In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough, host Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Charles Brenner, an internationally recognized expert in metabolism and the founding Chair of the Department of Diabetes & Cancer Metabolism at City of Hope. Together, they explore the metabolic links between diabetes, obesity, and cancer, and how understanding those connections could lead to new ways to prevent and treat multiple diseases.

Dr. Brenner shares insights from his research into lean fatty liver disease (otherwise known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD), and how certain genetic factors may be quietly driving both metabolic dysfunction and cancer risk. They also discuss the rise of GLP-1 therapies and how a new class of compounds targeting FGF21 might offer a potential new therapeutic option that could help curb sugar cravings and support liver health.

This episode takes listeners deep into the science of energy balance, NAD metabolism, fatty liver disease, and what it truly means to be on the edge of a breakthrough.

Tune in now and stay updated on the science shaping the future of cancer care.

Follow Us

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

Presented by City Of Hope
www.CityOfHope.org

In this special episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough, recorded live at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, host Dr. Monty Pal sits down with two of City of Hope’s newest clinical leaders: Dr. Walter Stadler, Chief Clinical Officer at City of Hope Chicago, and Dr. Alan Bryce, Director of City of Hope Phoenix.

Together, they explore what it takes to build a national model for research-driven care, from creating system-wide infrastructure for precision medicine to integrating AI across core services like pathology, real-time cross-network collaboration, and genomic innovation throughout 40+ sites. The episode dives into the growing complexity of cancer treatment, the burden on individual providers, and how building smarter systems can accelerate access to trials, for all communities.

The discussion touches on simplifying clinical trial design, rethinking dose strategies, and the institutional commitment to pushing forward both early detection and long-term survivorship.

If you're interested in where oncology is headed next—from both a research and systems perspective—this episode is a must-listen.

Follow Us

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

Presented by City Of Hope
www.CityOfHope.org

Welcome back to Season 2 On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research. In this powerful episode, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Linda Malkas, Dean of Translational Sciences at City of Hope, for a conversation that spans childhood stargazing in Queens to leading one of the most ambitious cancer drug developments in recent history.

Dr. Malkas shares how a chance encounter with a grieving father sparked her quest to take on an “undruggable” target, resulting in AOH1996, a promising molecule designed to selectively attack cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. Named in memory of 8-year-old Ana Olivia Healy, the drug is now moving through clinical trials and showing potential to improve standard of care treatments across multiple cancers.

This episode dives into the science, the setbacks, and the synchronicity that fueled this journey, from organic chemistry and DNA fascination to late-night lab work, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the unique ecosystem at City of Hope that made it all possible.

It’s a remarkable story of science, heart, and the human drive to say “yes” to the impossible. Listen now.

Follow Us

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

Presented by City Of Hope
www.CityOfHope.org