Topic
Oncology
Podcasts
Industry # 109Nov 12, 2026Direct Contracting in Healthcare
“Direct contract with yourself.” That is Mark Cuban's challenge to hospital CEOs and CFOs whose own self-insured health plans, he says, can pay a carrier-owned administrator more for an employee's care than the hospital itself was paid to provide it. On this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Ruchika Talwar, value-based care leader, talks with Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and founder of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, about who actually sets the price of care in the United States. They trace how a cold email about drug shortages led to Cost Plus Drugs, a robotic factory that can switch manufacturing lines every four hours, and then Cost Plus Wellness, an open source library of direct contracts between self-insured employers and providers, and why he believes the contract, not the published price, is where the real problems hide. The discussion also covers who really pays: by his estimate, 67% of people with job-based coverage get it through a self-insured employer, and 72% of the big carriers' revenue comes from taxpayers.
ENT & Allergy # 303Nov 12, 2026Direct Contracting in Healthcare
"No cancer patient ever got healthier because their claim was denied and delayed," Mark Cuban says, and his answer is a contract that starts by trusting the doctor. On this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Ruchika Talwar, value-based care leader, talks with Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and founder of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, about who actually sets the price of care in the United States. They trace how a cold email about drug shortages led to Cost Plus Drugs and then Cost Plus Wellness, an open source library of direct contracts between self-insured employers and providers, and why he believes the contract, not the published price, is where the real problems hide. He also explains why independent practices should know their profitability by payer and call the self-insured employers among their patients. By his estimate, 67% of people with job-based coverage get it through a self-insured employer, which makes employers, not insurers, the real payers in American healthcare.
Tumor Board # 91Nov 12, 2026Direct Contracting in Healthcare
"No cancer patient ever got healthier because their claim was denied and delayed," Mark Cuban says, and his answer is a contract that starts by trusting the doctor. On this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Ruchika Talwar, value-based care leader at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, talks with Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and founder of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, about who actually sets the price of care in the United States. For oncology teams, he describes how an employer with access to its own claims data can contract directly with an oncology center for its employees with cancer. He also traces how a transparent pharmacy model led to Cost Plus Wellness, an open source library of direct contracts between self-insured employers and providers, and why he believes the contract, not the published price, is where the real problems hide.
Urology # 343Nov 12, 2026Direct Contracting in Healthcare
“No cancer patient ever got healthier because their claim was denied and delayed. None. Not one.” Mark Cuban's verdict will ring true for any urologist who has fought a denied or delayed claim, and his alternative is a contract that starts by trusting the doctor. On this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Ruchika Talwar, urologic oncologist and value-based care leader, talks with Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and founder of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, about who actually sets the price of care in the United States. They trace how a cold email about drug shortages led to Cost Plus Drugs and then Cost Plus Wellness, an open source library of direct contracts between self-insured employers and providers, and why he believes the contract, not the published price, is where the real problems hide. By his estimate, 67% of people with job-based coverage get it through a self-insured employer, which makes employers, not insurers, the real payers in American healthcare.
Vascular & IR # 672Sep 1, 2026Challenges in Biopsy Techniques for Bone Lesions
How can careful planning and technique make all the difference in challenging bone biopsy cases? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Drs. Junjian Huang and Majid Khan join host Dr. Neil Jain to break down the complexities of bone biopsy technique. They discuss key strategies for tackling difficult cases, from understanding referral patterns and pre-procedure planning to selecting the best guidance modality and anticipating complications.
Bone & Sports # 112Sep 1, 2026Challenges in Biopsy Techniques for Bone Lesions
How can careful planning and technique make all the difference in challenging bone biopsy cases? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Drs. Junjian Huang and Majid Khan join host Dr. Neil Jain to break down the complexities of bone biopsy technique. They discuss key strategies for tackling difficult cases, from understanding referral patterns and pre-procedure planning to selecting the best guidance modality and anticipating complications.
- Tumor Board # 79Sep 1, 2026
Gynecologic Cancer Surveillance: Best Practices & Updates
Does catching cancer earlier with surveillance always translate to better outcomes for gynecologic cancer patients? On this episode of BackTable, hosts Dr. Mona Guo and Dr. Marcia Ciccone interview Dr. Ritu Salani, Professor of OBGYN at UCLA and lead author of the updated SGO surveillance clinical practice statements. They discuss how post–curative-intent surveillance has evolved amid limited prospective evidence, review the latest guidelines, and highlight the real-world challenges of balancing early detection, patient safety, and cost.
- Urology # 327Sep 1, 2026
Clinical Approaches to Testicular Cancer Management
What are the key considerations for choosing between surveillance, surgery, and chemotherapy in testicular cancer? On this episode of BackTable Urology, host Dr. Rich Matulewicz is joined by Dr. Sean Kern and Dr. Sam Funt for an in-depth discussion on clinical approaches to testicular cancer. They start with a real-world case, reviewing initial evaluation, imaging, tumor markers, and counseling on fertility, body image, and hypogonadism. The conversation highlights how nuanced patient selection influences decisions between surveillance, surgical intervention, and adjuvant chemotherapy.
Curbsiders # 527Jun 1, 2026Oncology Potpourri for the Hospitalist
Master malignant bowel obstruction, cancer-associated thrombosis, and goals-of-care conversations in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer. Learn practical approaches to symptom management, anticoagulation decisions, and navigating high-stakes discussions around prognosis and hospice care. We’re joined by Dr. Jensa Morris, @JensaMorrisMD (Yale School of Medicine).
- Curbsiders # 526May 25, 2026
DIGEST – Game Changers in Pancreatic Cancer, Lipid Guideline Updates & GLP-1/GIP Endoscopy Holds
Join us as we review recent articles and news featured in The DIGEST, including updated lipid guidelines, GLP1 agonists holds and procedures, the newest drug in pancreatic cancer, and discontinuing thyroid supplementation. Fill your brain hole with a delicious stack of hotcakes! Featuring Drs. Nora Taranto (@norataranto), Laura Glick (@lauraglick) and Matt Watto (@doctorwatto).
- Curbsiders # 525May 18, 2026
Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing
Cut through the hype of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests and learn how to counsel patients on the real-world utility, false-positive risks, and the “stage shift” debate of these emerging blood assays. We are joined by world-renowned oncologist Dr. Margaret Tempero, UCSF Cancer Early Detection and Interception, to discuss whether these tests are truly ready for clinical prime time. Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org!
- Curbsiders # 524May 4, 2026
SHM Converge 2026–Recap
Stay current with updates in hospital medicine from SHM Converge 2026 in Nashville, TN.
CardioNerds # 446Apr 16, 2026The SGLT2i Effect – Protection Against Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction
CardioNerds (Drs. Natalie Marrero, Shivani Reddy, and Rebecca S. Steinberg), discuss the role of SGLT2i in cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) with Dr. Manu Murali Mysore. This episode was produced as part of the CardioNerds Academy curriculum by House Taussig under the guidance of House Chief, Dr. Natalie Marrero, and Academy Program Director, Dr. Gurleen Kaur. A matching review article will be published in US Cardiology Review, the official journal of CardioNerds. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes.
Women's Health # 101Jan 13, 2026Fertility Preservation Techniques in Modern OBGYN Practice
Who should consider fertility preservation, when is the right time, and what are the risks? In this episode of BackTable OBGYN, Dr. Amy Park interviews Dr. Mindy Christianson, the section head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Cleveland Clinic, who shares how fertility preservation is evolving for patients planning families and those facing fertility-impacting treatments.
- Vascular & IR # 602Dec 29, 2025
Managing Neuroendocrine Tumors in Interventional Radiology
What considerations drive your decision between bland embolization, TACE, and radioembolization in managing neuroendocrine tumors? In this BackTable episode, Dr. Daniel DePietro, interventional radiologist at the University of Pennsylvania joins host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy for an in-depth discussion on the interventional management of neuroendocrine tumors.
- Urology # 275Nov 21, 2025
NMIBC Tumor Board: Nuances in Management
When standard therapy fails, it does not have to be the end of the road for high-risk bladder cancer patients. Modern treatments, biomarkers, and clinical studies have opened up new avenues for treating recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The penultimate episode of the 2025 NMIBC Creator Weekend™ series features urologic oncologists Dr. Vignesh Packiam, Dr. Mark Tyson, and Dr. Sarah Psutka discussing how they navigate complex bladder cancer scenarios.
- Tumor Board # 32Oct 28, 2025
Understanding Keynote-689: Immunotherapy for Head & Neck Cancer
While the standard for adjuvant head and neck cancer treatment hasn't changed since 2004, a new trial using perioperative pembrolizumab is forcing clinicians to rethink their entire workflow, starting with diagnosis. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, head and neck surgical oncologist Dr. Adam Luginbuhl is joined by colleagues Dr. Dylan Roden and Dr. Ravindra Uppaluri to discuss the implementation and implications of the Keynote-689 trial, which introduced neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.
- ENT & Allergy # 222May 13, 2025
Survivorship in Head & Neck Cancer
What does it take to improve quality of life after head and neck cancer? In this episode of Backtable ENT, guests Dr. Heather Starmer, a speech and language pathologist at Stanford University, and Dr. Michael Moore, a head and neck cancer surgeon at Indiana University explore the topic of head and neck cancer survivorship
- Curbsiders # 471Feb 17, 2025
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Conquer the art of managing patients with iron deficiency anemia. We are joined by the amazing Dr. Tom DeLoughery, @Bloodman (Oregon Health & Science University).
- Curbsiders # 470Feb 10, 2025
Thyroid Nodules & Thyroid Cancer for Primary Care
Join us as we dive deep into the approach for thyroid nodules with our two fantastic guests, Dr. Kaniksha Desai (Stanford Medicine) and Dr. Ana Chindris (Mayo Clinic)! Learn how to stratify these nodules for cancer risk and walk alongside our patients during treatment for thyroid cancer.
- Vascular & IR # 491Oct 25, 2024
Surviving Cancer: A Patient's Radioembolization Journey
As providers, we know firsthand how impactful interventional radiology procedures can be. Today, we hear the perspective of Suzanne Martin, a patient who underwent life-saving radioembolization for stage 4 colorectal cancer. Suzanne shares her story with host Dr. Eric Keller, including how things took a positive turn when she was introduced to interventional radiologist Dr. Charles Nutting after initially undergoing ineffective chemotherapy treatment.
- Bone & Sports # 60Oct 11, 2024
Musculoskeletal Tumor Embolizations
Tumor embolization is a versatile procedure that can provide symptomatic and long-term benefits for patients. In this episode of BackTable MSK, host Dr. Michael Barraza discusses musculoskeletal tumor embolizations with Dr. Gina Landinez from the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, where she is helping to grow the MSK interventions program.
- Bone & Sports # 54Jul 16, 2024
Managing Sarcomas: A Multidisciplinary Approach
In this episode of The Back Table MSK Podcast, Dr. Alexa Levey discusses the importance of multidisciplinary treatment planning for sarcomas with Dr. Yvette Ho and Dr. Jessica Jones.
- Curbsiders # 441May 27, 2024
More Clinical Pearls (New Antibiotics, Syphilis, Heart Disease, Cirrhosis, Lots More!) from ACP #IM2024
More clinical pearls from ACP #IM2024, including emerging infectious diseases in the US (malaria, dengue, super gonorrhea, and a resurgence of syphilis), new C. diff treatments, coagulopathy and cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, HFpEF, peripheral arterial disease, Lp(a) and ApoB, CAR T-cells for autoimmune disease, SGLT2i for gout, and hematology updates. Paul and Watto are joined by Drs. Nora Taranto, Beth Garbitelli, and of course Chris “The Chiu Man” Chiu.