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

Aug 9, 2024 · 25 min
Episode 13: In the Clinic - Discussing how we can help manage our stress, resilience and emotional fatigue with Dr Mike Osborn Clinical Psychologist
Send us Fan Mail Part 2 of 2 of our managing stress when delivering cancer care theme. Here we talk again to the excellent Dr Mike Osborn. We discuss what we can do to help actively recognise and manage some of the impact of stress and emotional fatigue. ‘What advice would a friend give you about how you are managing stress?’. We need to take care of ourselves as we take care of others. Enjoy!!! John & Mike
Aug 2, 2024 · 23 min
Episode 12: In the Clinic - Discussing stress, resilience and increasing workload with Dr Mike Osborn clinical psychologist
Send us Fan Mail “Just because you make it look easy doesn't mean it is easy for you.” Stress, burnout, resilience and emotional fatigue. These are phrases that have become part of NHS life. In this episode we discuss the impact of this with psychologist Dr Mike Osborn for Royal United Bath Hopsital. We talk about telltale signs and the impact this can have on ourselves and patients.
Jul 26, 2024 · 22 min
Episode 11: In the Clinic - The National Oncology Trainee Collaborative for Healthcare Research (NOTCH) with Dr Karin Purshouse NOTCH Chair
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we speak to Dr Karin Purshouse, current Chair of the National Oncology Trainee Collaborative for Healthcare Research. We hear about the origins of the organisation and how it has expanded since 2019, with registrar representation in all regions in the UK. NOTCH excels in running national multicentre retrospective cohort studies, generating real world evidence with international impact. The value is particularly evident in rare/difficult to study tumour sites/patient groups or where randomised control data is unlikely to ever be generated. Participation offers trainees tangible experience in research as well as invaluable networking opportunities with like-minded, research active registrars and consultants around the country. NOTCH are currently looking for interested trainees to join the Board, no prior experience is necessary. Project proposal submissions are welcome through out the year, expressions of interest are also encouraged as the NOTCH team has a wealth of experience in helping set up and run successful multicentre projects. Visit www.uknotch.com for more information and to join the mailing list.
Jul 19, 2024 · 25 min
Episode 10: In the Clinic - The FRCR part 2 exam! Discussing the exam for candidates and trainers with the examiners.
Send us Fan Mail Back again with our 2nd episode looking into the dreaded FRCR part 2B exam. We have our 2 examiners - Dr Paul Hatfield (lead examiner) and Dr Alison Stillie (senior examiner) giving out more pearls of wisdom about how to prepare and how to approach the part 2B exam. We also discuss what advice consultants and supervisors should be giving candidates and what the benefits of being an examiner are. This is a must listen episode for any clinical oncology SpR or supervising consultant. "Make every day at work a learning day" when preparing for the exam. We wish everyone involved in the the exam good luck and hope there are some pieces of info in the episode that can help. Good luck John & Mike Please see below a link to info from the RCR about how to prepare for the exam. https://www.rcr.ac.uk/exams-training/rcr-exams/clinical-oncology-exams/frcr-part-2b-oncology-co2b/frcr-part-2b-oncology-co2b-advice-for-candidates/
Jul 12, 2024 · 27 min
Episode 9: In the Clinic - Demystifying the FRCR part 2 exam with the examiners!
Send us Fan Mail Calling all oncology SpRs and their trainers!! The FRCR part 2 exam is a rite of passage every clinical oncology trainee in the UK has to complete to become a consultant. We talk to Dr Paul Hatfield (lead examiner) and Dr Alison Stillie (senior examiner) and find out what they want to hear during the exam. We also hear about how to prepare and what to expect on the day. We find out how much work the examiners do to make the exam fair and balanced. If you are going to sit the FRCR part 2 exam at some stage or your are involved in teaching or supervising oncology SpRs the this episode is a must!!! We hope you enjoy John & Mike Please check out the info provided by the RCR in the link below. https://www.rcr.ac.uk/exams-training/rcr-exams/clinical-oncology-exams/frcr-part-2b-oncology-co2b/frcr-part-2b-oncology-co2b-advice-for-candidates/
Jul 5, 2024 · 22 min
Episode 8: In the Clinic - Cervical cancer: Discussing the KEYNOTE A-18 trial with Dr Gemma Eminowicz
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we look at the KEYNOTE A-18 trial in cervical cancer with Dr Gemma Eminowicz. This trial was presented by Dr Domenica Lorusso at ESMO 2023 and published in The Lancet in March 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00317-9 This trial took a high-risk group of patients receiving chemoradiation for cervical cancer and they were randomised to placebo vs 2 years of pembrolizumab. The 2 year follow up results showed progression free survival benefit of 11% in favour of 2 years of pembrolizumab (68% vs 57 %) with a Hazard Ratio of 0.7. Now we have 2 major trials (KEYNOTE A-18 and INTERLACE) in this chemoradiation space for cervical cancer we look at the similarities and differences between the trials. Where does this point to our new standard of care in cervical cancer? We hope you enjoy John & Mike (ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047/KEYNOTE-A18)
Jun 28, 2024 · 25 min
Episode 7: In the Clinic - Cervical cancer: Discussing the INTERLACE trial with Dr Gemma Eminowicz
Send us Fan Mail In the Clinic episode aimed at doctors and nurses with an interest in cancer care. We discuss the INTERLACE trial in cervical cancer. The INTERLACE trial led by Dr Mary McCormack was presented in ESMO 2023 and looks to shape oncological treatment of cervical cancer in the locally advanced setting. We talk to Dr Gemma Eminowicz who has worked with Dr Mary McCormack over the last 10 years on the INTERLACE trial. We discuss the 8% overall survival gain at 5 years from the addition of an extra 6 weeks of chemotherapy in INTERLACE . We also tackle some of the apparent issues around INTERLACE. Gemma has delivered a real tour de force on the INTERLACE trial and the background of cervical cancer treatment. We hope you enjoy. John & Mike
Jun 20, 2024 · 18 min
Episode 6: Patient Fundamentals - The role of the clinical nurse specialist with Debbie Victor CNS
Send us Fan Mail Clinical nurse specialists (often called a CNS) are a key member of every cancer patient's care. They are often the person co-ordinating where patients are in their treatment pathway and help patients and families better understand their treatment and care. Today we talk to Debbie Victor who has over 15 years experience as a clinical nurse specialist. She talks us through the role of the clinical nurse specialist and when and how patients should get in touch. "there is no such thing as a stupid question especially if it is weighing on your mind". We salute the CNSs and hope you see how valuable they are with this episode. Enjoy John & Mike
Jun 17, 2024 · 26 min
Episode 5: In the Clinic - The RCR: challenges and opportunities in oncology with Dr Nicky Thorp
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we talk to Dr Nicky Thorp to look at the work of the Royal College of Radiologists in supporting development of oncology services. Nicky Thorp is the Medical Director of Professional Practice for Clinical Oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). In this episode we discuss Nicky's role in the RCR, how the RCR is supporting oncology and what challenges and opportunities are happening in oncology currently. 'The RCR is not a building of brick and mortar. It is the members and fellows that make up the RCR'. We hope you enjoy. John & Mike
Jun 11, 2024 · 31 min
Episode 4: Patient Fundamentals - Impact of cancer through a patient story
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we explore the impact of a cancer diagnosis through a patients eyes and story. We talk to Anna Ridley who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018 and treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy. She talks about her cancer diagnosis and how one of the most difficult times was telling her family the news. She also dealt with some major challenges along her treatment journey. She talks about how she stayed positive and kept moving forwards through her treatment and beyond. She highlighted that the isolation after treatment in follow-up during COVID made her realise the importance of having a support network around you. She tells the importance of continuing to do the things that give you some joy - be it gardening, exercise, walking or anything that's positive for you. We were amazed and moved by how honest, brave and eloquent Anna's story is. We hope it helps you or a loved one. John & Mike
May 16, 2024 · 25 min
Episode 3: Patient Fundamentals - What is immunotherapy with Dr Toby Talbot?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we are joined by Dr Toby Talbot a consultant oncologist who has been heavily involved in modern immunotherapy through his work with melanoma trials. He treats skin, sarcoma and lung cancer and is discussing what immunotherapy is as a cancer treatment. We discuss how this new cancer therapy is different to chemotherapy and how it is sometimes used with other treatments. Immunotherapy has been a major change to improve outcomes for patients in many cancer types. We hope you enjoy. Mike & John
May 9, 2024 · 28 min
Episode 2: Patient Fundamentals - The impact of a cancer diagnosis with psychologist Dr Mike Osborn
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we are joined by Dr Mike Osborn a clinical psychologist working at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. Dr Osborn helps patients with cancer on how a cancer diagnosis can impact them and how they may expect to feel. He shares his experience and insights after years of working with cancer patients and has some valuable tips that may help patients, families and carers. “Cancer doesn’t just affect cells, it affects families”. We hope you enjoy John & Mike
Apr 18, 2024 · 28 min
Episode 1: Patient Fundamentals - What is cancer?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode Dr John McGrane and Dr Michael Rowe discuss what cancer is in basic terms. We discuss some of the causes of cancer and the common treatment types for cancer. We hope you enjoy. John & Mike
Apr 18, 2024 · 4 min
Introduction to Simply Oncology
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Simply Oncology podcast! Dr John McGrane and Dr Michael Rowe are clinical oncologists who want to make all parts of cancer care as easy to understand as possible. We discuss our 2 streams of podcast; 1) Fundamentals series - Breaking cancer care to basic learning blocks. For patients, students and anyone with an interest in cancer. 2) In the Clinic series - A more focused discussion on more clinical aspects of delivering cancer care. For anyone working in healthcare treating cancer patients. Thanks for listening John & Mike