The PQI Podcast

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the future of oncology, but for many clinicians, the question remains: how can it be applied in a meaningful and practical way? In this episode, we are joined by Sanjay Juneja, MD,  Vice President of AI and Medical Informatics at Tempus AI and a practicing hematologist and medical oncologist, to explore the evolving role of AI in oncology care. Known to many as “TheOncDoc,” Dr. Juneja has built a global platform dedicated to translating complex AI and oncology topics into accessible, actionable insights for healthcare professionals. Together, we discuss how AI is currently being used across oncology practices and where it is already making an impact. Dr. Juneja shares how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into clinical workflows across the multidisciplinary care team without adding burden, along with ways it can enhance patient education and support in an increasingly complex treatment landscape. He also addresses common misconceptions and myths surrounding AI in healthcare, offers perspective on where the field is headed, and provides practical, actionable tips for clinicians looking to get started or build upon their use of AI in everyday practice. This conversation offers a thoughtful and approachable look at how innovation and patient-centered care can come together to shape the future of oncology.

Season 10, Episode 7: Scaling Hope: The Future of Cell Therapy Access   In this episode of the PQI Podcast, Fabian Gerlinghaus, Co-founder and CEO of Cellares, shares insights into the evolving landscape of cell therapy manufacturing and its impact on patient access. Fabian discusses his background as an aerospace engineer turned biotech innovator and the inspiration behind founding Cellares, a company focused on transforming how cell therapies are developed and manufactured. The conversation walks through how CAR T therapies are created, from cell collection to reinfusion, and highlights the operational and logistical challenges that continue to limit scalability and access today. A central theme is the complexity of current manufacturing processes, many of which remain highly manual, contributing to delays, variability, and cost. Fabian shares how automation and new manufacturing models, including the Cell Shuttle platform, aim to address these barriers by improving consistency, reducing turnaround times, and supporting broader access to these therapies. The discussion also connects these advancements back to the oncology care team, exploring what more efficient manufacturing could mean in practice for pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and ultimately, for patients waiting on therapy. Looking ahead, the episode offers a forward-thinking perspective on how cell therapy may evolve over the next five years, with a focus on scalability, innovation, and the opportunity to reach more patients in need.

In this episode, we welcome Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, a recognized leader in oncology pharmacy practice and research. Dr. Hanna shares insights into the evolving landscape of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and the unique challenges they present in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).  As ADC use expands, oncology teams are observing new and sometimes underrecognized patterns of nausea and vomiting, particularly with HER2-directed therapies and delayed-phase symptoms that extend beyond the traditional monitoring window. This discussion highlights how these patterns differ from conventional chemotherapy and what that means for clinical practice.  Dr. Hanna also reviews emerging pharmacokinetic data and clinical trial evidence supporting the use of NK1 receptor antagonist–based antiemetic strategies. The conversation emphasizes practical, actionable approaches for optimizing supportive care, improving patient quality of life, and ensuring proactive symptom management within the medically integrated oncology team.  Learning Objectives:  Describe emerging patterns of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) associated with antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), with emphasis on HER2-directed ADCs and delayed-phase nausea beyond day 5  Discuss pharmacokinetic and clinical trial evidence on NK1 receptor antagonist–based antiemetic strategies when optimizing CINV prevention for patients receiving ADC therapy.  This episode offers 0.5 CE credit hours to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Claim CE credit here. Guest: Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, Director of Pharmacy, Minnesota Oncology, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Associate Editor, Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology (JADPRO)  Disclosures: Speaker: BeOne, BMS, Exelixis, Pfizer Consulting Fees: BeOne, BMS, Exelixis, Pfizer, Astrazeneca

PQI Podcast | Season 10, Episode 5 Subcutaneous Anticancer Biologics: Best Practices for Safe Administration 0.5 hours of CE for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Nurses Guests: Tonya Bauer, MSN, RN, OCN Karlee De Voss, MSN, RN Sylvia Sabala, RN, OCN As oncology care continues to evolve, subcutaneous administration of anticancer therapies is becoming an increasingly important strategy to improve patient convenience, reduce chair time, and enhance clinic workflow. However, these therapies often involve high volume injections and unique administration considerations that require careful planning, coordination, and technique. In this continuing education episode of the PQI Podcast, we explore how oncology teams are implementing subcutaneous anticancer therapies in practice. The discussion highlights the clinical rationale for subcutaneous delivery, operational considerations for oncology clinics, and practical techniques that support safe and effective administration. Pharmacists, nurses, and pharmacy technicians play a key role in ensuring appropriate preparation, administration technique, workflow coordination, and patient education. Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the clinical, operational, and patient-centered benefits and challenges of subcutaneous (SubQ) administration for anticancer biologics. 2. Identify best practices and technique considerations for the safe and effective delivery of high-volume SubQ anticancer therapies, including equipment selection, site preparation, and workflow integration. Continuing Education Credit This activity provides 0.5 hours of CE credit for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses. Claim credit here.    Disclosures: The following relevant financial relationships within the past 24 months have been identified and disclosed for the speakers of this CE presentation: Tonya Bauer, MSN, RN, CPON, OCN – Consultant: Accord BioPharma No relevant financial relationships for the following reviewers: Ginger Blackmon, PharmD Tahsin Imam, PharmD Mary K. Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN

PQI Podcast | Season 10, Episode 4 Blood Clots and Cancer: What Every Oncology Team Should Know March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight an often overlooked but life-threatening complication in cancer care: blood clots. In this episode of the PQI Podcast, we speak with Leslie Lake, Voluntary President and Board Chair of the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA). After surviving a bilateral pulmonary embolism in 2018, Leslie became a passionate advocate for improving patient education, awareness, and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Her personal experience with limited information after discharge from the hospital inspired her to help ensure that other patients receive the knowledge and support they need. Leslie shares insights into the mission of the National Blood Clot Alliance and their national education initiative, Stop the Clot®, which works to increase awareness of blood clot risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies. The conversation also highlights why oncology teams should pay close attention to blood clot risk in patients with cancer, how healthcare professionals can better educate patients, and the role of advocacy and policy in improving outcomes. Listeners will learn practical strategies for patient education, key risk factors oncology teams should recognize, and how organizations like NBCA are working to improve awareness and prevention nationwide. Learn more at: www.stoptheclot.org

In Season 10, Episode 3 of the PQI Podcast, we are joined by Laura Bray, MBA, founder and Chief Change Maker of Angels for Change, to explore one of the most urgent challenges in oncology today: drug shortages. Laura shares the powerful personal story that led to the creation of Angels for Change after her daughter faced multiple life-saving drug shortages during cancer treatment. She provides a patient-centered perspective on what drug shortages truly look like in real time and why they have such a profound impact on care. The conversation highlights the current state of drug shortages across the United States and globally, along with the innovative work being done through Angels for Change to build a more resilient and transparent supply chain. Laura discusses key initiatives such as Project PROTECT and Project GOLD, which are helping ensure patients can access essential medications when they need them most. This episode also focuses on the role of pharmacists and the medically integrated oncology team in addressing shortages. From improving visibility to taking action within their own practices, listeners will walk away with practical ways to engage, advocate, and support patients during supply disruptions. Laura closes by sharing what gives her hope for the future and how collective action can move us closer to ending drug shortages for good.

Bhavana (Tina) Bhatnagar, DO—Associate Professor of Medicine at the WVU Cancer Institute—shares her journey from academic centers to rural West Virginia, where she’s working to expand access and improve outcomes for underserved communities. We talk about what high-quality rural cancer care really takes: overcoming transportation and financial barriers, navigating limited specialty resources, building community-based clinical trials, and expanding access to innovations like CAR T—powered by strong multidisciplinary teams. Key takeaway: the best care starts with understanding the person behind the patient.

Season 10, Episode 1 of the PQI Podcast kicks off with a global perspective on cancer care, featuring Eoin Tabb, a leading oncology and haematology pharmacist in Ireland. Eoin serves as Chief 2 Pharmacist for Clinical Cancer Services at University Hospital Waterford, hosts the Irish Haematology Oncology Podcast, and is the Chairperson of the Irish Pharmacy Haematology Oncology Society. In this episode, he shares insights into: • How oncology and haematology pharmacy practice is structured in Ireland • The role of pharmacists within multidisciplinary cancer care teams • How digital health and artificial intelligence are being applied in real-world oncology settings • Opportunities for shared learning and collaboration across oncology systems 🎧 Listen to the Irish Haematology Oncology Podcast: https://linktr.ee/irishhaemoncpod This episode also introduces the 2026 NCODA Global Oncology & Haematology Congress, an international gathering designed to foster collaboration and shared best practices in cancer care. Event Details: 2026 NCODA Global Oncology & Haematology Congress 🗓 March 11–12, 2026 📌 The Shelbourne Autograph Collection Hotel | Dublin, Ireland 📝 Register for the Congress: https://www.ncoda.org/events/2026-global-congress/

Bill Wimbiscus is a longtime journalist and NCODA collaborator—and in this bonus episode, he shares what it felt like to go from reporter to patient after a multiple myeloma diagnosis. He talks candidly about the realities that show up outside the clinic: oral oncolytic logistics, specialty deliveries, dose changes, and the financial uncertainty that can derail care. Bill’s connection to NCODA started as a patient, when an NCODA member pharmacist helped secure urgent financial assistance in minutes after his support fell through mid-year. That experience later shaped his work on the updated NCODA-ASCO Updated Standards for Medically Integrated Dispensing. In this episode: What patients experience between visits (delivery, cost, adherence stress) Why cycle-to-cycle changes create real medication waste and confusion  What medically integrated pharmacy support looks like from the patient side How patient voice can shape standards that improve access and care

Nuclear pharmacy is rapidly moving from the background to the forefront of oncology care. In this season finale episode, Nic Mastiscusa, PharmD, Chief Nuclear Pharmacist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, breaks down how theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapies are changing the way certain cancers are diagnosed and treated. Nick explains how targeted radioactive drugs can both locate tumors and deliver therapy, what this means for diseases like neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, and why concepts such as alpha vs. beta emitters and dosimetry matter clinically. This episode is ACPE-accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and is worth 0.5 credit. Learning Objectives Describe the role of nuclear pharmacy and theranostics in oncology care Differentiate between diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals Explain clinical differences between alpha- and beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals Identify the role of dosimetry in personalized radiopharmaceutical treatment Recognize key patient counseling and safety considerations related to radiopharmaceutical therapies   CE Information This activity is ACPE accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. CE credit is available upon successful completion of the post-activity requirements. Access the CE activity here: https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/PQIPodcastTheranostics CE Disclosures Nic Mastascusa, PharmD, R.Ph., BCNP discloses affiliations with NMTCB and NANP.

Melanoma used to have almost no effective treatment options. Now? Immunotherapy is changing lives — and Oxford’s Dr. Mark Middleton joins us to unpack the science, the turning points, and the innovations reshaping melanoma care. In this episode, he reflects on decades of research — from the early trials that taught researchers what not to do, to the breakthroughs in checkpoint inhibition and precision approaches that dramatically improved outcomes. We also dive into MyMelanoma, a nationwide effort gathering real-world patient data to answer questions traditional trials often leave behind. Takeaways: What researchers learned from early immunotherapy trial failures — and how those lessons shaped today’s strategies  The evolving science behind checkpoint inhibitors and why certain patients respond more durably than others How MyMelanoma is uncovering insights on risk, survivorship, lifestyle factors, and real-world outcomes at scale  The future of melanoma treatment, including biomarkers, combinatorial approaches, and better trial designs

In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Ginger talks with Chuck Akanegbu, PharmD, a PGY1 resident and longtime NCODA PSO leader, whose involvement in the student community led to something bigger than he ever expected: donating stem cells through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Chuck reflects on how the PSO shaped his interest in oncology, what leadership taught him, and how he went from supporting donor drives as a student to becoming a donor himself. He breaks down the donation process in a straightforward way and shares how the experience is shaping his approach as a future oncology pharmacist. It’s a timely reminder of what Giving Tuesday represents at NCODA: showing up for others, supporting patients and peers, and taking action when you have the chance to make an impact. Learn more about NMDP here.

What happens when a group of breast cancer survivors climb into a 40-foot boat and start paddling together? You get the Mammoglams — a Jacksonville dragon boat team turning survivorship into strength, resilience, and community! In this episode, we’re joined by Pam Reckner, breast cancer survivor, Team USA paddler, and Team Captain of the Mammoglams, along with Jeri Millard, breast cancer survivor, longtime patient advocate, and Founder/CEO of In the Pink, a nonprofit boutique supporting cancer patients in Jacksonville. Together, they share how dragon boating has become a powerful part of recovery — improving mobility, supporting lymphedema management, and offering survivors a place to rebuild confidence and connection. They also take us inside the global breast cancer paddling community, talk about what it’s like to compete internationally, and describe how the Mammoglams support survivors at every fitness level with a truly “no paddler left behind” approach. In this episode: How dragon boating supports strength, mobility, and physical healing after breast cancer Why survivors describe the Mammoglams as a genuine “floating support group” Pam’s path from treatment to Team USA paddler and team captain Jeri’s advocacy journey and the origins of dragon boating in Jacksonville Insight into the international breast cancer paddling movement and upcoming world competitions   Learn More: Mammoglams Website: www.mammoglams.com Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club: www.jacksonvilledragonboatclub.com In the Pink nonprofit: https://inthepinkboutique.com

This Veterans Day, we’re shining a light on care for those who’ve served. Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) O’Donnell, Director of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, joins the PQI Podcast to discuss the Sentinel Study—a Department of Defense–sponsored clinical trial offering multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing to U.S. veterans. Through a single blood draw, the test can screen for more than 50 types of cancer, addressing the urgent need for improved screening among veterans, who face a cancer risk nearly 20% higher than the general population. Dr. O’Donnell shares how this innovative study combines science, service, and compassion to bring life-saving research to those who’ve served—and what it could mean for the future of oncology care. Listen to learn more about: How early detection technology is transforming the future of cancer care Why veterans face unique cancer risks linked to their service What makes the Sentinel Study a model for accessible, equitable screening The personal motivation that drives Dr. O’Donnell’s work For more information on the Sentinel study or to determine eligibility, visit redcap.link/VeteransScreeningStudy or contact the Sentinel Team at dfciprevention@mgb.org

Before every breakthrough in oncology, there’s phase I research — where innovation, teamwork, and patient trust come together. In this episode, Dr. R. Donald Harvey, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, FASCO, Vice President of Clinical Research and Executive Director of the Emory Clinical Research Office, joins hosts Ginger Blackmon, PharmD, and Maddy Floysand, PharmD, for an inside look at how early-phase clinical trials lay the groundwork for new cancer therapies. Dr. Harvey, also Professor of Hematology/Medical Oncology and Pharmacology and Associate Dean for Clinical Research at Emory University, shares how phase I studies are evolving to balance discovery, safety, and patient care while expanding access beyond academic centers. He talks about: How early-phase trials shape the future of oncology treatments Collaboration between academic and community sites to improve access and equity The vital role of pharmacists in study design, safety, and education How AI and data are changing trial design and patient matching Advice for clinicians and students interested in research careers Dr. Harvey also reflects on the teamwork that drives meaningful progress and what continues to inspire him after decades of leading research that connects science to patient impact.

In cancer care, ethical challenges rarely come with easy answers. When should treatment stop? How do teams manage moral distress? And what happens when AI begins to shape clinical decisions? In this episode, Dr. Nico Nortjé, Executive Director for the Center for Clinical Ethics in Cancer Care at MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins host Ginger to explore how oncology professionals navigate those moments when medical facts and human emotions collide. Dr. Nortjé shares what he’s learned from leading ethics consultations, guiding care teams through end-of-life discussions, moral distress, and the new ethical questions raised by technology. You’ll learn: How to recognize and address moral distress before it leads to burnout How ethics consults can turn uncertainty into team alignment How to approach treatment-limiting conversations with empathy What to consider when AI starts influencing care decisions Listen for a grounded, thoughtful look at what ethics really means in oncology today.

We talk a lot about caring for patients — but what about caring for ourselves? This week, Ginger sits down with Amy Morin, LCSW, for an honest conversation about what mental strength really looks like in oncology practice. From navigating grief and burnout to finding balance between empathy and endurance, Amy shares real strategies to stay steady when the work feels heavy. A psychotherapist and bestselling author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, Amy brings both research and personal experience to the table. She and Ginger dig into how to manage compassion fatigue, reframe negative thoughts, and use practical tools, like taking out the mental trash, pleasant activity scheduling, and the two-minute gratitude flash, to build strength day to day. Amy also shares how her own story of loss led to her work helping others, plus a peek into her upcoming Mentally Strong app and The Mental Strength Playbook.

When Dr. Rupa Gupta set out to open Lotus Oncology & Hematology, she wanted more than a clinic — she wanted a sanctuary.  In this episode of the PQI Podcast, Dr. Gupta shares how she built a practice that blends evidence-based treatment with compassion, mindfulness, and community connection. She discusses designing a healing environment filled with light and art, integrating therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and art therapy, and building a culture where staff well-being and patient dignity go hand in hand.  Tune in to hear: How thoughtful design and empathy transform the patient experience Integrative therapies that support quality of life Ways to strengthen team connection and reduce burnout Why accessibility and trust are key to meaningful, patient-centered care

Life didn’t pause when Ashley Cartun was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2023. She was teaching college full-time, raising two kids under six, and traveling to support her husband’s NCAA basketball season. Then came five months of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries — and the work of staying whole while everything changed.  In this episode, Ashley shares what truly helped: friends who sat with her during infusions, care teams who explained what each step would feel like, and the surprising calm she found in sound baths. That healing experience led her to create Heal with Ashley, offering sound therapy and support to other survivors.  She also talks about catching her cancer early, her advocacy with the American Cancer Society and TNBC Thrivers, and what it means when healthcare teams connect beyond test results.  This episode opens Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a powerful reminder of the small things that change a patient’s journey — and the hope that follows. 

What do pharmacy, the United Nations, and a love of art have in common? For Dr. Ornesha Watson, Associate Director at Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, global health advocate, and cancer survivor, each step has shaped her passion for equity and patient-centered care. In this episode, she talks about growing up in Jamaica, working in international health, and how both her father’s cancer diagnosis and her own shaped her passion for advocacy and equity. Ornesha shares what healthcare teams can do to move beyond “transactional care,” why hope is a critical part of treatment, and her vision for expanding cancer services across Jamaica and the Caribbean. In this conversation, you’ll hear: How her experiences in pharmacy and public health come together in her patient advocacy Why hope matters just as much as medicine in cancer care Practical ways healthcare teams can better support patients Her mission to reduce disparities and expand cancer services in the Caribbean