Episodes

John Burke, MD MRD (minimal/measurable residual disease) testing is changing the way doctors understand and monitor blood cancers. In this episode, we talk with Dr. John Burke of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center about how MRD testing works, what the results mean to patients and their care teams, and how ongoing clinical research is helping shape more personalized and hopeful approaches to treatment. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode...

Bethany Lilly Choosing the right health insurance plan can make all the difference in protecting your health and finances. In this episode, Bethany Lilly, Executive Director of Public Policy at Blood Cancer United, discusses important updates to healthcare insurance enrollment for 2026. Bethany explains what patients and caregivers need to know about changes to the Healthcare Marketplace and Medicare, how to avoid falling into medical debt, and the resources available to help you make informed...

Anand Jillella, MD In this episode of The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United, Elissa and guest co-host, Kristen Parker, speak with Dr. Anand Jillella, of Georgia Cancer Center. Together, they explore acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)—a rare but highly curable subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. Dr. Jillella explains the rapid onset of APL, its hallmark signs and symptoms, and how targeted treatments have transformed outcomes for patients. Kristen, an APL survivor and Blood Cancer United Patient...

Andy Kolb, MD Eric Cooks, PhD Bryon Daily In this special episode of The Bloodline, we introduce our new name and what it means for blood cancer patients, caregivers, and the wider community. Joining us from Blood Cancer United are Dr. Andy Kolb, President & CEO; Dr. Eric Cooks, Senior Director of the Equity & Access Research Program; and Bryon Daily, myeloma survivor and Senior Manager of National Community Outreach. Together, they share why inclusivity and unity are at the heart of Blood Can...

Eduardo Bruera, MD En este episodio damos la bienvenida al Dr. Eduardo Bruera, distinguido oncólogo médico y jefe del Departamento de Medicina Paliativa, Rehabilitación y Medicina Integrativa en la División de Medicina Oncológica del MD Anderson Cancer Center. Acompáñanos mientras el Dr. Bruera nos ayuda a comprender mejor los cuidados paliativos, definiéndolos y desmintiendo ideas erróneas comunes, al mismo tiempo que explica su verdadero propósito y cómo los pacientes y cuidadores pueden exp...

Dianne Callahan In this episode, we speak with Dianne Callahan, four-time cancer survivor, best-selling author, speaker, and patient advocate. Dianne shares her experiences with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer, stem cell transplant, and survivorship while highlighting the importance of advocacy, joy, and intention in life after diagnosis. From her work with fundraising campaigns to legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill, Dianne offers inspiring insights on resilience, hope, and the power o...

What happens when a sibling match becomes the key to survival? In this heartfelt episode, we speak with Peter and Susan Feinberg, a brother-sister duo connected by both family and a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Peter, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivor, shares his experience from diagnosis to remission, while Susan offers a rare and intimate view into what it means to be a stem cell donor. Together, they reflect on the emotional and logistical challenges of transplant, the deter...

Sara Jahnke, PhD Steve Fisher Tommy Schroeder Firefighters risk their lives every day—but what happens when some dangers aren’t in the flames, but in the long-term health risks they face on the job? In this episode, we take a closer look at cancer in the fire service, especially the increased risk of blood cancer. Joining us are Dr. Sara Jahnke, Director and Senior Scientist at the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research; Steve Fisher, a retired firefighter and cancer survivor; and Tomm...

Marc Hoffman, MD In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Marc Hoffmann from The University of Kansas Cancer Center, to explore chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)—what it is, how it’s treated today, and where research is headed. Dr. Hoffmann shares insights on treatment goals, side effect management, and the importance of shared decision making. We also touch on emerging therapies—including CAR T-cell therapy and bispecifics—and end with a message of hope for those navigating life after a CLL diagn...

Julie Larson, LCSW Simantinee Roy, Matt Hunt, Alfredo Martinez, and Casey Kang The cancer experience isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional. Join us for this special episode recorded onsite while filming our SHARE Project video series, exploring emotional well-being in cancer survivorship. Listen in as four blood cancer survivors share how their diagnoses impacted their mental health and what helped them cope. Key Opinion Leader, psychotherapist Julie Larson, LCSW, then joins us to discuss ...

Mary Wells In this episode, we speak with Mary Wells, who was diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis in 2018, a rare blood cancer that falls under the umbrella of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Mary walks us through her journey, from the side effects and emotional toll of cancer to finding the right treatment that allowed her to reclaim her life. Mary shares the ups and downs of watch-and-wait periods, switching medications, and navigating side effects. Along the way, she advocated for her ...

Lakshmi Nayak, MD Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the brain, spinal cord, or eyes. In this episode, Dr. Lakshmi Nayak of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps us better understand this uncommon type of lymphoma. From early signs and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment options, and the latest clinical trials, Dr. Nayak breaks it all down in a clear and compassionate way. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode s...

Sara Grisales Jaramillo, LMSW En este episodio, conocemos a Sara Grisales Jaramillo, trabajadora social, gerente de Insight y del Centro de Llamadas de CancerCare. Únase a la conversación donde Sara nos identifica las disparidades en el tratamiento de cáncer, las comunidades más afectadas y les brinda consejos a los pacientes y sus cuidadores de cómo abogar por una mejor calidad de salud. DESCARGAR TRANSCRIPCIÓN HAGA CLIC AQUI para participar en la encuesta del episodio. Mencionado en este ep...

Trent Wang, MD Curious about CAR T-cell therapy? We went straight to the source for answers. In this episode, the LLS Patient Education team visited The University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center to meet with Dr. Trent Wang. He answered some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients and caregivers about this innovative cancer treatment – from who’s eligible and what to expect, to side effects, caregiver roles, and exciting future developments. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to...

Eytan Stein, MD Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most aggressive blood cancers—but science is making real progress. In this episode, Dr. Eytan Stein of Memorial Sloan Kettering breaks down what makes AML so challenging to treat, how it’s classified, and the latest therapies changing the outlook for patients. From combination therapies and menin inhibitors to future research on CAR T-cell therapy and bispecifics, this is a hopeful, expert-led look at the future of AML treatment. DOWNL...

Join us as we speak with Ashlee and Michael Cramer, the mother-son duo behind the Michael and Mom Talk Cancer podcast. Diagnosed at 19 with a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma, Michael endured intense treatments while Ashlee became his full-time caregiver. Together, they turned their pain into purpose—creating a platform to support other young adults and caregivers navigating cancer. In this episode, they open up about diagnosis, survivorship, and the unbreakable bond that grew from their sha...

When it comes to cancer and nutrition, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Can sugar fuel cancer? Should you cut out carbs? In this episode, we’re busting some of the biggest myths about cancer nutrition and breaking down what really matters when it comes to fueling your body during treatment and beyond. Join us as we chat with LLS Registered Dietitians, Margaret Martin and Heather Knutson, about evidence-based nutrition strategies that can help support energy levels, manage side effects...

Cesar Rodriguez, MD In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cesar Rodriguez of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY to discuss the evolving landscape of myeloma treatment. Groundbreaking innovations are bringing new hope to patients and caregivers. Dr. Rodriguez breaks down the latest advancements in immunotherapy, including CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. Hear how researchers and physicians are working to make myeloma into a manageable, long-term disease, while ultimately searching...

Francine Foss, MD A Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) diagnosis can raise many questions, from understanding symptoms to exploring treatment options. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Francine Foss of Yale University to break down what CTCL is, how to manage side effects, and the latest advancements in treatment—including promising immunotherapies like CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. We also discuss the critical role of clinical trials in shaping the future of CTCL care. DOWNLOAD TR...

Bilal Abid, MD In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bilal Abid from University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston to discuss how healthcare disparities have an effect on cancer care — especially when it comes to cutting-edge treatments such as stem cell transplantations and CAR T-cell therapy. We discuss how race, socioeconomic status, education, and geographic location can determine a patient’s access to cancer care. With travel, insurance, and systemic barriers in the mix, we explore ...

Alison Loren, MD A stem cell transplant for blood cancer is just the beginning – what may come next for the patient can be a complex journey. In this episode, Dr. Alison Loren of the University of Pennsylvania discusses graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), a possible complication of transplantation – exploring the latest advancements in treatment and how patients and caregivers can navigate the challenges ahead. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this e...

William Shomali, MD Research continues to accelerate for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), giving hope to patients and their loved ones. In this episode, Dr. William Shomali of Stanford University dives into cutting-edge treatments for both low and high-risk MDS. Learn about the innovative therapies that are enhancing quality of life and explore the promising strides towards curative treatments. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with valuable insights and hope for a brighter future. ...

Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga, MD En este episodio conocemos al Dr. Mateo Mejia Saldarriaga de Weill Cornell Medicine, hospital NewYork-Presbyterian. Únase para aprender cómo los avances científicos han transformado el tratamiento de mieloma dándole lugar a mejores resultados y pronósticos para pacientes. DESCARGAR TRANSCRIPCIÓN HAGA CLIC AQUI para participar en la encuesta del episodio. Mencionado en este episodio: Mieloma Ensayos clínicos Inmunoterapia Terapia de células T con receptor de antíge...

Mousa Ghannam Join us as we speak to Mousa Ghannam, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) at the age of 24. He shares his ups and downs over the past 20 years and how he has persevered to become the happy and healthy husband and father he is now. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of a blood cancer survivor who chooses to bet on life and not cash in his chips. DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE to participate in our episode survey. Mentioned on this episode: Chronic myeloid leuke...