On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research

In the season 3 finale episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Wesley Yip, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Department of Surgery at City of Hope.
The duo explores Dr. Yip’s career journey sparked by an early inspiration in his father’s urology practice to the cutting-edge urological oncology and microbiome research he now leads. 
The conversation delves into Dr. Yip’s innovative work investigating the role of the microbiome in kidney cancer, the rigorous protocols required for scientific discovery and the promise of microbiome modulation to improve patient outcomes. He discusses the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and building multidisciplinary teams, as well as the challenges and rewards of balancing clinical practice, research, and family life.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Yip reflects on the value of asking for help, the power of saying “no” to stay focused on long-term goals, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers. He shares advice for aspiring surgeon-scientists on embracing collaboration, seeking guidance, and pursuing personalized approaches at the edge of breakthrough.
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Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

This is an audience favorite episode. Dr. Monty Pal sits down with Yuman Fong, M.D., an internationally renowned surgical oncologist and Chair of Surgery at City of Hope, to explore the leading-edge innovations shaping the future of surgical oncology.
Dr. Fong shares his incredible journey from studying medieval literature to being one of the first-ever surgeons to conduct surgery in space. They discuss the evolution of oncolytic viruses, the role of AI in cancer surgery, and how remote robotic surgical procedures are transforming patient care worldwide. Dr. Fong also shares  his insights on balancing an intense surgical career with family life, mentorship, and finding passions outside the operating room.
Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the future of cancer care, where groundbreaking science meets human connection. Subscribe via the links below to listen now.
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In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Enrique Montero, research professor within the Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, to discuss his global journey in immunology and the pioneering work underway at City of Hope. Dr. Montero shares how early clinical experiences with lupus inspired his lifelong mission to bridge basic science and clinical application, leading to innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. 
The episode dives into the significance of the CD6 molecule on T cells - how its overexpression drives inflammation in conditions like type 1 diabetes and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The duo discusses the development of targeted monoclonal antibodies and a groundbreaking approach using genetically modified regulatory T cells—CAR Tregs—to modulate immune responses, aiming not just to control disease but to regenerate damaged tissue. 
Dr. Montero shares early insights from the first-in-human clinical trial of CAR Tregs for GVHD, noting promising safety and signs of durable benefit in patients who had exhausted other treatment options. 
Looking ahead, Dr. Montero envisions expanding this technology to tackle type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions, driven by a collective dream to move beyond symptom management toward true cures.  
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In this episode of On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research, Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Tanya Dorff, professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and section chief of the Genitourinary Disease Program at City of Hope.

Together they dive into Dorff’s pioneering work in immunotherapy for prostate cancer - from the challenges of moving treatments from bench to bedside, to the importance of collaborative team-science, and the role of deep biological correlates in informing future studies.
Beyond her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Dorff reflects on mentorship, work-life balance, and the importance of supporting diversity of thought in academic medicine. She shares how creative pursuits help her recharge and offers advice for aspiring oncologists to pursue their passions and embrace bold leaps at the edge of breakthrough.

Tune in to discover how clinical innovation, collaboration, and a patient-centered approach are the secret sauce driving advances in cancer care.

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Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org

From a small Sicilian town to the forefront of diabetes research, Dr. Pugliese’s story is one of relentless curiosity and hope. He shares how early family experiences and clinical frustrations inspired his lifelong mission to improve outcomes type 1 diabetes.
The conversation delves into the role of viruses and the microbiome in triggering type 1 diabetes. Dr. Pugliese describes his leadership in the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD), which has enabled collaborative studies showing evidence of chronic viral infections in the pancreas and their potential contribution to disease onset.
This episode also dissects how generous giving becomes the driving force behind groundbreaking research and scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Pugliese shares details of a bold, new nationwide clinical trial led by City of Hope, inspired by philanthropic support from the Wanek Family Project. The innovative trial will assess a combination of approved therapies to investigate ways to preserve insulin secretion and control the autoimmune process in newly diagnosed patients, aiming to accelerate progress toward a cure.
 Tune in to discover how Dr. Pugliese’s translational diabetes research, collaborative spirit, and commitment to mentorship are driving breakthroughs in diabetes care.  
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Presented by City of Hope: www.CityOfHope.org