
Ep. 595 Lung Cancer Staging and Systemic Therapies: Recent Advancements with Dr. Karen Reckamp and Dr. Scott Atay
How do leading oncologists interpret the abundance of molecular tests, genomic data, and biomarkers to create a lung cancer patient’s treatment plan? In this episode of the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series, our tumor board discusses the complexities of lung cancer treatment, including new systemic therapies, lung cancer staging, and the role of molecular diagnostics and liquid biopsies. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian. --- SYNPOSIS The panel, featuring specialists from various institutions, discusses the specifics of sequencing therapies, the impact of targeted and immunotherapies, and the nuances of treating different patient profiles, including non-smokers and those with specific genetic mutations. The conversation also touches on the integration of new staging systems, the benefits of multidisciplinary clinics, and the ongoing evolution of cancer treatment trials. The discussion aims to provide clarity on the latest advancements and future directions in managing lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment plans and the potential of emerging technologies. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction05:16 - Molecular Diagnostics and Liquid Biopsy21:43 - Targeted Therapy Options27:29 - Managing Toxicities and Treatment Strategies33:13 - Challenges with Immunotherapy in Special Cases34:07 - Lung Transplantation in Cancer Patients48:38 - Multidisciplinary Clinics and Collaboration01:06:29 - Future Directions --- RESOURCES ADAURA Trialhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2027071 Gomez NSCLChttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5143183/
5 Dec 1h 8min

Ep. 593 Evaluating IR Programs: A Residency Applicant's Guide with Dr. Neil Jain
What should you know before applying to an interventional radiology residency program? Get 70 minutes of free advice in this week's episode of BackTable featuring Georgetown IR fellow Dr. Neil Jain and host Dr. Chris Beck, covering everything from building your IR resume to crushing your interviews. SYNPOSIS The conversation starts by covering the essential steps that medical students can take to build their resume prior to the application cycle, including involvement in the medical student sections of SIR, CIRSE, and local symposiums. Dr. Jain highlights the importance of mentorship and research, strategies for obtaining strong letters of recommendation, and effectively navigating both home and away rotations. The discussion also extends to interview preparation, program selection, signaling updates, and the rank list construction. The episode also touches on the SOAP process for unmatched applicants and the avenues to secure a match. Importantly, Dr. Jain emphasizes the significance of fit over prestige and finding a program that aligns with your values and professional goals. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:07 - Building Your Resume for IR10:43 - Away Rotations and Letters of Recommendation 23:54 - Personal Statements: Importance and Tips30:07 - Application Strategies: IR and DR Programs41:48 - Utilizing Signaling in the Application Process44:19 - Evaluating Programs During Interviews49:58 - Letters of Interest and Intent54:33 - The Interview Day Experience01:04:47 - Building Your Rank List01:08:56 - The SOAP Process01:12:50 - Final Advice and Closing Remarks --- RESOURCES 2025 NRMP Match Data https://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Advance_Data_Tables_2025.pdfSociety of Interventional Radiology Trainee Websitehttps://www.sirweb.org/in-training/ VI 372 - IR Pathways Unveiled: Matching, Training & Beyond https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/372/ir-pathways-unveiled-matching-training-beyond VI 554: Optimizing the IR/DR Curriculum & Experiencehttps://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/554/optimizing-the-ir-dr-curriculum-experience
28 Nov 1h 15min

Ep. 592 Comparing Thermal Ablation Techniques for Liver Lesions with Dr. Jason Hoffmann
With the range of interventional modalities that are available for metastatic liver tumors, when should you advocate for thermal ablation at the tumor board? In this episode of BackTable, host Dr. Sabeen Dhand welcomes back Dr. Jason Hoffman, an interventional radiologist from New York University, to discuss tools, techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration around microwave ablation for liver metastases. --- This podcast is supported by: Varian https://www.varian.com/products/interventional-solutions/microwave-ablation-solutions --- SYNPOSIS The physicians discuss the decision-making process behind using microwave ablation for metastatic liver disease, and strategies for advocating for the technology in tumor boards. Dr. Hoffman especially emphasizes the value of educating patients about their options and using thoughtful clinical judgement as an IR. The discussion delves into the benefits and advancements in microwave ablation, including his experience with the Varian system in light of NeuWave’s discontinuation. Dr. Hoffman shares the utility of software guidance, system fusion with CT machines, temperature monitoring, and the ability to achieve a more spherical ablation zone. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction04:39 - Practice Growth11:10 - Microwave Ablation Technology12:43 - Multidisciplinary Approach to Liver Metastases26:48 - Microwave Technology and Probe Placement28:42 - Guidance Software and Technological Integration30:40 - Planning and Intraoperative Decisions40:28 - Future of Microwave Ablation48:35 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
25 Nov 52min

Ep. 591 NSCLC Tumor Board Discussion: Considerations for Oligometastatic Disease with Dr. Karen Reckamp, Dr. Scott Atay, Dr. Scott Oh and Dr. Alan Lee
When cancer spreads to the brain, what is the best approach: immediate local treatment or systemic immunotherapy first? Part two of the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series focuses on a complex case involving a 75-year-old woman with a history of breast malignancy, presenting with new dyspnea and a large mass in the left lower lobe. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian. --- SYNPOSIS Our mock tumor board consists of surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to deliberate and determine the best treatment plan. The specialists explore diagnostic and treatment options, including neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, invasive mediastinal staging, and the potential for surgical resection or radiation therapy. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction05:01 - Approach to Isolated Brain Metastasis09:09 - Radiation Therapy Considerations12:06 - Imaging and Follow-Up Strategies14:39 - Resectability and Surgical Decisions19:10 - Conclusion --- RESOURCES PACIFIC Clinical Trialhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1709937
21 Nov 20min

Ep. 590 Deep Venous Arterialization: Techniques & Outcomes with Dr. Miguel Montero Baker and Dr. Lucas M Ferrer Cardona
When conventional revascularization fails, can deep venous arterialization offer a new lifeline to limb salvage? Dr. Lucas Ferrer Cardona, vascular surgeon at Ascension and Dr. Miguel Montero Baker, vascular surgeon and medical director at HOPE Clinical Innovation Center join host Dr. Sabeen Dhand for an insightful discussion on deep venous arterialization (DVA). --- This podcast is supported by: RADPAD® Radiation Protectionhttps://www.radpad.com/ --- SYNPOSIS The doctors discuss the progression of deep venous arterialization, highlighting the benefits of open, endovascular, and hybrid approaches. They draw on their personal experiences to share key technical nuances and explore new devices such as the Aveera Boomerang device. They emphasize the critical role of patient selection, family support, and close postoperative surveillance, including weekly wound assessments and monthly ultrasound evaluations. Although currently FDA-approved for no-option chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), Dr. Baker notes that deep venous arterialization may hold promise even for patients earlier in the disease course.The episode concludes by exploring future directions for deep venous arterialization, highlighting the ongoing need for research to advance limb preservation. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:15 - The Inspiration Behind Their Podcast10:05 - Challenges and Success Stories in Vascular Surgery10:29 - Exploring Deep Venous Arterialization (DVA)25:16 - Hybrid Approaches and Patient Outcomes32:06 - Evolution of Endovascular Techniques37:33 - Patient Selection and Criteria38:52 - Understanding the Biology of Procedures43:57 - Exploring New Techniques and Devices58:52 - Challenges and Considerations01:01:51 - Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Hybrid superficial venous arterialization and endovascular deep venous arterializationhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37404577/ Transcatheter Arterialization of Deep Veins in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemiahttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2212754
18 Nov 1h 4min

Ep. 589 Lung Cancer Tumor Boards: Multidisciplinary Approaches & Best Practices with Dr. Karen Reckamp, Dr. Scott Atay, Dr. Scott Oh, Dr. Alan Lee
As lung cancer treatments become more complex, is a collaborative tumor board more essential than ever? We’re kicking off the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series with an in-studio panel discussion on the multidisciplinary management of lung cancer. The panel includes experts from medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, and interventional pulmonology from major institutions in Los Angeles. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian. --- SYNPOSIS They discuss the operation of tumor boards at their respective institutions, the impact of virtual meetings, optimal strategies for mediastinal staging, the management of early-stage lung cancer, and the emerging role of ablation therapy. The conversation dives into the complexities of treating patients with recurrence or metastatic disease, highlighting the importance of collaborative decision-making in navigating these challenging scenarios. The episode emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary tumor boards in providing informed, patient-centered care. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction06:59 - Role of Pulmonologists in Tumor Boards12:08 - Importance of Tissue Diagnosis24:52 - Lung Cancer Screening and Stigma34:01 - Interventional Radiology and Biopsies46:21 - Challenges with Immunotherapy and Radiation53:44 - The Importance of Multidisciplinary Teams54:24 - Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES American Lung Association 2024 Datahttps://www.lung.org/getmedia/12020193-7fb3-46b8-8d78-0e5d9cd8f93c/SOLC-2024.pdf National Lung Screening Trialhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1102873 Checkmate 816https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2202170 PACIFIC Trialhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1709937
14 Nov 55min

Ep. 588 Breast Cryoablation: Techniques, Patient Selection & Outcomes with Dr. Robert Ward
As breast imaging is becoming increasingly sensitive, is cryoablation the next frontier for treating small cancers or patients who are poor surgical candidates? Learn from expert Dr. Robert Ward, associate professor and program director of the Breast Imaging Fellowship at Brown University as he provides a contemporary overview of the innovative field of breast cryoablation. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Ward shares his journey to becoming an expert in breast cryoablation, from his start in residency to his well-developed service line today. He details his experience enrolling patients in the FROST Trial, which is investigating the role of breast cryoablation as an alternative for surgery in patients with early stage invasive breast cancer. The conversation also covers the intricacies of the procedure, patient selection criteria, pre- and post-procedural care, and the significance of receptor positivity and clinical markers in treatment choices. Dr. Ward talks through the challenges in needle positioning prior to ice ball formation and the possibility of treating tumors close to the skin surface given appropriate wound care. The discussion concludes with a future look at how cryoablation could change the current paradigm of breast cancer care. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - The Rise of Breast Cryoablation06:40 - Challenges and Considerations in Cryoablation07:59 - Patient Referral and Evaluation Process13:35 - Equipment and Techniques for Cryoablation23:29 - Procedure Steps and Needle Positioning26:11 - Post-Procedure Thawing and Patient Expectations28:35 - Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up34:20 - Future of Cryoablation in Breast Cancer Treatment38:01 - Conclusion --- RESOURCES FROST Trialhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01992250 Brown et al., Strategies to Optimize Success in Breast Cancer Cryoablation, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiologyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41083146/
11 Nov 40min






















