The Cracking Cancer Podcast

Navigating the Complexity of Clinical Trials with Max Doppelt. Episode 42.

In this high-stakes episode of "Cracking Cancer," Dr. Kyle Concannon and Samantha Murrell are joined by Max Doppelt, an engineer-turned-caregiver who transformed his mother’s terminal diagnosis into a mission for systemic change. Max shares the harrowing reality of navigating the "ivory tower" of oncology, where regulatory burdens and institutional silos often prevent patients from accessing the very drugs that could save them. From the heartbreak of failing trial screenings due to rigid exclusion criteria to the bold, life-saving decision to source a next-generation TKI from China during a trade war, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the logistical "nightmare" of the current trial system.
The trio discusses why the burden of research often falls on the terminally ill and how Max is using his "special nerd powers" to bridge the gap. He introduces Patient Data Vault, a privacy-first AI platform designed to automate the clinical trial search, turning a list of thousands of irrelevant options into a curated handful of actionable leads. It’s an episode about patient empowerment, the "action layer" of AI, and the lengths a family will go to when the standard of care is no longer enough.
 
Key Takeaways:
The Regulatory Gap
The Problem with "Ivory Towers"
Inclusion/Exclusion Paradox
AI as the Great Equalizer
Proactive "Second Opinion" Strategy
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding Clinical Trials
(01:56) Max's Experience with Clinical Trials
(05:40) Samantha's Clinical Trial Journey
(08:37) Challenges in Finding the Right Trial
(12:41) Max's Search for a Clinical Trial
(25:16) The China Solution
(31:07) Navigating Treatment Options: A Personal Journey
(41:02) The Burden on Patients to Find Trials
(48:50) Innovative Solutions: Patient Data Vault
(58:48) The Future of AI in Healthcare
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
 

What is Small Cell Transformation in Cancer? Episode 41.

In this dedicated episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon and co-host Samantha Murrell explore a challenging phenomenon in oncology: histologic transformation. This occurs when a cancer fundamentally changes its "wiring" to evade treatment, essentially transforming from one type of cell (like adenocarcinoma) into another, often more aggressive type (like small cell lung cancer).
The episode is dedicated to the memory of Caroline, a member of the lung cancer community who recently passed away after her EGFR-mutated cancer transformed into small-cell cancer. Dr. Concannon explains the biological "bucket" of resistance, distinguishing between new mutations in the same protein and this more radical cellular reprogramming. They discuss the necessity of repeat biopsies upon disease progression, as imaging alone cannot detect these shifts. While the topic is sobering, Dr. Concannon emphasizes that even after transformation, there are emerging therapies—including new antibody-drug conjugates and radiation—that offer hope and meaningful survival for patients facing this complex evolutionary hurdle.
 
Key Takeaways
The "Wolf to Chihuahua" Shift
Biopsy is Mandatory for Detection
Driven by Evolutionary Pressure
Treatment Shifts to Chemotherapy
Hope Amid Aggression
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding Histologic Transformation
(10:12) Biopsy and Diagnostic Techniques
(21:32) Research and Future Directions
(30:15) Understanding Small Cell Transformation
(39:38) The Role of Biopsies and Oncologist Advice
(45:46) Balancing Aggressiveness in Treatment
(49:54) Patient Community Insights
(54:56) Hope and Realism in Cancer Care
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Do Respiratory Viruses Awaken Cancer with Dr. James DeGregori. Episode 40.

In this high-impact episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon is joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell and Dr. James DeGregori, interim director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. They discuss Dr. DeGregori’s groundbreaking study published in Nature, which explores how respiratory viruses—specifically SARS-CoV-2 and influenza—can act as a catalyst to "awaken" dormant cancer cells in the lungs.
 
Dr. DeGregori explains that while many cancer survivors may be ostensibly "cured," microscopic cancer cells can lie dormant for decades. His research reveals that acute inflammation caused by a new viral infection can trigger the rapid expansion of these cells, potentially leading to disease progression. The team discusses the science behind IL-6 (Interleukin-6) as a primary signaling molecule in this reawakening and explores why vaccination and early infection management are critical tools for cancer survivors. Balancing rigorous science with the reality of "scanxiety," this conversation brings much-needed clarity to the intersection of viral immunology and oncology.
 
Key Takeaways:
Viral Triggers and Dormancy
The Role of IL-6
Vaccination as a Defense
Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation
Knowledge Over Fear
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding the Link Between Respiratory Viruses and Cancer
(09:23) Exploring Broader Implications and Future Research
(24:59) Practical Advice for Cancer Survivors
(34:40) The Role of Viral Infections in Awakening Cancer Cells
(38:43) Dormant Cancer Cells: A Hidden Threat
(47:39) Balancing Health and Enjoyment in Life
(49:57) Challenges in Cancer Research and Epidemiology
 
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

When the Oncologist Gets Cancer with Dr. Ross Camidge. Episode 39.

In this uniquely powerful episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon interviews his own mentor and boss, Dr. Ross Camidge, Director of the Lung Cancer Program at the University of Colorado. Dr. Camidge, a world-renowned lung cancer expert, shares the "ironic elephant in the room": his own 2022 diagnosis with Stage IV metastatic lung cancer.
Dr. Camidge provides a rare, dual-perspective look at the oncology system. He recounts the four-day whirlwind from his first chest X-ray to starting targeted therapy for an EGFR mutation, acknowledging the professional stoicism that initially masked a deep personal terror regarding his daughters' futures. The conversation dives into the "black box" of academic research, where both doctors critique the current incentive structures that often prioritize low-risk, incremental papers over high-stakes breakthroughs. From the frustrations of "billing-driven" hospital logistics to the hidden anxieties of scan results, Dr. Camidge’s story serves as a call for radical transparency and a more human-centered approach to both clinical care and scientific discovery.
 
Key Takeaways
The Dual Reality of a Physician-Patient
The Problem with Research Incentives
Breaking the "Knowledge Gap"
The "One-Tier" System of Care
Institutional Barriers to Efficiency
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast? Visit the link below: ⬇️ (All proceeds go strictly towards furthering cancer research and supporting this podcast)
Giving.CU.EDU/CrackingCancer 
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Ross Camidge's Personal Cancer Journey
(01:13) The Diagnosis and Initial Reactions
(04:50) Navigating Treatment and Professional Insights
(10:20) Balancing Professionalism and Personal Struggles
(17:08) Impact on Patient Care and Practice
(24:59) Challenges in the Healthcare System
(31:57) Empowering Patients Through Knowledge
(41:31) Incentives in Academic Medicine
(54:44) Frustrations with Clinical Trials
(58:48) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

A Lab for Curative Intent Treatments with Dr. Concannon. Episode 38.

In this revealing episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon pulls back the curtain on his role as a physician-scientist at the University of Colorado. Joined by patient advocate Samantha Murrell, Dr. Kyle demystifies the "black box" of oncology research, discussing the intense process of setting up a new laboratory and the personal pivot that reshaped his career.
 
Dr. Kyle shares the logistical and emotional challenges of running an independent lab—from the high cost of reagents and the competitive nature of grant funding to the personal urgency that arose when his own boss was diagnosed with lung cancer. The conversation dives deep into the specific preclinical models used to fight disease, including cell lines and mouse models, explaining how they serve as the first line of defense before human trials. Dr. Kyle also highlights his lab's most exciting work: developing enhanced CAR T-cell therapies designed to not just manage, but potentially cure metastatic cancer. This episode is a raw look at the grit required to move science forward and the powerful partnership between researchers and the patients who drive their mission.
 
Key Takeaways:
The Reality of Setting Up a Lab
Cell Lines vs. Mouse Models
The High Cost of "Reagents"
Pivoting for Impact
The Promise of Next-Gen CAR T-Cell Therapy
 
Want to get more involved with cancer research and support the podcast, visit the link below: ⬇️
https://www.crackingcancer.org/get-involved
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Dr. Kyle's Secret Lab Revealed
(05:59) Understanding Reagents and Research Costs
(14:35) Building the Right Team
(27:17) Mouse Models in Cancer Research
(34:17) Challenges in Preclinical Research
(45:41) Funding and Collaborations
(56:48) The Future of Cancer Research
(01:05:46) Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

What Are Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)? Episode 37.

In this essential episode, host Dr. Kyle Concannon and co-host Samantha Murrell break down the science, promise, and limitations of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)—a class of highly effective, usually pill-form, targeted therapy.
Dr. Concannon explains that TKIs are molecular snipers, designed to attack the root cause of cancer by blocking the signaling from a mutated protein (kinase) that causes cells to divide uncontrollably. They clarify the process from DNA blueprint to protein addiction, explaining why these targeted therapies are often more elegant and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
 
The discussion also tackles the billion-dollar question of resistance. Dr. Concannon outlines three primary ways tumors evade TKIs: on-target resistance (a new mutation in the same protein), upregulation of other kinases (the tumor activates a second signaling pathway), and lineage change (the tumor stops relying on the oncogene altogether). Samantha shares her experience, confirming that while TKIs are not without side effects (like fatigue and potential for diarrhea), they represent a massive leap forward in treatment, offering hope for longer, higher-quality survival.
 
Key Takeaways:
TKIs Are Molecular Snipers
Cancer Cells Become "Addicted" to the Signal
Understanding Resistance is Key
Side Effects are Different, Not Absent
The TKI Landscape is Evolving
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Understanding Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
(07:11) The Role of Kinases in Cancer
(13:47) The Evolution of Cancer Treatments
(22:16) Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
(32:09) Understanding EGFR and Its Role in Cancer
(41:20) The Role of Protein Analysis in Cancer Treatment
(50:31) Managing TKI Toxicity and Side Effects
(59:25) Combining Therapeutic Modalities for Better Outcomes
(01:00:26) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Does Stress Cause Cancer with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Erin Baurle. Episode 36.

In this essential episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon, a medical oncologist, is joined by patient advocate Ashley Holt and Dr. Erin Baurle, a Clinical Health Psychologist specializing in oncology. They tackle the emotionally charged question: Does stress or trauma cause cancer?
 
Ashley, who was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after a difficult divorce, shares her personal spiral of guilt and the psychological need to find a reason—even a self-blaming one—for her diagnosis. Dr. Baurle firmly states the scientific consensus: Stress and trauma, in and of themselves, do not cause cancer. However, they do stress the necessity of managing the distress that inevitably accompanies a diagnosis, as well-managed stress leads to better treatment outcomes and quality of life.
 
The discussion also provides practical coping tools, including the benefits of anti-anxiety medication, the Stoplight Meditation technique, and the power of "sitting in the discomfort" of fear to diminish its long-term power. Finally, they advocate for making mental health resources, like an oncology psychiatrist, an automatic part of the patient's care pathway, rather than an added burden for the patient to seek out.
 
Key Takeaways
Stress Does NOT Cause Cancer
Manage Distress for Better Outcomes
Anxiety is Normal, Medication is a Tool
Practice "Sitting in the Discomfort"
Advocate for Automatic Mental Health Care
 
Chapters:
(00:00) The Impact of Stress on Cancer
(07:52) Debunking Myths: Stress and Cancer
(18:09) The Role of Social Support
(23:00) Coping Strategies and Personal Insights
(30:43) Living with Cancer: The Emotional Toll
(41:19) The Role of Mental Health in Cancer Treatment
(51:12) The Reality of Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
(56:08) The Importance of Mental Health Support
(58:15) Final Thoughts and Takeaways
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Metastatic Consolidative Surgery with Dr. Allie Mungo & Patient Samantha Murrell. Episode 35 Part 02

In the conclusion of this vital two-part series, host Dr. Kyle Concannon, Dr. Allie Mungo (Thoracic Surgeon), and post-operative patient advocate Samantha Murrell delve into the risks, recovery, and long-term rationale for surgical resections in Stage IV cancer patients.
Dr. Mungo details the different lung surgeries (wedge, segmentectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy) and the critical surgical complexities, including the "stickiness" caused by pre-surgical systemic therapies and the danger of operating close to major heart vessels. Samantha shares her candid, non-trivial recovery experience, highlighting the challenge of managing post-operative nerve pain and the emotional "slap in the face" of being reminded of her Stage IV diagnosis.
The discussion reinforces that for highly selected, medically fit patients with tumors responsive to modern targeted therapies, the goal of surgery is not a cure, but rather a powerful step in transforming cancer into a chronic, manageable disease. This episode provides indispensable guidance on patient selection, recovery expectations, and the importance of multidisciplinary care at high-volume centers.
Key Takeaways
Size of Surgery Matters for Quality of Life
The Surgical Risks are Real
Recovery Requires Pushing and Patience
Targeted Therapy is the Game Changer
Go to the Experts
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Surgical Procedures for Stage Four Cancer
(06:12) Travel Considerations for Surgery
(13:35) Second Opinions and Surgery Decisions
(20:42) Air Leak Incident
(27:16) Surgical Complications
(36:19) Future of Cancer Treatment
(38:32) Conclusion and Resources
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Metastatic Consolidative Surgery with Dr. Allie Mungo & Patient Samantha Murrell. Episode 34 Part 01

In this riveting first part of a two-episode series, host Dr. Kyle Concannon, a medical oncologist, is joined in person by Dr. Allie Mungo, a thoracic surgeon, and patient advocate Samantha Murrell, who is just two weeks post-surgery for her Stage IV HER2-mutated lung cancer. They dive into the controversial topic of consolidative surgery—surgically removing residual tumor in patients with metastatic (Stage IV) cancer.
Samantha shares her personal journey, explaining how a remarkable response to targeted therapy—which rendered her PET scan active only at the primary tumor site—compelled her to "hunt down" a surgeon willing to take her case. Dr. Mungo outlines the factors that have rapidly changed the medical community's opinion on these once-taboo procedures. The discussion centers on the critical criteria for candidacy: having limited, actionable residual disease; the ability to safely remove the tumor without compromising quality of life (e.g., avoiding a full pneumonectomy); and the necessity of being in optimal physical condition to survive the recovery. This episode offers profound insight into the evolving, highly individualized decisions being made at the cutting edge of cancer care.
 
Key Takeaways:
The Goal of Consolidative Surgery is Changing
The Procedure is Not Considered Curative
Candidacy is Highly Individualized
Surgeries are Easier with Targeted Pills
The Emotional Drive to Remove the "Mothership"
 
Chapters:
(00:00) Samantha's Cancer Journey
(06:08) Surgical Considerations and Challenges
(15:24) Evolving Surgical Practices
(22:50) Surgical Outcomes and Reflections
(26:02) Targeted Therapy and Its Impact
(31:26) Post-Surgery Recovery and Challenges
(38:31) Criteria for Surgical Candidates
(43:57) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Life with Chronic Cancer. Episode 33.

In this powerful episode of "Cracking Cancer," host Dr. Kyle Concannon sits down with co-host JJ Singleton, a colorectal cancer patient who has been undergoing continuous treatment for almost 10 years. JJ provides a raw, unfiltered look at the reality of treating cancer as a chronic disease, sharing his journey from a localized Stage II diagnosis to the devastating discovery of metastatic disease that required a decade of ongoing systemic therapy.
JJ recounts the most challenging chapters of his life, including the initial despair of endless chemotherapy, the 14 months he spent confined to bed and reliant on TPN (total parenteral nutrition), and the internal struggle to find hope when all his treatment options were failing. He discusses the emotional hurdles of survivor's guilt, the challenges of invisible side effects (like neuropathy and skin pain), and the difficulty of maintaining a sense of self-worth when life deviates dramatically from expectations. JJ's story is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of advocacy, revealing how he leveraged his suffering to create a meaningful life and become a vital voice for others.
Key Takeaways
Chronic Cancer is a Long Battle
Chronic Disease is Not Always Stable
The Emotional Burden of the "Hidden Curriculum"
Advocacy as a Source of Purpose
Don't Give Up Quality of Life
 
Chapters:
(00:00) JJ Singleton's Cancer Journey Begins
(04:51) Facing the Challenges of Chemotherapy
(16:06) The Turning Point: Clinical Trials and Surgery
(25:13) Rediscovering Life After Treatment
(33:04) The Impact of Immunotherapy
(42:48) Advocacy and Personal Growth
(57:40) The Future of Cancer Treatment
 
The Cracking Cancer Podcast's main focus is to further education about cancer and its effects on people and communities through continued discussion and to raise funds for the continued research of cancer treatments and positive outcomes. All raised proceeds go directly to the continued upkeep of this podcast and cancer research. To find out more about supporting the show and research endeavors, please go to the following website: www.crackingcancer.org
 
Attributions
The music track - Progression Pulse - is provided by Denys Brodovskyi through the Attribution 4.0 International License
 
X: (1) Cracking Cancer Podcast (@Cracking_Cancer) / X
IG: Cracking Cancer (@crackingcancerpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos