Talking Hope Podcast

In this episode of Talking Hope, we speak with Pashtoon Kasi, M.D., a gastrointestinal cancer specialist and the medical director of GI medical oncology for City of Hope Orange County. Dr. Kasi is working to advance a new screening technology called liquid biopsy, also known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) — a blood test that detects small pieces of DNA shed by cancer cells and tumors. The use of ctDNA may play an increasingly pivotal role in earlier cancer screening for at-risk patients and the monitoring of tumor growth. One of the nation’s leading experts in the genomics of cancer and the development of personalized therapies, Dr. Kasi practices at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine, the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County.

Jessica Cheng, M.D., is among the nation’s few, and Orange County’s only, fellowship-trained experts in cancer rehabilitation medicine — a subspecialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry. At City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center — the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County — Dr. Cheng utilizes a body-mind-spirit approach to design and implement comprehensive rehabilitation plans for each patient, collaborating closely with oncologic teams, medical specialties, and other supportive and integrative services. Dr. Cheng joins us to discuss how PM&R can optimize function and independence for people with cancer throughout all stages of their journey.

Research is what powers cancer science forward and leads to new treatment options for patients. In this episode, we discuss the importance and impact of clinical trials with one of the top cancer experts in the nation, Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., Physician in Chief for City of Hope Orange County, Vice Physician-in-Chief for City of Hope National Medical Center, and System Director, Clinical Trials, City of Hope. Dr. Kim was recognized as a 2024 Giant of Cancer Care, one of only 15 oncologists from around the world inducted into that class. Additionally, Dr. Kim has been widely recognized for his advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer research. City of Hope offers more cancer-focused clinical trials than anywhere else in California, and many physicians at City of Hope have open clinical trials for cancer treatments they have designed.

Cancer is a complex disease. Having genomic information from the patient’s tumor and inherited DNA can help physicians treat each patient with the right therapy at the right time — a targeted therapy approach known as precision medicine. We discuss this powerful tool in cancer treatment with Dr. Krushangi Patel, a medical oncologist at City of Hope Orange County’s Long Beach Elm and Long Beach Worsham locations, key parts of our regional network of advanced cancer care. A leader in precision oncology research and treatment, City of Hope’s groundbreaking precision medicine program empowers patients to make the best clinical decisions for themselves and their loved ones in partnership with specialized cancer experts.

After a breast cancer diagnosis, the process of selecting a medical oncologist, a surgical oncologist, and other specialists can feel overwhelming. How can you find the best doctors for breast cancer surgery, and where should you go for the most advanced comprehensive cancer care? To help you make the choices that are right for you, we spoke with Dr. Natalie Johnson, a prominent surgical oncologist practicing at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Dr. Johnson specializes in surgery for breast cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid disease, and melanoma. She shares the most important things to know when choosing where to get care for breast cancer or any cancer.

After surviving two rare forms of breast cancer, Kommah McDowell lives to share the power of Hope and to advocate for patients facing battles similar to those she has faced. Diagnosed at age 29, Kommah and her fiancé were told she had just a 5% chance of survival and would not be able to have children. Today, 19 years since coming to City of Hope for a life-changing second opinion, Kommah is a wife, mother, author, keynote speaker, and a tireless voice for improving patient access to advanced cancer care like the care she receives at City of Hope Orange County. Join host Darrin Godin as he speaks with Kommah about her survivorship journey, how she found her voice, and her passion for inspiring others to see the possible in the seemingly impossible.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Seth A. Cohen, a renowned urologic surgeon and urogynecologist practicing at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center — the most advanced comprehensive cancer center in Orange County. Dr. Cohen specializes in complex reconstruction of the pelvic floor and in treating incontinence, fistula, and pelvic organ prolapse. He is widely published in medical journals on topics including mesh-associated complications and urinary incontinence. City of Hope, through its integrated approach to cancer care, also offers expertise in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Our goal is to ease your symptoms and help you return to your normal activities, giving you form and function. If you are experiencing pelvic health symptoms or concerns, come see us at City of Hope — offering Orange County's most comprehensive program for gynecologic oncology and urogynecologic care.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Yanghee Woo, a renowned City of Hope surgeon-scientist and global authority on stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer. A complex disease that is challenging to diagnose accurately, early-stage gastric cancer is highly treatable. However, more than 75% of gastric cancer patients in the U.S. are diagnosed in later stages. Data shows the disease increasingly impacts adults under 50, as well as certain ethnic populations. Dr. Woo offers recommendations for people who may be at higher risk. She also discusses the groundbreaking study she is leading on the level of gastric cancer risk in our diverse communities and the benefits of upper endoscopy in high-risk individuals. Visit Our Stomach Health to learn more.

Every time Bob Alderman puts on his racing helmet, the rest of the world fades away. But after two decades of fighting prostate cancer, he wasn’t sure he would ever sit behind the wheel of a sprint car again. “Cancer is scary, and that’s normal and okay, but you are still the person you are at the core,” says Alderman. “I have a lot of confidence knowing City of Hope is with me so I can be exactly who I am.’” Join us as the racing legend discusses how following his passion has been key to his survivorship, his journey back to the racetrack, and why his story starts with Hope First.

Heidi Paolone woke up from surgery in 2022 to hear the startling words, “You have cancer.” During a routine procedure at a local hospital, Heidi’s care team discovered concerning signs, and further testing revealed tumors associated with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Although less common than other types of cancer like breast cancer or colon cancer, ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. — more than 236,000 women are living with ovarian cancer in the United States. Join us as Heidi shares her personal healing journey and what navigating cancer has taught her about resilience, gratitude and hope.

The recommended age for starting breast cancer screening has recently been decreased to 40. Cancer rates are rising among adults under 50, especially in Southern California. Cancer’s new face is the face of our neighbors, work colleagues, and adult children, and awareness is the first step in getting people screened and tested early. Our guest today, Juliette Landgrave, is among the new young faces of cancer survivorship, and her story is one of resilience and hope. Her multidisciplinary team at City of Hope Orange County includes our second guest, renowned radiation oncologist Dr. Amanda Schwer. Join us as we discuss the special concerns that younger patients with cancer face, how those concerns can be addressed, and what younger adults can do to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

You may be surprised to learn that Orange County has one of the highest incidence rates of lung cancer in women under 50 in California, ranking fifth in the state (although data suggests a downward trend). Our guest today, Michelle Vacca, is a mother, a wife, a fan of K-pop music and a survivor of non-small cell lung cancer, discovered at age 49 during a trip to the emergency room for something unrelated. She and her family were shocked by the diagnosis, since she had no symptoms or known risk factors for lung cancer. Join us as host Darrin Godin speaks with Michelle about the clinical trial that transformed her journey, her passion for lung cancer advocacy, and how advances in research and treatment at City of Hope are changing the lung cancer story in Orange County. Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Orange County adults, where only 7% of adults smoke.

More than a decade after her experience with breast cancer, Kathy was diagnosed in 2017 with Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After five years of attempting various treatments, her cancer kept returning, and she came to City of Hope to see if to see if she was a candidate for an innovative cancer treatment known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Today, thanks to the advanced treatment and compassionate care she receives at City of Hope, Kathy is back enjoying her family and doing the things she loves. Join Kathy and host Darrin Godin as they discuss Kathy’s keys to cancer survivorship.

Urologic cancers rank among the most frequently occurring cancers in the United States. Some can develop in both men and women, while others are specific to men. In this episode, renowned urologic researcher and clinician Cory Hugen, M.D., shares what to know about urologic cancer, how to reduce risk, and advances in early detection and treatment that are bringing new hope to patients. Dr. Hugen practices at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, where he specializes in caring for patients with urologic cancers such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer and penile cancer. He has been the lead or co-investigator on dozens of clinical trials in addition to being a multi-decorated physician serving in the United States Air Force.

In this episode, Jon shares his message for men on the importance of early detection and treatment. There are no universal guidelines for prostate cancer screening, so men should speak with their physician so they can make an individualized decision on getting screened. This is particularly important for men over age 45 and men in higher-risk groups, including Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

In this episode, we speak with acupuncturist oncologist Amy Truong, D.T.C.M., M.P.H., L.AC., about the evidence-backed benefits of acupuncture for patients with cancer. Dr. Truong brings extensive knowledge and expertise in both public health and traditional Chinese medicine to her practice at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. She holds both a master’s and a doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine, and a master’s degree in public health.

Don’t miss this informative conversation with Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., Medical Director, Gynecologic Cancer Program, City of Hope Orange County, and Christopher Zimmerman, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Medical Director, Communicable Disease Control Division, Orange County Heath Care Agency. Learn what the evidence tells us about the correlation between HPV and the risk of cervical cancer — and other cancers — as we dive into the data, dispel myths, and shine a light on the and the safe, effective and widely available vaccination and screenings that are key to HPV-related cervical cancer prevention.

For Sheree, experiencing art – and the healing and comfort it can provide – elevated her well-being on her journey to cancer survivorship. In this episode, you will see examples of the inspirational artwork that surrounds patients at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, including several pieces that held a special – and unexpected – meaning for Sheree when she arrived there for the first time.

In this episode, we speak with medical oncologist Jyoti Malhotra, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Thoracic Medical Oncology, City of Hope Orange County. Dr. Malhotra specializes in caring for patients with lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Her research interests involve precision medicine and experimental therapeutics, and she has led multiple Phase 1 trials investigating novel agents and combination therapies for cancer. Dr. Malhotra shares what people need to know about how the face of lung cancer is changing and how precision medicine, immunotherapy, genetic testing and more are coming together to benefit patients.

In this episode, we speak with Kailey Proctor, M.P.H., R.D.N., C.S.O., a clinical dietitian and board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Why is eating well during breast cancer treatment important? What should you eat (and drink) to prepare for survivorship? Are popular weight-loss diets beneficial? Where can patients with breast cancer find nutritional support? Kailey answers these important questions and more for patients and their families.

Christian Bedolla was an Orange County teenager looking forward to graduating high school when a lymphoma diagnosis threatened to derail his plans of becoming a firefighter. Undeterred, Christian enrolled in a clinical trial at City of Hope studying a promising new drug for his type of cancer, part of City of Hope’s commitment to bringing patients highly specialized expertise and leading-edge treatments. In this episode, Christian shares the keys to his approach to facing cancer, his dedication to helping others and the many reasons why he sees a bright path to the future.

Orange County mother Donna McNutt’s message of resilience — and her love of fashion — have supported her and her family throughout her journey with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. Grateful and seeking ways to give back, Donna took to Instagram as @thecancerfashionista. There, she shares her experience with cancer — and her effortlessly stylish outfits — to inspire others to find their personal outlet for self-expression, self-confidence, and healing. Join us to learn how leaning into doing what she loves brings meaning and purpose to Donna’s survivorship journey.

In this episode, we speak with renowned surgeon Jeffrey S. Yoshida, M.D., Medical Director of Urologic Surgery at City of Hope Orange County. A pioneer in robotic surgery, Dr. Yoshida has performed more than 3,000 surgeries for prostate cancer. Dr. Yoshida joins us to dispel some common misconceptions men have about prostate cancer, raise awareness of advances in prostate cancer screening, and share how minimally invasive surgery and other advanced prostate cancer treatments and technologies are benefitting patients.

Jim Madrid is a grateful patient at City of Hope and a sought-after leadership coach who helps athletes, individuals and organizations perform at their peak and achieve their goals. Cancer challenged him to grow the mindset he teaches to others and put it to work in support of his own healing. It’s a challenge he accepted with enthusiasm, faith and hope. In this episode, Jim Madrid speaks with us about how mindfulness benefits his experience with cancer and how he transformed cancer’s obstacles into opportunities with the support of his family and the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists at City of Hope.

Interventional radiology is an advanced, innovative specialty that is transforming cancer treatment. Through minimally invasive, image-guided diagnoses and treatments, interventional radiologists are able to obtain biopsies, ablate tumors, open blocked vessels, and deliver medications directly to disease sites as an alternative to open surgery. Jason Salsamendi, M.D., Lead Interventional Radiologist, City of Hope Orange County, spoke with us about the wide range of needs interventional radiology can address, its role in fully integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care, and the many advantages it offers patients.

In her more than 40 years as an oncology nurse and supervisor, Kerry O’Neil, M.S., B.S.N., R.N., OCN, has eased the way for thousands of patients with cancer and their families. The nursing manager at City of Hope | Newport Beach, O’Neil is recognized by her patients and colleagues as an extraordinary healer. In this episode, she reflects on the vital role oncology nurses play in bringing clinical excellence and compassion to patients who are relying on them for care at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

It seems almost meant to be that N. Simon Tchekmedyian, M.D., and his son Nishan Tchekmedyian, M.D., are oncologists. Nishan grew up observing the special connection his father shared with his patients and their families. The deeply human aspect of patient care resonated with him. Today, father and son practice medical oncology and hematology together at City of Hope Orange County. We spoke with the doctors Tchekmedyian about their paths to medicine, what they have learned from each other and how they live their shared commitment to putting patients first.

Like most busy moms, Allie Bertocchini didn’t have time for breast cancer. Her life was full with family and work. But as someone with a family history of cancer, Bertocchini knew it was important to be vigilant about her breast health. Bertocchini shares with us the keys to her survivorship and how being a breast cancer survivor changed her perspective on life.

How do spiritual care and pioneering cancer research intersect? Find out in this fascinating discussion with City of Hope Orange County chaplain-scientist Frank Munoz, Ph.D. In addition to his work as a clinical chaplain, Munoz is a scientist who integrates spiritual traditions and mind-body medicine into his practice. His research focuses on how mind-body medicine techniques can support coping with stress and how these techniques can be applied on a genetic level. Under the umbrella of integrative medicine, which uses evidence-based, complementary practices in combination with conventional medicine, City of Hope can help patients with cancer regain health and build a lifestyle focused on wellness, part of our holistic approach to patient care.

A multiple myeloma survivor, support group leader, cancer coach, and optimist, City of Hope grateful patient Todd Kennedy and his wife and care partner Diane inspire their family, friends and care teams with their courage and perseverance. Committed patient and research advocates, the couple shares powerful testimony about addressing the challenges of living with a rare blood cancer, the reasons for myeloma patients to be hopeful, and the blessings that have come out of their journey. 

Advocate for yourself. It’s one of the most empowering things an individual facing gynecologic cancer can do, says gynecologic oncologist Joshua G. Cohen, M.D., medical director, Gynecologic Cancer Program, City of Hope Orange County. We spoke with Cohen about what drew him to this unique specialty and breakthroughs that are bringing patients the greatest hope for recovery.

In this episode, host Darrin Godin speaks with Jessica Patel, the director of diagnostic radiology at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer, the region’s most advanced cancer center. They discuss why she felt called to City of Hope and how her team of highly specialized radiology experts is making a difference for patients and their families.