The Oncology Podcast

Send us Fan Mail PBS listings can radically reshape practice and the August changes are all about precision. Rachael Babin from the Oncology Network sits down with Professor Craig Underhill to translate the latest Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) oncology and haematology listings into what clinicians actually need: who’s eligible, what the key trials show and what to watch for once the script is written. We start with vorasidenib , newly listed for IDH mutant astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Alongside a powerful public advocacy story, we unpack the INDIGO phase 3 data and why a clear progression-free survival gain matters for patients facing long treatment journeys. We also get practical about toxicity, including fatigue and liver function abnormalities, and the reality that chronic low-grade side effects still require close monitoring and supportive care to keep people well on therapy. Next, we move to selpercatinib for RET-mutated medullary thyroid cancer, a rare disease where “getting the target right” can be transformative. Craig talks us through the LIBRETTO-531 results, what “PFS not reached” signals, and why tolerability and discontinuation rates matter just as much as headline efficacy. We then cover tafasitamab (anti-CD19) added to rituximab and lenalidomide for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, including day unit visit burden, neutropenia risk and the size of the benefit reported. To close, we ask the bigger question: as targeted therapy and tumour-agnostic approvals increase, are we heading toward mutation specialists rather than tumour-type silos? If this helped you keep up with PBS oncology and haematology updates, please subscribe, share it with a colleague and leave a review so more clinicians can find us. Visit the Show Notes for links to the papers and other materials related to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes . Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

Send us Fan Mail Negative trials matter. In this episode, the Oncology Journal Club team discuss research that challenges established practice, alongside thought-provoking papers exploring how we communicate treatment goals in the era of immunotherapy and precision oncology. Professor Chris Jackson reviews the PERISCOPE II trial, showing that adding gastrectomy, cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC to systemic therapy does not improve survival for patients with gastric cancer and limited peritoneal metastases, while substantially increasing treatment-related morbidity. Dr Kate Clarke examines the NeoSUMMIT-01 trial, which provides further evidence supporting perioperative PD-1 inhibition alongside chemotherapy for gastric and gastro-oesophageal cancers, with encouraging improvements in event-free and overall survival. Professor Craig Underhill leads a discussion on a JAMA Oncology viewpoint questioning whether the traditional "curative" versus "palliative" treatment framework remains fit for purpose in modern oncology, particularly as immunotherapy and targeted therapies create new patterns of long-term survival. The team also explores: Smoking cessation programmes that improve outcomes for patients with cancer New ctDNA data following colorectal liver metastasectomy Steroids to reduce morphine-induced nausea and vomiting Highlights from the ASCO Breakthrough meeting The Lancet Oncology Commission on the global cancer workforce crisis Tumour-agnostic therapies and the challenges of equitable implementation Five-year follow-up from TOPAZ-1 in advanced biliary tract cancer A comprehensive review of recent advances in prostate cancer The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network. Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information.

Send us Fan Mail The July 2026 PBS update brings a number of important changes for oncology clinicians, with several new and expanded cancer medicine listings set to improve access to cancer treatments across breast, lung, blood and biliary tract cancers. In this episode, Rachael Babin and Professor Craig Underhill discuss the clinical significance of the latest Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme changes, including who is now eligible for treatment, what these listings mean for multidisciplinary care and why comprehensive biomarker testing continues to grow in importance. In this episode: PBS listing for pertuzumab (Perjeta®) in high-risk HER2-positive early breast cancer Listing of alectinib (Alecensa®) for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer Osimertinib (Tagrisso®) listing for EGFR-mutated unresectable Stage III NSCLC following chemoradiation First PBS listing of romidepsin (Romidepsin-Reach®) for relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphoma First PBS listing of futibatinib (Lytgobi®) for FGFR2-altered advanced cholangiocarcinoma What the new broad (multi-cancer) PBS listing principles for PD-(L)1 inhibitors could mean for future cancer drug funding Follow The PBS Update for regular discussions on PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals. Visit the Show Notes for links to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes . Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Episode 30 of The Oncology Podcast 's Experts On Point series, brought to you by The Oncology Network. Hosted by Rachael Babin. What does it really take to make cancer care smarter? In this episode of Experts on Point , host Rachael Babin is joined by Associate Professor Jenny Liu and patient advocate Beth Ivimey to explore how precision oncology is reshaping not only cancer treatment but the way clinical trials are designed and delivered. It's a conversation that we hope you will find inspiring - its about combining innovation with compassion—and its a reminder that some of the biggest advances in oncology may come not only from scientific breakthroughs, but from building systems that put patients at the centre of every decision. Drawing on both clinical expertise and lived experience, they discuss genomic testing, trial navigation, toxicity management, patient partnership and the challenges of ensuring the right patient reaches the right trial at the right time. Together, they reflect on why the future of cancer research depends as much on smarter systems and meaningful collaboration as it does on scientific innovation. We hope you enjoy listening. For news and podcast updates subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter, a free weekly publication for healthcare professionals with an interest in oncology. Click here to subscribe . PART OF THE ONCOLOGY NETWORK... Join Us

Send us Fan Mail Join our Hosts Professor Craig Underhill and Rachael Babin to discuss the June 2026 PBS update including a new listing for fixed-duration acalabrutinib plus venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. They also explore the growing challenges facing Australia's PBS, with special guest Professor John Zalcberg AO sharing his insights into delays in access to innovative cancer medicines, global pricing pressures, the impact of changing US drug policy and what reforms may be needed to ensure Australian patients continue to benefit from timely access to life-changing treatments. Follow PBS Update for regular discussions on PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals. Visit the Show Notes for links to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes . Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

Send us Fan Mail S4E5 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast The Oncology Journal Club team returns with Part 2 of its ASCO 2026 coverage, delivering a whirlwind tour through some of the most interesting studies presented across gastrointestinal, breast, lung, genitourinary, gynaecological, skin and haematological cancers. Craig Underhill, Kate Clarke and Christopher Jackson discuss emerging data on ctDNA-guided treatment strategies, exercise as adjuvant therapy, genomic testing in breast cancer, novel antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy advances, de-escalation studies and potential new standards of care. They also explore the growing role of precision medicine, evolving treatment sequencing strategies and the challenges facing the global oncology workforce. Along the way, expect the usual OJC banter, ASCO bingo, questionable drug pronunciations and a recurring tribute to Qantas pyjamas! The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information. And to download your bingo card if you'd like to play along with the team!

Send us Fan Mail S4E4 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast In this special ASCO 2026 edition of The Oncology Journal Club , Craig Underhill, Chris Jackson and Kate Clarke unpack some of the meeting’s most talked-about studies and discuss what they could mean for clinical practice. From the PROTEUS trial in high-risk prostate cancer and promising advances in RET fusion-positive lung cancer, to a rare sarcoma study demonstrating the potential of CDK4 inhibition, the team explores the data behind the headlines and highlights the challenges of translating trial results into real-world care. The episode also dives into what many are calling the breakthrough study of the meeting – the RESOLUTE-302 trial of daraxonrasib in previously treated pancreatic cancer. With a striking overall survival benefit in a disease that has seen few meaningful advances, the results sparked excitement throughout the oncology community. Along the way, the panel reflects on the atmosphere at ASCO, emerging trends in precision oncology, and how new therapeutic approaches such as KRAS inhibitors, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates are reshaping the future of cancer treatment. The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information. And to download your bingo card if you'd like to play along with the team!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Oncology Journal Club , the team cover one of the most talked-about pancreatic cancer papers of the year, unpacking the promising early results for daraxonrasib in previously treated RAS-mutated pancreatic cancer and the science behind new RAS(ON) therapeutics. The team also discuss a fascinating phase II study of single-cycle neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in MMR-deficient colon cancer, new recommendations from the Prostate Cancer Working Group 4 and why the terminology we use in prostate cancer matters. Along the way, there’s discussion of Bob Marley’s acral melanoma, multidisciplinary lung cancer meetings, androgen receptor-positive TNBC, HER2-mutant lung cancer and whether oxybutynin could help men experiencing androgen deprivation-related hot flushes. The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information.

Send us Fan Mail Proudly Produced by The Oncology Network Professor Craig Underhill and Rachael Babin break down the key oncology changes from the May 2026 PBS update . This month we run through 3 fresh PBS listings that affect Australian oncology and haematology practice, from fruquintinib, a late-line colorectal cancer treatment, through to new haematology options. Follow The PBS Update for regular discussions of PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals. Visit the Show Notes for links to the updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes .

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Oncology Journal Club , the team weigh promising trial signals against the level of evidence needed to change clinical practice. From perioperative cholangiocarcinoma to molecular matching and chrono-oncology, the focus stays on a key question: what meaningfully improves outcomes for patients? What’s covered NeoGOLP trial in high-risk resectable iCCA: improved event-free survival; overall survival still immature MoST programme: molecular matching and survival associations when therapies align with biomarkers Genomic therapy matching in clinical decision-making Chrono-oncology: does treatment timing influence outcomes? CHOPIN phase II uveal melanoma trial: combination therapy signals and feasibility ASCO living guideline updates across lung, gastro-oesophageal and thyroid cancers The Oncology Journal Club Podcast hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information.

Send us Fan Mail Proudly Produced by The Oncology Network Professor Craig Underhill and Rachael Babin break down the key oncology changes from the April 2026 PBS update . This month we run through six fresh PBS listings and policy changes that affect Australian oncology and haematology practice, from ROS1-positive non small cell lung cancer to perioperative immunotherapy and late-line blood cancer options. We focus on who benefits, what the key trial signals are and what clinicians need to monitor so access translates into safe, real-world outcomes. Repotrectinib listed for ROS1-positive NSCLC, including activity after prior TKIs and in resistant mutations, plus monitoring for dizziness and pneumonitis Durvalumab listed for muscle-invasive bladder cancer using the Niagara perioperative regimen, balancing survival gains with immune-related toxicity Three new pembrolizumab listings across cervical cancer, adjuvant renal cell carcinoma and perioperative head and neck cancer, with discussion of endpoints and eligibility Haematology additions including a BCMA bispecific for relapsed myeloma, an oral kinase inhibitor for higher-risk myelofibrosis and mogamulizumab for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma PBS price cuts via generics and biosimilars, plus expanded supervised prescribing for some medicines by nurse practitioners Follow The PBS Update for regular discussions of PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals. Visit the Show Notes for links to the updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes .

Send us Fan Mail Australia’s PBS has introduced it’s first pan-tumour reimbursement listing for the immunotherapy combination nivolumab plus ipilimumab . In this inaugural episode of PBS Update , Professor Craig Underhill and Rachael Babin break down the key oncology changes from the March 2026 PBS update , including new listings for toripalimab and cabozantinib . Follow PBS Update for regular discussions on PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals. Visit the Show Notes for links to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes .

Send us Fan Mail The Oncology Journal Club Podcast hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson | Proudly Produced by The Oncology Network Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information. We explore practical wins and bold ideas across supportive care, colorectal cancer prevention, immunotherapy timing, digital triage and equity. From halving hot flushes with an NK1/NK3 blocker to biomarker-guided aspirin in colon cancer, we weigh value, risk and what truly improves lives. • Elinzanetant cutting severe hot flushes and improving treatment adherence • Current non-hormonal options and gaps in symptom control • Biomarker-selected aspirin reducing recurrences in colorectal cancer • Limits of DFS, toxicity trade-offs and subgroup signals • Rising early-onset colorectal cancer and system planning needs • Possible environmental and microbiome drivers under study • ASCO geriatric assessment guidance and G8 screening in clinics • PD-1 with short-course radiotherapy boosting rectal pCR rates • Large language models for safe, efficient symptom triage • Rare cancers report on access, cost, and rural inequities • Telehealth standards to link expertise closer to home • Healthy workplace culture to retain a resilient oncology workforce Join the Oncology Network, registration is free, and leave us a voice note on the OJC page at oncologynetwork.com.au . Physicians, don’t forget you can claim CME points for listening to the show! Thanks for listening

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to The Oncology Journal Club podcast — our favourite episode of the year! Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson. The team reflect on the achievements of 2025, highlighting key developments, initiatives and papers that have made — and will continue to make — a real impact on clinical practice. As CJ says, it’s a privilege to work in what is the “single most innovative and thoughtful field in all of medicine” — and we are indeed lucky to have our brains tickled every month by this wonderful podcast. And of course, it wouldn’t be OJC without some laughs and a few naughty jokes — and this year, we even have the inaugural OJC Christmas haiku! Thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy the final episode of The Oncology Journal Club for 2025. Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes and more information. Proudly produced by the team at the Oncology Network

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast Series 3 Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke & Professor Christopher Jackson | Proudly produced by The Oncology Network Welcome back to The Oncology Journal Club podcast, your essential dose of the latest oncology research, expert analysis and our trademark blend of healthy scepticism and bad jokes. Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson. This week’s episode really does contain multitudes, with an incredibly eclectic mix of papers. Craig looks at the effectiveness of cancer control measures and optimising drug dosages. Kate talks us through interactions between solid neoplasms and the microbiome and shares a curious paper on extra virgin olive oil. CJ tackles a sobering paper on substandard anticancer medications and what lessons can be learnt from KEYNOTE-585 and Matterhorn in gastric cancer. We’ve a great selection of Quick Bites and a heartfelt discussion about taboo thoughts and the challenges carers of people with brain cancer face. To learn more about The Oncology Network, subscribe to our free weekly Newsletter and listen to other fantastic podcasts, visit our website: www.oncologynetwork.com.au . You'll also find the Show Notes on the website with links to papers, a transcript and bios of our hosts.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast Series 3 Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke & Professor Christopher Jackson | Proudly produced by The Oncology Network Kate Clarke takes over hosting duties! Join our expert trio — Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson — for the usual OJC antics in Part 2 of our ESMO Special. Craig talks us through the GU and lung highlights, while the team each share their top ‘practice-changing’ abstracts. Plus, CJ chats with Susie Stanway about the upcoming London Global Cancer Week. Expect nuanced analysis, sharp insights and the occasional cheeky joke along the way. To learn more about The Oncology Network, subscribe to our free weekly Newsletter and listen to other fantastic podcasts, visit our website: www.oncologynetwork.com.au . You'll also find the Show Notes on the website with links to the abstracts, bios of our hosts and a downloadable Bingo Card😂

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast Series 3 Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke & Professor Christopher Jackson | Proudly produced by The Oncology Network Are you ready for some ESMO Bingo? Yes—it’s that time of year again! Join our expert hosts Professor Craig Underhill, Dr. Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson for the usual OJC antics. This is Part 1 of our ESMO Special, where the team cover ovarian, breast, melanoma and GI. Expect the usual nuanced analysis and a few naughty jokes along the way. To learn more about The Oncology Network, subscribe to our free weekly Newsletter and listen to other fantastic podcasts, visit our website: www.oncologynetwork.com.au . You'll also find the Show Notes on the website with links to the abstracts, bios of our hosts and a downloadable Bingo Card😂

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Episode 29 of The Oncology Podcast’s Experts On Point series , brought to you by The Oncology Network. AGITG ASM 2025 Special | 24–27 November | Tarntanya (Adelaide), South Australia The most exciting ideas in GI oncology rarely come from just one room—or even one country. In this episode, host Rachael Babin sits down with Associate Professor Sina Vatandoust , Convenor of the AGITG 2025 ASM, and Associate Professor Margaret Lee , one of this year’s local speakers. Together, they share a preview of the upcoming meeting and explore how collaboration across Australia, the Asia–Pacific and beyond is helping turn promising concepts into clinical trials that truly make a difference. Expect discussion on some of the key themes from this year’s program, including early-onset cancer , global oncology insights and radiation oncology breakthroughs —all with survivorship at the heart of the conversation. We hope you enjoy the episode. For news and podcast updates subscribe to The Oncology Newsletter, a free weekly publication for healthcare professionals with an interest in oncology. Click here to subscribe . PART OF THE ONCOLOGY NETWORK... Join Us

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to The Oncology Journal Club Podcast Series 3 Hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke & Professor Christopher Jackson | Proudly produced by The Oncology Network Welcome to Episode 7 of The Oncology Journal Club podcast. This is where we take a famously different approach to oncology research. Join our expert hosts as they navigate the latest developments with their trademark blend of critical analysis, clinical wisdom and humour. With this in mind please note: Warning : This episode does contain some strong language. This week, Kate kicks us off with her report from the ESMO GI meeting with her key highlights. Craig sparks a fascinating discussion about robotic surgery. And CJ takes up a listener’s suggestion and talks us through the ATOMIC study. And of course, we’ve also got our regular PBS Updates and Blow Your Own Trumpet papers. To learn more about The Oncology Network, subscribe to our free weekly Newsletter and listen to other fantastic podcasts, visit our website: www.oncologynetwork.com.au . You'll also find the Show Notes on the website with links to papers, a transcript and bios of our hosts.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the latest Series of Supportive Care Matters , a podcast hosted by Medical Oncologist and International Cancer Survivorship Expert, Professor Bogda Koczwara AM. "If it were a pill, we would all want it." This powerful opening statement captures the essence of ground-breaking research that's transforming our understanding of cancer survivorship care. The CHALLENGE Study has delivered what many considered impossible: definitive evidence that structured exercise significantly extends the lives of colorectal cancer survivors. The results are nothing short of remarkable. Colorectal cancer patients who participated in a structured exercise program for three years after completing surgery and chemotherapy showed an 80% disease-free survival rate at five years, compared to 74% in those who received only health education materials. The results showed that structured exercise provides a significantly longer disease-free survival. Even more impressive, overall survival improved from 83% to 90% - a 37% decrease in risk. To put this in perspective, for every 14 patients who followed the exercise program, one additional life was saved. What makes this intervention unique is its sophisticated approach to behaviour change. Participants received individualised exercise prescriptions targeting 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, combined with regular supervision and motivational support. Exercise physiologists conducted environmental scans to identify accessible opportunities, established accountability through regular check-ins and helped participants overcome barriers to physical activity. This wasn't simply about telling people to exercise - it was about teaching them how to make sustainable lifestyle changes. The implications for clinical practice are profound. To discuss this ground-breaking paper in detail, Professor Bogda Koczwara is joined by the Australian Principal Investigators - Professor Haryana Dhillon and Professor Janette Vardy. Visit www.oncologynews.com.au for show notes and more information about Supportive Care Matters. This conversation is proudly produced by the Podcast Team at The Oncology Podcast, part of the Oncology Media Group Australia.