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On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research

On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research

By: City of Hope
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About this listen

 Welcome to On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, your gateway to the latest in cancer care innovation. Hosted by Dr. Monty Pal, a medical oncologist and researcher at City of Hope, we’ll bring you inside one of the top 5 cancer research and treatment institutions in the U.S., where innovation and hope go hand-in-hand. Join Dr. Pal as he sits down with some of the world’s leading cancer experts as they explore some of the most pressing challenges and promising innovations in oncology today. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional, a curious researcher, or simply someone passionate about the fight against cancer, this podcast is your front row seat to hear about the discoveries defining the future of cancer care.2025 City of Hope Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Science
Episodes
  • Bonus: The Future of Cancer Surgery: Innovations, AI and Remote Robotics

    Bonus: The Future of Cancer Surgery: Innovations, AI and Remote Robotics
    Dec 23 2025

    This is an audience favorite episode. Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Yuman Fong, M.D., an internationally renowned surgical oncologist and Chair of Surgery at City of Hope, to explore the leading-edge innovations shaping the future of surgical oncology.

    Dr. Fong shares his incredible journey from studying medieval literature to being one of the first-ever surgeons to conduct surgery in space. They discuss the evolution of oncolytic viruses, the role of AI in cancer surgery, and how remote robotic surgical procedures are transforming patient care worldwide. Dr. Fong also shares his insights on balancing an intense surgical career with family life, mentorship, and finding passions outside the operating room.

    Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the future of cancer care, where groundbreaking science meets human connection. Subscribe via the links below to listen now.

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    • LinkedIn @city-of-hope
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    Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org
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    33 mins
  • The Quest to Cure: Exploring the Latest Frontiers in Autoimmune Disease Treatment

    The Quest to Cure: Exploring the Latest Frontiers in Autoimmune Disease Treatment
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Enrique Montero, research professor within the Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, to discuss his global journey in immunology and the pioneering work underway at City of Hope. Dr. Montero shares how early clinical experiences with lupus inspired his lifelong mission to bridge basic science and clinical application, leading to innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

    The episode dives into the significance of the CD6 molecule on T cells - how its overexpression drives inflammation in conditions like type 1 diabetes and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The duo discusses the development of targeted monoclonal antibodies and a groundbreaking approach using genetically modified regulatory T cells—CAR Tregs—to modulate immune responses, aiming not just to control disease but to regenerate damaged tissue.

    Dr. Montero shares early insights from the first-in-human clinical trial of CAR Tregs for GVHD, noting promising safety and signs of durable benefit in patients who had exhausted other treatment options.

    Looking ahead, Dr. Montero envisions expanding this technology to tackle type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions, driven by a collective dream to move beyond symptom management toward true cures.

    Follow Us:

    • LinkedIn @city-of-hope
    • X @cityofhope
    • Facebook @cityofhope
    • Instagram @cityofhope

    Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org
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    39 mins
  • Translating Discovery: Shaping Tomorrow’s Prostate Cancer Therapies

    Translating Discovery: Shaping Tomorrow’s Prostate Cancer Therapies
    Nov 26 2025
    In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Tanya Dorff, professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and section chief of the Genitourinary Disease Program at City of Hope. Together they dive into Dorff’s pioneering work in immunotherapy for prostate cancer - from the challenges of moving treatments from bench to bedside, to the importance of collaborative team-science, and the role of deep biological correlates in informing future studies. Beyond her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Dorff reflects on mentorship, work-life balance, and the importance of supporting diversity of thought in academic medicine. She shares how creative pursuits help her recharge and offers advice for aspiring oncologists to pursue their passions and embrace bold leaps at the edge of breakthrough. Tune in to discover how clinical innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach are the secret sauce driving advances in cancer care. Follow Us: • LinkedIn @city-of-hope • X @cityofhope • Facebook @cityofhope • Instagram @cityofhope Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org
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    32 mins
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