
Ep 51: Exercise Oncology and TIL for CNS mets with Allison Betof Warner
10/14/24 • 28 min
Teaser: Find out Allison's favorite body part, had she been an orthopedic surgeon (and James' 2nd favorite.. from the movie Sleeper)
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome Dr. Allison Betof-Warner, Director of the Advanced Melanoma Program at Stanford University. The conversation explores Dr. Betof-Warner's journey into oncology, her passion for CrossFit, and the significant role of exercise in cancer prevention and treatment. They discuss the emerging field of exercise oncology, the importance of strength training for cancer patients, and the latest advancements in cellular therapy for melanoma, particularly in patients with brain metastases. Hot take: physical activity is a vital component of cancer treatment.
Keywords
melanoma, oncology, exercise oncology, cancer prevention, cellular therapy, CrossFit, strength training, TIL therapy, patient care, health and wellness
Takeaways
Exercise is crucial throughout the cancer journey, from prevention to treatment.
The field of exercise oncology is growing, focusing on the benefits of physical activity for cancer patients.
Strength training is now recommended for cancer patients to maintain function and prevent cachexia.
Patients should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, even during treatment.
Research shows that exercise can improve tumor vascular structure and enhance chemotherapy delivery.
The safety of exercise during cancer treatment has been increasingly supported by research.
Cellular therapy is a promising area of research for melanoma, especially in patients with brain metastases.
Patient education regarding exercise during treatment is important.
A multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including physical therapy, is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
Titles
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment
Cellular Therapy in Melanoma with Brain Metastasis
Sound Bites
"I shifted the direction of my research, did my PhD in cancer research."
"Exercise spans the cancer journey."
"Exercise helps prevent cancer cachexia."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:24 Allison's Journey to Oncology and CrossFit
06:32 The Intersection of Exercise and Cancer
09:33 Exercise Oncology: Benefits and Guidelines
19:22 Safety and Efficacy of TIL Therapy for CNS disease
25:22 Patient Exercise During Cell Therapy
Teaser: Find out Allison's favorite body part, had she been an orthopedic surgeon (and James' 2nd favorite.. from the movie Sleeper)
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome Dr. Allison Betof-Warner, Director of the Advanced Melanoma Program at Stanford University. The conversation explores Dr. Betof-Warner's journey into oncology, her passion for CrossFit, and the significant role of exercise in cancer prevention and treatment. They discuss the emerging field of exercise oncology, the importance of strength training for cancer patients, and the latest advancements in cellular therapy for melanoma, particularly in patients with brain metastases. Hot take: physical activity is a vital component of cancer treatment.
Keywords
melanoma, oncology, exercise oncology, cancer prevention, cellular therapy, CrossFit, strength training, TIL therapy, patient care, health and wellness
Takeaways
Exercise is crucial throughout the cancer journey, from prevention to treatment.
The field of exercise oncology is growing, focusing on the benefits of physical activity for cancer patients.
Strength training is now recommended for cancer patients to maintain function and prevent cachexia.
Patients should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, even during treatment.
Research shows that exercise can improve tumor vascular structure and enhance chemotherapy delivery.
The safety of exercise during cancer treatment has been increasingly supported by research.
Cellular therapy is a promising area of research for melanoma, especially in patients with brain metastases.
Patient education regarding exercise during treatment is important.
A multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, including physical therapy, is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
Titles
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment
Cellular Therapy in Melanoma with Brain Metastasis
Sound Bites
"I shifted the direction of my research, did my PhD in cancer research."
"Exercise spans the cancer journey."
"Exercise helps prevent cancer cachexia."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:24 Allison's Journey to Oncology and CrossFit
06:32 The Intersection of Exercise and Cancer
09:33 Exercise Oncology: Benefits and Guidelines
19:22 Safety and Efficacy of TIL Therapy for CNS disease
25:22 Patient Exercise During Cell Therapy
Previous Episode

Ep 50: ADAPT-IT Study
Summary
Gulf oysters and FATE get a shoutout in this episode of Melanoma Matters. Hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the ADAPT-IT study, focusing on adaptive dosing strategies in immunotherapy for melanoma. They explore the study's design, results, and implications for clinical practice, including the potential for reduced dosing based on early response assessments.
Keywords
ADAPT-IT study, immunotherapy, melanoma, adaptive dosing, clinical efficacy, treatment response, toxicity management, cancer research
Takeaways
The ADAPT-IT study explores adaptive dosing in immunotherapy.
68% of patients showed favorable anti-tumor effects after two doses.
Early response assessments can guide treatment decisions.
The study suggests that two doses may be sufficient for some patients.
There is potential for one dose to be effective in certain cases.
Reimbursement policies may influence treatment strategies.
Correlative studies provide insights into treatment efficacy.
Management of toxicity is crucial in immunotherapy.
The conversation highlights the importance of clinical intuition.
Future research may refine dosing strategies further.
Sound Bites
"Is two cycles enough?"
"68% had a favorable anti-tumor effect."
"Could one dose be enough?"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the ADAPT-IT Study
04:12 FATE v non-FATE
06:03 Clinical Implications of Early Response Assessment
09:02 Results and Efficacy of the Study
11:50 Discussion
14:18 Exploring the Role of LDH in Treatment Decisions
17:32 Correlative Studies and Future Directions
20:14 Toxicity and Management Strategies
22:58 Correlatives (ctDNA)
30:54 Bit of good news about NADINA
Next Episode

Ep 52: COLUMBUS 7-year follow-up
Summary
In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James tells us about his path to oncology (thank you, Emma) via John Newsom-Davis, the Jeremy Bentham pub, and Hammersmith Hospital.
Later, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the COLUMBUS 7-year data of targeted therapy for metastatic melanoma - treatment efficacy, toxicity, and long-term patient management. They explore the nuances of treatment strategies, the importance of biomarkers, and the challenges of monitoring long-term patients on targeted therapies.
Takeaways
Time to next therapy is a valuable metric for assessing treatment success.
Long-term treatment decisions should consider patient quality of life.
Biomarkers are crucial for determining the duration of targeted therapy.
Compliance in clinical trials may not reflect real-world scenarios.
Monitoring for long-term toxicity is necessary for patients on extended therapy.
The combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors may improve tolerability despite the COLUMBUS study showing a higher toxicity rate in the combination arm.
Congratulations to the European colleagues who led and executed this trial.
Keywords
BRAF MEK, targeted therapy, COLUMBUS study, melanoma, treatment efficacy, toxicity, long-term care, patient management
Titles
Exploring the COLUMBUS 7-Year Data
Oncology Journeys: Personal Stories and Insights
Sound Bites
"We need to know even the low-grade toxicities."
"There's nothing wrong with improving side effects."
"Kudos to our mainland European colleagues."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
06:12 COLUMBUS 7-Year Overview
12:15 Historical context on study arms
17:55 Long-Term Treatment Considerations
21:29 Desperate... for a Biomarker
23:43 Any insights into development of CNS disease?
30:47 Fact Check for COLUMBUS 7-Year follow-up
32:50 Time to End of Next Line of Treatment in COLUMBUS (akin to PFS2)
35:32 Toxicity & Discontinuation Rate in COLUMBUS
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