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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Enrique Velazquez Villarreal, a physician-scientist in City of Hope’s Department of Integrative Translational Sciences, whose path into medicine and research is anything but typical.

Dr. Velazquez Villarreal talks about growing up in Mexico, entering medical school at 17, and the many mentors—who shaped his decision to pursue oncology - three of whom he lost to colorectal cancer He shares how his early exposure to both surgery and underserved communities led him to seek answers not only through the scalpel, but through software. The episode dives into his groundbreaking work integrating clinical data with genomics, artificial intelligence, and multi-omics tools to tackle one of the most alarming trends in oncology: the rise of colorectal cancer in young Hispanic patients. He also unpacks his mission to make AI useful, accessible, and truly impactful in the clinic—not just in research papers.

This is a deeply thoughtful conversation about data, technology, and the very human reason behind why it all matters.

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In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Betty Ferrell, trailblazing nurse-scientist and director of the Division of Nursing Research and Education at City of Hope. Known globally for her foundational work in quality of life, pain management, and palliative care, Dr. Ferrell reflects on her nearly four decades of research, mentorship, and advocacy that have reshaped how we define patient-centered cancer care.

Together they trace her journey from bedside nursing in Oklahoma to spearheading research that has influenced standards of care across disciplines—from bone marrow transplantation and thoracic surgery, to early-phase clinical trials. Dr. Ferrell shares her international collaborations, including her work in Ethiopia with colleague Dr. Lesley Taylor, which are driving change in some of the most resource-constrained settings.

This episode is a reminder that treating cancer isn’t just about targeting disease—it’s about recognizing the full human experience behind it.

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In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal talks with Mustafa Raoof, a leading surgical oncologist and physician-scientist at City of Hope, about the challenges and potential in treating some of the toughest cancers.

Dr. Raoof reflects on his path - from boarding school in Pakistan to pioneering new techniques in peritoneal metastasis treatment at a world renowned cancer center, including the promising intraperitoneal therapy known as Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC). He breaks down his lab's latest work on DNA repair in pancreatic cancer, shares his perspectives on the value of making research more accessible across low-resource settings, and discusses how he balances life as a researcher, surgeon, and his most important role as a dad.

This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation that spotlights how innovation meets real-world limitations, and why collaboration —not just within institutions, but across borders — is more essential than ever.

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In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal speaks with Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., the physician-in-chief of City of Hope Orange County and Vice Physician-in-Chief of City of Hope National Medical Center.

Dr. Kim shares his experience leading the transformation of leading U.S. cancer centers, and how City of Hope is using integrative oncology to reshape the patient experience. They discuss how innovative strategies, such as building a national clinical trial model, will expand patient access and the importance of continually redefining the standard of care - not only for therapeutic solutions but also for prevention and detection interventions. Dr. Kim also opens up about mentorship and his vision for the future of cancer care.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the next frontier of oncology and what it takes to bring breakthrough treatments to more people.

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In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Dr. Yuman Fong, 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.

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Presented by City Of Hope
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