SARC Talk

In this episode of SARC Talk, we are joined by Dr. Catherine Wilbur. Her and Dr. Okuno introduce the new SARC Talk Journal Club series. Dr. Wilbur, a sarcoma medical oncologist at Johns Hopkins University, shares her journey into sarcoma care, the mentors who shaped her career, and her vision for creating a forum for deeper discussion of emerging sarcoma research. Together, they discuss how articl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Daphne Edgren, Senior Medical Writer at Northwestern University and creator of the new podcast Rise to Face the Sun: The Patient Experience in partnership with SARC — premiering May 29th, 2026. Daphne shares her journey into oncology research and medical writing, what inspired her to launch a podcast focused on patient experiences, and the powerful stories that hav...

In this episode of SARC Talk, we are joined by Dr. Gina D’Amato, MD, Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, MD, and Dr. Andre Pinto, MD from the University of Miami for an in-depth discussion on uterine sarcoma — a rare, complex, and often misunderstood group of gynecologic cancers. Together, they explore topicsranging from diagnosis and staging to treatment controversies and rare tumor subtypes. The conversation...

Dr. Robin Jones, MD joins SARC Talk. He shares his journey in sarcoma care, from UK training to US practice and back, along with lessons from working across healthcare systems. He highlights his team’s role in major sarcoma and GIST trials, the importance of collaboration, and mentoring future leaders. The conversation also explores the future of sarcoma research, including emerging therapies and...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Wagner, MD, SeniorPhysician and Clinical Research Director at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Wagner shares his journey into the field of sarcoma and his leadership as Principal Investigator of SARC046, a pivotal study of nab-sirolimus in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). We explore how multi-institutional collaboration throughSARC and federal partne...

In this episode of SARC Talk, we welcome Dr. Sandra D’Angelo, MD and Dr. Andrea Napolitano, MD, to discuss Clear Cell Sarcoma (CCS) and the international collaboration behind SARC045, a Phase II study of tebentafusp in HLA-A2 patients with advanced CCS. The conversation explores their career paths into sarcoma, what makes Clear Cell Sarcoma biologically unique, how patient advocacy helped shape th...

This episode of SARC Talk, features Wendy Vanderbilt—a three-year myxofibrosarcoma survivor whose life story is as remarkable as her cancer journey. Born in a county jail, Wendy’s life began with adversity and grew into a powerful story of resilience. Wendy walks us through her sarcoma diagnosis, the challenges of delayed recognition, and the importance of self-advocacy in rare cancers. She offers...

In Episode 33, Dr. Scott Okuno chats with Dr. Elsa Nisswandt Keeler — retired pediatrician, chondrosarcoma survivor, and dedicated advocate. They discuss her sarcoma journey, work with Rein in Sarcoma, new role on SARC’s Research Advocacy Committee, and how she's turning experience into impact.

This episode of SARC Talk speaks with Jeff Kramer, Founder of the Chondrosarcoma Foundation, and Jamie Elliott, sarcoma survivor and advocate. Both share their personal journeys with Chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, and discuss advocacy, treatment challenges, and raising awareness through efforts like Smashing Sarcoma. An inspiring conversation about strength, community, and driving progress fo...

In this special episode, we sit down with Lachelle Semanko, a passionate advocate and leader at RIS (Rein In Sarcoma), a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing awareness, advocacy, and collaboration in the fight against sarcoma. Lachelle shares her personal journey to RIS and dives into the organization’s origin story and national growth. You'll learn how RIS is uniquely structured arou...

This episode of SARC Talk is diving into the SARC SarcomaDirectory - powerful new resource for patients and families navigating sarcoma. We are joined by Dr. “Chappie” Conrad, Annie Achee, and Dr. Mitch Achee to discuss this new vital tool. Together, they share the origins and vision behind the Directory, how it was developed, why it matters, and what’snext.

In this episode of SARC Talk, we feature EricaFischer-Cartlidge, DNP, RN, AOCNS, EBP-C, Chief Clinical Officer of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), about the critical role nurses play in cancer care—especially in rare cancers like sarcoma. She discusses how nurse navigators, clinical innovation, and national collaboration can improve patient outcomes and experience. She also speaks on the impact...

In this episode of SARCTalk, we’re joined by Dr. John Gross,Director of Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Gross shares his journey into pathology, the critical role pathologists play in sarcoma diagnosis and care, and how accurate classification drives treatment decisions. We also discuss his work with the Chondrosarcoma Foundation, the SARC Tumor Board, and ongoing efforts to i...

This episode of SARC Talk features Dr. Danh Truong, PhD., an Instructor in Sarcoma Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Truong shares his journey from biology student to pioneering researcher in sarcoma. He discusses his work in sarcoma research, the importance of collaboration at MD Anderson, and his involvement in key initiatives like the SARC Career Develop...

In this episode of SARC Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Elise Nassif Haddad from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Haddad shares her unique perspective on medical training outside of the U.S. and how it shapes her approach to cancer care. She also discusses the importance of building connections and collaborations within the sarcoma community. Tune in for valuable insights, especially her work on leiomyosa...

In this episode of SARC Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Margaret von Mehren, MD, Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. von Mehren shares her journey in the field of oncology, providing insight into her career path and the expertise she’s developed in treating Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST). She also discusses her work with various committees focused on advancing sarcoma research and improving patient out...

This episode of SARC Talk features Dr. Breelyn Wilky, MD from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Wilky shares how she first became interested in sarcoma, and exciting plans for building a comprehensive sarcoma program at Colorado. We explore her unique research focus on the immunologic aspects of sarcoma, discuss the progress of immunotherapy in treating these cancers, and ref...

In this episode of SARC Talk, we are joined by Dr. Sandra D'Angelo, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. D'Angelo shares her expertise on a variety of topics; including the vital role of SARC in advancing sarcoma research and the ASCO Leadership Development Program and how it’s shaping the future of cancer care. Dr. D'Angelo also sheds light on the transformative role immunotherapy is...

In this episode of SARC Talk, we are joined by Dr. Seth Pollack from Northwestern University. Dr. Pollack discusses his journey into the field of sarcoma, shares insights on clinical trials and research, and offers valuable advice for young investigators.

This episode of SARC Talk showcases Dr. Aerang Kim, MD, from Children's National Hospital. Dr. Kim offers her valuable insights on clinical trial research, collaboration, Department of Defense funding, and the importance of mentoring.

This episode of SARC Talk features Dr. Candace Haddox from Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Haddox discusses developing a career in sarcoma and the importance of mentors. She also discusses her newest clinical trial, SARC044 for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). 

In this SARC episode, Dr. Angela Hong, MD, a radiation oncologist at Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, discusses international clinical trials, the structure of Australia's cooperative groups in sarcoma, and her participation in the SARC032 clinical trial.

This SARC Talk highlights Dr. Brian Crompton from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Crompton speaks about using proteomic and genomic methods to enhance the comprehension of cancer biology. His research lab also works on creating innovative treatment strategies for pediatric tumors and rare sarcomas. For more information about the research Dr. Crompton does, his research team, and more, please...

July marks Sarcoma Awareness Month, and we are delighted to showcase Carolyn Dewalt and Val Stevenson from the SARC Research Advocacy Group in this episode. Both are committed and enthusiastic about raising awareness for sarcoma. They discuss their journey into sarcoma advocacy, their involvement with SARC, other groups they are affiliated with, and their efforts in spreading awareness about sarco...

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting the Sarcoma Sisters Podcast. Featuring Dr. Wendy Allen-Rhoades and Dr. Lisa Kopp, they delve into the podcast's origins, their career paths, and the impact on the sarcoma community. Through their podcast, the Sarcoma Sisters are not only informing and educating their audience but also fostering a sense of community and support for individuals fa...