Interviews

Joanne Mortimer, MD, FACP, FASCO, discusses the practical applications and limitations of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing in breast cancer, highlighting its role in guiding targeted therapy, challenges in patient communication and payer coverage, and unique barriers for male patients.

Jorge Nieva, MD, explores the challenges of translating biomarker testing into treatment decisions for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the role of repeat testing in detecting resistance mutations, and the importance of equitable access to molecular diagnostics in value-based care settings.

Jorge Nieva, MD, highlights the critical role of molecular testing in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) care, while addressing barriers such as limited tissue samples, delayed turnaround times, and the need for faster, more accessible diagnostic technologies.

Yale Podnos, MD, MPH, FACS, discusses strategies to address social determinants of health in oncology, improve clinical trial enrollment for underserved communities, and leverage value-based care models to reduce financial toxicity and ensure equitable cancer care.

Daniel Virnich, MD, highlights the need for proactive social determinants of health screening, language-inclusive clinical trial practices, value-based treatment decisions, and policy reforms to improve equitable access to cancer care.

Lauren Antrim, MD, of City of Hope Cancer Center Duarte, emphasized the need for more evidence to guide optimal immunotherapy duration and sequencing in in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), highlighting ongoing trials and the potential role of ctDNA in tailoring treatment strategies.

Lauren Antrim, MD, emphasized the need to balance safety, efficacy, and financial considerations when managing immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC, underscoring the importance of patient-centered discussions and ongoing trials to refine treatment duration strategies.

Matias Sanchez, MD, a hematologist-oncologist at University of Illinois Health, discussed strategies to deliver cutting-edge multiple myeloma care while mitigating costs.

Ravi Vij, MD, MBA, discusses how measurable residual disease (MRD) testing is shaping treatment decisions in hematology and its potential to reduce costs and toxicity.

In this episode, Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, discusses his study showing that infertility treatment coverage increases assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and improves pregnancy outcomes.

Renal denervation modestly lowers blood pressure, with durable long-term benefits, according to Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA.

Cutting-edge therapies can help move the treatment landscape forward, but basic treatment and prevention, such as smoking cessation, are still valuable means of addressing non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Jonathan Thompson, MD, MS, explains how financial, insurance, and socioeconomic barriers limit equitable access to biomarker testing and advanced therapies, underscoring the need for provider advocacy and systemic support.

Ravi Vij, MD, MBA, explains how insurance-related delays in CAR T approval slow treatment initiation, increase interim therapy costs, and contribute to patient burden.

Brensocatib, the first FDA-approved dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1) inhibitor for non–cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, may have broader potential for other neutrophil-driven conditions, according to James D. Chalmers, MBChB, PhD.

Treatment challenges that Anasuya Gunturi, MD, PhD, encounters in her work at Lowell General Hospital include language differences and confusion about scheduled appointments.

In advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), discontinuing immunotherapy after 2 years can maintain durable responses while reducing financial and toxicity burdens, with decisions guided by residual disease testing and shared decision-making, explained Jonathan Thompson, MD, MS.

Making treatment for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accessible to a wide range of the population can help to improve outcomes from and knowledge of the condition.

James Chalmers, MBChB, PhD, highlights the reassuring safety and tolerability profile of brensocatib in patients with non–cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Ravi Vij, MD, MBA, discusses the logistical differences between administering CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies, and how emerging CAR T technologies could affect patient access.

The American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC) marked its 40th anniversary this year at the ASPC Congress on CVD Prevention in Boston, held August 1-3, with 3 days of debates, presentations, oral abstracts, and posters.

Jonathan Thompson, MD, MS, explains that adjuvant immunotherapy benefits patients with early-stage lung cancer with incomplete neoadjuvant response, while treatment decisions in the adjuvant setting must weigh efficacy, toxicity, and limited evidence.

James D. Chalmers, MBChB, PhD, explains that the ASPEN trial findings show that brensocatib reduces exacerbations, slows lung function decline at higher doses, and offers clinicians a long-awaited evidence-based treatment option.

Jonathan Thompson, MD, MS, highlighted that reducing delays in molecular testing and treatment initiation is critical for improving lung cancer outcomes, and that clinical trial data suggest immunotherapy duration can often be safely de-escalated in patients who achieve a complete pathologic response.

Jenny Craven, PharmD, BCPS, outlines the strategies UC Davis Health has used to successfully navigate the complex challenges of implementing cell and gene therapies.

A panel held during the Institute for Value-Based Medicine event in Chicago on August 14, 2025, included discussions of access to biomarker testing and perioperative treatment in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Health systems must prepare for the growing impact of cell and gene therapies by addressing their high costs, complex care pathways, and payer collaboration needs to ensure timely and sustainable patient access.

Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA, of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, spoke at the recent ASPC 2025 Congress on CVD Prevention to illustrate both the benefits and risks associated with renal denervation. Bhatt addresses the procedure in the context of lifestyle interventions and novel drug therapies.