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Simply Oncology

John McGrane & Michael Rowe

Welcome to Simply Oncology. 
Cancer is daunting for both patients and for clinical teams.
Dr John McGrane and Dr Michael Rowe are oncologists who want to break down the complex parts of cancer care into clear and simple sessions.
We will dive deep into the world of cancer research, patient stories and the latest cancer breakthroughs. 
Simply Oncology will have patient focused episodes along with episodes that allow anyone with an interest in oncology to stay up to date.

We hope you join us as we unpick all parts of cancer. 

John & Mike

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  • 114 episodes
  • Updated Friday

Episodes114

Newest first
  • March 6 · 24 min

    Episode 93: Fundamentals - Part 2 of Pelvic Radiation Disease with Lisa Durrant

    Send us Fan Mail Late effects after pelvic radiotherapy part 2. Join us as we complete our conversation with the wonderful Macmillan Late effects consultant radiographer Lisa Durrant. Last week we discussed late bladder and bowel effects from radiotherapy. In this weeks episode we discuss; - hyperbaric oxygen therapy - pelvic floor exercises - pain as a late effect of radiotherapy - sexual function issues post radiotherapy Lisa gives us some great practical tips on how to support patients after their radiotherapy along the way. Enjoy! For more info on pelvic radiation disease and late effects from pelvic radiation check out www.prda.org.uk

  • March 5 · 24 min

    Episode 92: Fundamentals - Discussing Pelvic Radiation Disease with Lisa Durrant

    Send us Fan Mail Join us as we discuss the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease & the late effects of radiotherapy in the pelvis. We re always trying to get he best result for our patients and to cure cancer but we need to take time to deal with the impact of radiotherapy side effects in our patients. We are talking radiotherapy for pelvic cancers; bladder, prostate, gynaecological and rectal cancers. Lisa is a consultant radiographer pioneering support for patients with late effects of radiotherapy. She leads her radiotherapy late effects service at Musgrove Park hospital in Taunton. In this first of 2 parts we discuss; 🔎 What is Pelvic radiation Disease 🔎 When are effects 'Late Effects' from radiotherapy 🔎 Strategies for dealing with bladder and bowel side effects A must listen for anyone who is delivering pelvic radiotherapy and a useful tool for patients receiving radiotherapy to the pelvis. Enjoy!!

  • February 26 · 18 min

    Episode 91: In the Clinic - Biomarkers in advanced Kidney Cancer with Professor Laurence Albiges (part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail Join us as return to our excellent conversation on biomarkers in kidney cancer with the wonderful Professor Laurence Albiges from Paris. 🎙️We finish our overview of Biomarkers in metastatic Kidney Cancer with the superb Professor Laurence Albiges from the Gustave Roussy Hospital in Paris 🇫🇷 Which biomarker will help us to decide which treatment to select in metastatic #KidneyCancer - IOIO vs IOTKi - when to start therapy - monitoring on treatment An exciting space and none better than Laurence to walk us through it. 💊KIM 1 💊 CtDNA 💊Microbiome 💊PDL1 💊NLR Which will be our winner in 2026⭐️ 🇫🇷Also with 2 minute summary in French for anyone wanting an oncology version of Duolingo 🇫🇷

  • February 19 · 24 min

    Episode 90: Biomarkers in Advanced Kidney Cancer with Professor Laurence Albiges (Part 1/2)

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for a special Kidney Cancer treat!!! A Must Listen episode!! We discuss the role of biomarkers in advanced kidney cancer with the wonderful Professor Laurence Albiges from the Gustave Roussy Institute of Oncology in Paris. No Kidney Cancer talk is complete without the question -" Where are we with biomarkers?" This is part 1 of a 2 part walkthrough of the biomarker story so far in kidney cancer. Laurence is unequalled in her clear delivery on this subject. As lead for the CARE-1 study Laurence is examining the role of PDL1 as a biomarker in 1st line treatment of mRCC. We also discuss the; - IMDC criteria - Clusters - KIM-1 - PDL1 - Sarcomatoid features Recorded before Christmas this is a gift that keeps on giving. We hope you enjoy!! Check the Transcript for more details.

  • February 5 · 27 min

    Episode 88: In the clinic - Metastatic Renal Cancer with Professor Ricky Frazer (part 1/2)

    Send us Fan Mail Join us is as we celebrate Kidney Cancer week with a Masterclass walk through metastatic Renal Cancer with Professor Ricky Frazer from Velindre Cancer Centre. Ricky is a co-host of the hugely successful Immunobuddies podcast and has a vast experience in immunotherapy management. We look at the indications for immunotherapy versus anti-VEGF TKI therapy. Should we just accept anti-VEGF TKI monotherapy in Favourable Risk patients? When should we try IO/IO combination versus IO/TKI combinations in the first line setting? All this whilst Ricky looks to put John in his place!! Enjoy

  • February 5 · 19 min

    Episode 89: In the Clinic - Advanced Renal Cancer The Sequel: Professor Ricky Frazer Returns (part 2/2)

    Send us Fan Mail Join us as we return to complete our run through the landscape of metastatic renal cancer with the effervescent Professor Ricky Frazer. We look at the Dolly Mixture of subtypes that makes up non clear cell renal carcinoma. We discuss the new HIF2a inhibitors such as belzutifan. We look at future directions in kidney cancer. A treat for anyone who treats kidney cancer. Enjoy!

  • January 29 · 30 min

    Episode 87: The Landscape for Metastatic Endometrial Cancer with Dr Gemma Eminowicz (Part 2/2)

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for Part 2 of our Metastatic Endometrial Cancer special with the amazing Dr Gemma Eminowicz from University College London Hospital. In episode 1 we looked at molecular profiling and immunotherapy. In this episode we explore the role of; - hormone therapy - Antibody drug conjugates - PARP inhibitors Endometrial cancer is taking off in terms of new and exciting treatment options. Gemma does an amazing job talking us through them. Enjoy.

  • January 22 · 22 min

    Episode 86: The Metastatic Endometrial Cancer landscape with Dr Gemma Eminowicz (1/2)

    Send us Fan Mail Dr Gemma Eminowicz returns for 2026!! Join us as we discuss the metastatic endometrial cancer landscape with Simply Oncology 'friend of the show' Dr Gemma Eminowicz from University College Hospital London. Advanced endometrial cancer is so much more than carboplatin and paclitaxel. It now has the complete range of oncological treatments; - Chemotherapy - Immunotherapy - Antibody Drug Conjugates - Hormone therapy - Targeted therapy - Radiotherapy We look at how the molecular testing in endometrial cancer has shaped advanced endometrial cancer therapy. We look at the arrival of chemo-immunotherapy in the MMRd group and now in the MMRp patient group. In the MMR proficient group we discuss the merits of 1st line Chemo-immunotherapy versus sequencing treatment to allow potential VEGF targeted therapy. Gemma shares her invaluable experience and helps Mike understand advanced endometrial cancer. Enjoy!!

  • January 13 · 20 min

    Episode 85: Future directions in advanced Oesophago-Gastric cancer with Dr Lizzy Smyth

    Send us Fan Mail We return for part 2 of our overview on metastatic oesphago-gastric cancer. Join us as we welcome back Dr Lizzy Smyth from Oxford University Hospitals. We look at the importance of nutritional support. We discuss future directions such as CAR-T therapy Lizzy mocks John (again!!) A brilliant finish to our OG masterclass from Lizzy. Enjoy!

  • January 5 · 25 min

    Episode 84; In the Clinic - Discussing metastatic Oesophago-Gastric Cancer with Dr Lizzie Smyth

    Send us Fan Mail Dr Lizzie Smyth from Oxford University Hospitals gives us a an amazing 2 part overview of management of metastatic Oesophago-Gastric cancer. We discuss molecular testing and therapy options in metastatic OG cancer🧬 HER2 PDL 1 Claudin 18.2 Lizzy is a hugely respected figure in OG cancer and key clinical trialist! John gets put in his place by Lizzy on several occasions!! Lizzy has a way of describing things that even John could understand!! Part 1 of 2 in this metastatic OG masterclass. Enjoy!

  • Dec 19, 2025 · 21 min

    Episode 81: Part 2 Management of menopause and breast cancer with Dr Rebecca Bowen

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back! In part 1 we discussed the major effects of menopause and how these can be worsened by hormonal medications given to treat breast cancer and the impact these can have on patients completing treatment as planned. In this episode we welcome back Dr Rebecca Bowen and discuss practical advice on managing these symptoms including a link to what will be a vital resource for all clinicians in Oncology and Primary Care: the Meno.Pause app. Link below, download today! Meno.Pause App We wish all our wonderful listeners and guests a very Merry Christmas, thank you as always for tuning in, John and Mike.

  • Dec 12, 2025 · 22 min

    Episode 80: Part 1 Menopause management and breast cancer with Dr Rebecca Bowen

    Send us Fan Mail When is it safe to giving HRT in women who are being treated or have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer? Will the use of vaginal oestrogens affect breast cancer outcomes? What is the trade off on quality of life when symptoms of the menopause aren't managed? Did you know that roughly 1 in 4 women stop their hormone therapy for breast cancer due to menopausal side effects!! Who better to answer these questions and more than Dr Rebecca Bowen, Consultant Oncologist in Royal University Hospitals Bath who specialises in the treatment of breast and gynaecological cancers and heads up the specialist cancer and menopause unit.

  • Dec 2, 2025 · 40 min

    Episode 79 - Fundamentals: Discussing sexual health in cancer with Lorraine Grover

    Send us Fan Mail Sexual health in cancer is a topic we need to talk more about. So many patients feel unable to discuss their sexual health and also clinical teams don’t also mange to bring the topic up. A cancer diagnosis can affect self image and confidence. We talk to Lorraine Grover who is a sexual health specialist nurse about how we can break down some of these barriers. Erectile dysfunction and much more discussed. You may never look at a Calypo ice lolly the same again !! This episode does contain some adult themes.

  • Nov 27, 2025 · 26 min

    Episode 78 - In the Clinic: Discussing molecular profiles in metastatic bowel cancer with Professor Naureen Starling (part2)

    Send us Fan Mail We return to Part 2 of our walk through metastatic bowel cancer with the excellent Professor Naureen Starling. We look at RAS, BRAF and future directions for treatment of metastatic bowel cancer. Can ctDNA have a role in metastatic bowel cancer? What role may HER2 have to play going forward? What is exciting on the horizon in mCRC? Enjoy!!

  • Nov 6, 2025 · 21 min

    Episode 75: Discussing Cancer Care in the Transgender Community with Dr Alison Berner

    Send us Fan Mail As we approach transgender awareness week we discuss cancer care in the transgender community with the exceptional Dr Alison Berner. 1 in 40 people aged under 30 identify as transgender in recent census. How we give support needed and signpost patients can have a huge influence on their experience of care. Alison has done so much work in this area. We learned a lot in this episode and we hope you enjoy! https://outpatients.org.uk/ https://www.wearetransplus.co.uk/uk-cancer-and-transition-service/

  • Oct 24, 2025 · 30 min

    Episode 74 - In the Clinic: Discussing SABR for Oligoprogression in metastatic prostate cancer with Dr Alison Tree.

    Send us Fan Mail We return to discuss stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR) in prostate cancer with the superb Dr Alison Tree from The Royal Marsden Hospital. We discuss the findings of the TRAP study which extended time to next treatment by 6 months when SABR was used for sites of growing disease. Do we always need to change systemic therapy when only one or two sites of metastatic disease is growing??