Best Melanoma Matters Pod Podcasts (2025)

For the record, we recorded this episode in February 2024 :) better late than never to get it published! In this episode, James has no idea what he's in for. Sapna quizzes James on new drug approvals in hematology & oncology in the year 2024 to see if he can guess the cancer type and mechanism of action.…

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Ep 71: Women in Melanoma manuscript - now with a FACT CHECK! 32:13

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3M ago32:13

32:13

Summary In this episode, hosts James Larkin & Sapna Patel discuss the Women in Melanoma Conference, highlighting its role in fostering networking and collaboration among female oncologists. They reflect on the evolution of the conference, its impact on participants, and the importance of addressing women's issues in oncology. The discussion also to…

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Ep 70: Best of ASCO colon.... 2025 ;) 48:38

4M ago48:38

48:38

You wanted it, we gave it... best of ASCO ...colon...2025 :D In this episode, hosts James and Sapna discuss the key highlights from ASCO 2025, focusing on significant abstracts related to melanoma treatment. They delve into the implications of adrenal insufficiency, the 5 year, final results of Lifileucel, and the ongoing debate between neoadjuvant…

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Ep 69: Guest Monty Pal 36:45

4M ago36:45

36:45

Summary In this episode, Sapna Patel and James Larkin engage with Monty Pal from City of Hope, discussing his unique journey into oncology, the significance of the microbiome in cancer treatment, and the impact of diet and lifestyle on patient outcomes. They explore current research, including clinical trials involving fecal microbiome transplants …

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Ep 68: GDF-15 antibody GODFATHER trial 28:46

4M ago28:46

28:46

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the Godfather 15 trial, focusing on the neutralizing GDF 15 antibody and its implications in overcoming PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 resistance in solid tumors. They explore the background of GDF-15, its role in immune suppression, and the trial's methodology, including …

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Ep 67: SITC white paper on ICI resistance 33:45

7M ago33:45

33:45

Summary In this conversation, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the consensus definitions for resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, focusing on a recent paper from the Journal of Immunotherapy of Cancer. They explore the complexities of primary and secondary resistance, the importance of defining these terms for clinical trials, and the ch…

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Ep 66: Ponsegromab for cancer cachexia 43:13

7M ago43:13

43:13

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the recent advancements in understanding and treating cancer cachexia, particularly focusing on the drug ponsegramab. They explore the implications of cachexia across different cancer types, the role of cytokine GDF-15, and the importance of nutrition and physical act…

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Ep 65: Opdivo Qvantig (subcutaneous formulation) 47:54

7M ago47:54

47:54

Summary In this conversation, Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the recent approval of Opdivo Qvantiq, a subcutaneous formulation of nivolumab, and its implications for oncology treatment. They explore the Checkmate 6-7-T study that led to its approval, the efficacy and safety of the new formulation, and the broader regulatory landscape. The dis…

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Ep 64: Guest Clare Turnbull Part 2 46:11

7M ago46:11

46:11

In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel pick up with Part 2 of 2 - a deep conversation with Claire Turnbull - about the complexities of cancer screening, overdiagnosis, and the role of genetic testing. They explore the implications of screening practices illustrated by the Gilbert Welch paradigm, the challenges faced…

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Ep 63: Guest Clare Turnbull Part 1 28:45

7M ago28:45

28:45

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome Clare Turnbull, a clinical geneticist in London, to discuss her journey from studying mathematics to medicine, her work in cancer genetics, and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare. The conversation explores the role of genetic testing in melanoma, the challenge…

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Ep 62: Post PD-1 studies 19:26

7M ago19:26

19:26

Summary On mountain emergencies...Sapna's had them, James denies them...This conversation delves into the treatment options available for patients with advanced melanoma who have progressed after anti PD-1 therapy. The discussion covers various clinical studies, response rates, and the implications of combination therapy post-PD1 progression. James…

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Ep 61: Guest Inge Marie Svane 24:28

8M ago24:28

24:28

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, host Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome guest Inge Marie Svane to discuss the evolution and future of cancer immunotherapy, particularly focusing on cellular therapy for melanoma. Inge Marie shares her extensive background in the field, the establishment of a cancer immune therapy center in Denmark, an…

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Ep 60: Melanoma & Kidney Cancer w/ Mike Atkins 39:08

8M ago39:08

39:08

Welcome to Season 2! In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin engage with Michael Atkins from Georgetown University to discuss the advancements in melanoma and kidney cancer treatments, particularly focusing on immunotherapy and cytokine treatments. They explore the groundbreaking DreamSeq trial that compares immunoth…

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Ep 59 TRAILER: 2024 Reflections 1:04

8M ago1:04

1:04

Have you been holding your breath for a new episode? No more holding, time to exhale... and reflect upon 2024. A trailer for you

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Ep 59: 2024 Reflections 43:15

8M ago43:15

43:15

Time to exhale... and reflect upon 2024. In this episode, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin reflect on their professional and personal experiences from 2024, discussing highlights, lowlights, and the impact of loss in the medical community. They share their intentions and goals for 2025, emphasizing personal bests, leadership , and the importance …

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Ep 58: Best of 2024: SMR 23:59

10M ago23:59

23:59

Summary Favorite holiday songs... perhaps unexpectedly one of our hosts faves is Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis ... guess which? In another Best of 2024 episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss key findings from the Society for Melanoma Research (SMR) meeting. They spotlight the TIL for CNS mets study, KE…

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Ep 57: Best of 2024: ESMO 28:37

10M ago28:37

28:37

Summary Voicing punctuation #2 ... In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss their second episode in the "Best of 2024" series and review the highlights from the 2024 ESMO Congress. They discuss the final analysis of CheckMate 067, long-term data from KEYNOTE 006, DMFS from NADINA, and the KEYMAKER U02 Substudy…

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Ep 56: Best of 2024: ASCO 33:18

10M ago33:18

33:18

Summary Verbalizing punctuation for laughs...background wood noises ... and out of office replies get things started. In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel record their first in a series of "Best of 2024" and review highlights from the ASCO Annual Meeting. They focus on 4 significant trials: NADINA, COMBI-AD, KEYNO…

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Ep 55: VIBE Intro - Give Us Your Feedback 3:05

11M ago3:05

3:05

In this episode we are calling VIBE - Voicing Interesting Bits from Everyone - we want to hear from YOU! We've opened an email address to field your questions, concerns, feedback and input. While we cannot answer specific patient case questions, this is a great forum to clarify any questions around the data. Our plan …

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Ep 54: All things MSLT with Mark Faries 38:27

11M ago38:27

38:27

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome surgical oncologist Mark Faries to discuss the evolution of surgical practices in melanoma, particularly focusing on sentinel lymph node biopsy and the implications of recent clinical trials. They explore the historical context of lymph node surgeries, the signi…

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Ep 53: Guest Toni Ribas 26:35

11M ago26:35

26:35

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel welcome their first live guest, Toni Ribas. The conversation covers the evolution of melanoma treatments, the challenge of treatment resistance, and the importance of clinical trials. The episode emphasizes the need for continuous innovation and the importance of unders…

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Ep 52: COLUMBUS 7-year follow-up 37:14

12M ago37:14

37:14

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James tells us about his path to oncology (thank you, Emma) via John Newsom-Davis, the Jeremy Bentham pub, and Hammersmith Hospital. Later, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the COLUMBUS 7-year data of targeted therapy for metastatic melanoma - treatment efficacy, toxicity, and long-term patient…

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Ep 51: Exercise Oncology and TIL for CNS mets with Allison Betof Warner 28:35

1y ago28:35

28:35

Teaser: Find out Allison's favorite body part, had she been an orthopedic surgeon (and James' 2nd favorite.. from the movie Sleeper) Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin welcome Dr. Allison Betof-Warner, Director of the Advanced Melanoma Program at Stanford University. The conversation explores Dr. Betof-W…

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Ep 50: ADAPT-IT Study 31:57

1y ago31:57

31:57

Summary Gulf oysters and FATE get a shoutout in this episode of Melanoma Matters. Hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the ADAPT-IT study, focusing on adaptive dosing strategies in immunotherapy for melanoma. They explore the study's design, results, and implications for clinical practice, including the potential for reduced dosing based on e…

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Ep 49: Melanoma Patient Network Europe with Bettina Ryll 39:41

1y ago39:41

39:41

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel engage with Bettina Ryll, founder of the Melanoma Patient Network Europe (MPNE). Bettina shares her personal journey from being a physician to becoming a patient advocate after her husband's battle with metastatic melanoma. The conversation explores the evolution of pat…

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Ep 48: CM 067 Final, 10-year analysis with Jedd Wolchok 34:47

1y ago34:47

34:47

SummaryIn this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel engage with Jedd Wolchok, a prominent figure in oncology, to discuss his journey into the field, the evolution of immunotherapy, particularly the Checkmate-067 trial, and the long-term outcomes for melanoma patients. The conversation highlights the importance of collabor…

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Ep 47: TRICOTEL with Andreas Schmitt 40:47

1y ago40:47

40:47

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel welcome Dr. Andreas Schmitt to discuss various aspects of melanoma treatment, including the importance of supplementary data in clinical trial reports, the implications of the TRICOTEL study, and the role of PD-L1 as a biomarker. The conversation highlights the signific…

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Ep 46: Cemiplimab + Fianlimab (first report) 24:00

1y ago24:00

24:00

Summary *Warning* with apologies! There is a change in sound at 11:11 mark that might necessitate a lower volume output. Hosts James Larkin has a beef with the first word of the cemiplimab + fianlimab JCO publication. He's living vicariously through Sapna's snowboarding plans for the season (if the record high temps ever stop). They continue to str…

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Ep 45: KEYNOTE 006 10 year follow-up 39:45

1y ago39:45

39:45

Summary Left siding, Starfishing, and Superstitions! We make a hidden shoutout to Owen and a subtle callout to Zayd ... if you're listening In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin delve into the Keynote 006 study, exploring its implications for melanoma treatment, long-term follow-up, and patient outcomes. The conver…

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Ep 44: Treatment Beyond Progression 28:56

1y ago28:56

28:56

Summary More stories about medical emergencies! In this conversation, James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the complexities of tumor dynamics in patients treated with pembrolizumab beyond disease progression. They share personal anecdotes about medical emergencies on flights, which lead into a deeper exploration of treatment strategies and clinical…

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Ep 43: Mucosal Melanoma 29:17

1y ago29:17

29:17

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, Sapna and James discuss the importance of looking at Figure 1. They talk about in-flight medical emergencies, and James recalls a scene of carnage ... "blood everywhere." They delve into the complexities of mucosal melanoma, discussing its unique characteristics, treatment options, and the latest researc…

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Ep 42: RELATIVITY 020 31:50

1y ago31:50

31:50

Summary James' favorite moments from #ESMO24 include footie and a not-so-chance encounter with NEJM Editor-in-Chief, Eric Rubin. In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the Relativity 020 study, which focuses on Nivo Rela after PD-1 exposure in melanoma patients. They reflect on their experiences at ESMO, inc…

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Ep 41: Ipi 10 mg/kg v 3 mg/kg 26:40

1y ago26:40

26:40

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel reflect on their experiences at ESMO 2024 and the importance of face-to-face meetings. But then James pops the balloon by commenting on the carbon footprint of the airplane travel. They go on to discuss the phase three trial comparing ipilimumab doses in melanoma and de…

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Ep 40: CheckMate 238 Post-Recurrence Outcomes 33:06

1y ago33:06

33:06

Summary In this episode, James needs some sun cream! The conversation discusses the outcomes of post-recurrence systemic therapy following adjuvant checkpoint inhibitor treatment for resected melanoma in the Checkmate 238 trial. The study found that early recurrences were associated with worse outcomes compared to late recurrences. Patients who rec…

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Ep 39: LEAP 004 & 003 28:19

1y ago28:19

28:19

Summary (Coach) Owen is in a seriously bad mood with James at the moment! But James is back in pull-up form and can do an impressive number of strict pull-ups... In this episode, Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the LEAP 004 and LEAP 003 studies, focusing on the combination of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in treating melanoma, particularly in p…

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Ep 38: TIL v. Ipi 34:25

1y ago34:25

34:25

Summary On the heels of the great ESMO 2024 session with Toni Ribas, Inge Marie Svane, and Olivier Michielin James and Sapna discuss Prof Svane and Prof van Haanen's TIL trial, a significant study in melanoma treatment that explores the efficacy and safety of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy compared to traditional treatments. They delve…

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Ep 37: CheckMate 511 31:10

1y ago31:10

31:10

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, host James Larkin uses his 1-800-Operator voice until co-host Sapna Patel reminds him to use his podium voice. There is a noisy wardrobe choice (SP) and a fact check of a fact check (JL). Sapna and James have an in-depth conversation of the Checkmate 511 study, discussing its implications for treatment r…

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Ep 36: Indirect comparison CM 067 v RELA 047 24:31

1y ago24:31

24:31

Summary James is back from holiday and tells us the peak, pit, and bud of his time away. (Spoiler: the pit was NOT a broken tooth!) He also shares a tip for time management and email hygiene on holiday. Sapna makes an unfortunate wardrobe choice (noisy, not visual). In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts Sapna and James delve into the complexit…

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Ep 35: End of Life care 40:28

1y ago40:28

40:28

Summary Our hosts guilty pleasures - junk food and South Park! Endless laughs about South Park... In this episode of Melanoma Matters, Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the complexities of end-of-life care in patients with melanoma. They explore the importance of early conversations about treatment options, the role of palliative care, and the e…

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Ep 34: CHOPIN & SCANDIUM trials for Uveal Melanoma 10:22

1y ago10:22

10:22

Summary In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss a couple of liver-directed trials in metastatic uveal melanoma. They focus on the CHOPIN and SCANDIUM trials, the combination of liver-directed therapies with systemic treatments, and the safety and efficacy of these approaches. The conversation highlights the i…

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Ep 33: Percutaneous Hepatic Infusion for Uveal Melanoma 41:07

1y ago41:07

41:07

Summary Warning: we recorded ANOTHER 40-minute episode on uveal melanoma! But this time we decided *not* to split it into 2 episodes. So dig in for a long one...there's the use of props at the end! In this conversation, James and Sapna discuss the FOCUS trial and the use of the melphalan hepatic delivery system. The discussion highlights the import…

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Ep 32: Ipi Nivo for Uveal Melanoma 29:02

1y ago29:02

29:02

Summary Find out which host is a french fry aficianado, who loves a doner kebab as a guilty pleasure, and other cheeky indulgences (Lebowski's, Gettysburger, Union Rings, Freedom Fries, Law & Order: SVU...) In this conversation, hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss the latest findings and studies related to uveal melanoma treatments, particul…

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Ep 31: Tebentafusp for Uveal Melanoma (Part Two) 23:31

1y ago23:31

23:31

Summary Hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel have a bit of fun around the words juice, wimpy, lobster red, and 3 inches. The conversation about tebentafusp in uveal melanoma continues, focusing on the concept of treating beyond progression, the tolerability of treatments, survival outcomes, and the implications of HLA frequency in patient selection f…

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Ep 30: Tebentafusp for Uveal Melanoma (Part One) 22:27

1y ago22:27

22:27

Summary Step aerobics, DOMS, and Princess Diana all in one opening story. In this episode of Melanoma Matters, hosts James Larkin and Sapna Patel discuss the drug tebentafusp and its implications in treating uveal melanoma. They explore the study design, patient demographics, and the significance of overall survival rates in clinical trials. The di…

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Ep 29: COMBI-AD long-term follow-up (10y) 33:46

1y ago33:46

33:46

Summary James recalls a concert in Juan-les-Pins in Antibes, France where he saw one of the best performances he can remember (swanky locale under the pines). And a tip of the hat to the Wedding Present whose gigs he says were "always amazing" In this episode of Melanoma Matters, James and Sapna discuss the long-term follow-up results of the COMBI-…

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Ep 28: RELATIVITY 048 33:07

1y ago33:07

33:07

Summary Hosts Sapna Patel and James Larkin discuss what they're currently watching on tv & streaming services. (Spoiler: Eric Cartman on Ozempic) The main conversation delves into the Relativity 48 study of triple immune checkpoint inhibition presented at ASCO 2024. The hosts discuss the study's design, patient characteristics, safety profile, and …

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Ep 27: NADINA in practice 38:19

1y ago38:19

38:19

Summary How many countries are there in the world? 195 according to the United Nations. (Host James Larkin nearly got it right) In this episode of Melanoma Matters, Sapna and James discuss recent developments in melanoma treatment, focusing on the FDA's recent ODAC vote regarding neoadjuvant trial designs and the implications of the Nadina data. Th…

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Ep 26: NADINA w Christian Blank 28:06

1y ago28:06

28:06

Summary In this episode, Prof Christian Blank introduces us to a woman named NADINA. We find out what kind of car he drives as well as James when he's not cycling around London (hint: adoks backwards). We fixed the sound and video at the end, so you can have a laugh along with us. Christian discusses with James and Sapna the NADINA trial, combinati…