVE monarchE: DESTINY-Breast11 evERA ASCENT-03 TROPION-Breast02 trial ROSELLA DICE trial ENGOT-ov65/KEYNOTE-B96 study ROSELLA For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com Please find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc! If you want us to look a...
Nov 26, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 42
After a short break for some pretty major life changes (more details in the episode), Josh and Michael return to tackle the best and brightest of ESMO 2025. With support from MSD, our dynamic duo play host to the inaugural Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind Awards. Today, they look at studies in pre-clinical science, supportive care and rare cancers to find their favourite studies amidst the goldmine that was this year's European Oncology Extravaganza. For more episodes, resources and blog posts,...
Nov 15, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 41
In this episode, the focus shifts away from the more "garden-variety" non-small cell lung cancer and to its less common, frequently more aggressive sibling, small cell lung cancer. Here, Josh and Michael examine the management of limited-stage small cell lung cancer, which while accounting for a minority of cases, is no less interesting and potentially confusing. Studies discussed in this episode: PCI Meta Analysis ADRIATIC For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.co...
Oct 18, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 40
On this week's episode, Josh and Michael exchange the established treatment landscape of EGFR and ALK mutant NSCLC for the developing management of disease harbouring KRAS and MET mutations. The most common mutation meets one of the least common in this battle of therapeutic tenacity. Studies discussed in this episode: INSIGHT-2 KRYSTAL-12 For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com Please find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc! If you want us to look at a specific tria...
Oct 12, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 39
In this episode, Michael and Josh take a dive into the world of driver mutations, looking at two of the most clinically consequential: EGFR and ALK mutations. The work done in these areas has led to treatments that represent incredible advances over chemotherapy. How incredible? You'll just have to listen and find out. Studies discussed in this episode: MARIPOSA CROWN For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com Please find us on Twitter @InquisitiveOnc! If you want ...
Oct 05, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Advanced or Metastatic Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (mNSCLCa), is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. This week, Michael provides an excellent background on this type of cancer, and Josh provides an eloquently short introduction (for once). These trials look specifically at lung cancers without mutations, thus relying on immunotherapy and chemotherapy. As a side note, can you believe Keynote189 is over 7 years old! How time flies! Studies discussed in this episode: Keynote 189 Checkm...
Sep 27, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 37
To Josh's immense displeasure, our series on genitourinary cancer is done. For now, at least. In this episode, Michael and Josh step into the heavy shadow of non-small cell lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer death in Australia. However, there is hope and new developments in the early-disease space that could significantly improve outcomes. Studies discussed in this episode Checkmate 816 neoADAURA For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com Please find us o...
Sep 13, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 36
In this episode, Michael and Josh continue to unpick the thorny question of germ-cell tumours, focusing this week on more advanced and relapsed disease. Germ cell tumours have an excellent prognosis, but unfortunately there are cases where more intense therapy is required. Listen on to find out about what to do when first line therapy is not enough! Studies discussed in this episode BEP - Williams et al (1987) TIP - Gleeson et al (20224) For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inq...
Sep 06, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 35
This episode is the first of a two-part mini-series where Michael and Josh attempt to untangle the complex topic of germ cell tumours, an area that requires specialist experience and a high-volume multi-disciplinary centre to treat adequately. Or, you could just listen to Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind and be a pro in no time! Studies discussed in this episode EORTC-30982 de Wit et al (2001) For more episodes, resources and blog posts, visit www.inquisitiveonc.com Please find us on Twitter @I...
Aug 30, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 34
