In this edition of the On Target podcast, Dr Akila Viswanathan speaks with Dr Kristin Redmond about treating brain and spinal tumors and her research on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Dr Redmond discusses some ongoing clinical trials using SBRT, a highly precise form of radiation therapy used to treat tumors in while minimizing damage to surrounding areas, that are exploring optimal doses and treatment techniques to improve patient outcomes.

They also highlight the benefits of collaboration in multidisciplinary care at Johns Hopkins, where experts from radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgery, radiology and other fields work together to provide the best possible care for patients with complex cases, including rare tumors.

Dr Redmond also touches on the innovative use of circulating tumor DNA to detect tumor recurrence early and her research on the neuropsychological effects of radiation on the brain.

Dr Akila Viswanathan begins a special series focusing on women in radiation oncology at Johns Hopkins in this edition of the On Target podcast. Today she speaks with Dr Ana Kiess about treating patients with prostate cancer and head and neck cancers, her research on the integration of radiopharmaceutical therapies, and the unique challenges women face in academic medicine while balancing leadership roles, research, and clinical responsibilities.

Radiopharmaceuticals are a specialized group of drugs containing radioisotopes that emit radiation. They are used primarily in nuclear medicine and oncology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These treatments deliver targeted radiation doses directly to tumors, damaging the cancer cells’ DNA and preventing their growth and spread. Dr Kiess highlights the ongoing clinical trials and advancements in radiopharmaceutical therapies, which are opening new possibilities for cancer treatment, especially in cases of prostate cancer.

The discussion also emphasizes the collaborative environment at Johns Hopkins, where specialists from multiple disciplines work together to advance the field. Dr Kiess explains how this collaborative approach enhances research and patient care, allowing for the development of innovative treatment protocols that can more effectively target cancers.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In this episode of the Cancer Matters podcast, Dr Bill Nelson, Director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, speaks with Dr John Fetting and Dr Antonio Wolff about the breast cancer program at Johns Hopkins and the Fetting Fund for Breast Cancer Prevention.

The Fetting Fund was inspired by the breast cancer journey of one of Dr Fetting’s patients, Leslie Ries, and supports research to better understand breast cancer risk factors and develop effective prevention strategies. The goal is to empower women to make informed decisions about their health and reduce their chances of ever facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

This conversation explores some of the causes of breast cancer, like genetic mutations, the challenges physicians face in identifying those at an elevated risk, personalized prevention approaches that balance the benefits of medication with potential side effects, and the role of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, in lowering the risk of breast cancer.

Visit the Fetting Fund for Breast Cancer Prevention to learn more about the research projects currently underway and what steps you can take to lower your risk.