Onc Now | Episode 15
In this episode, host Jonathan Sackier speaks with Alexander Spira about cutting-edge advances in lung and colorectal cancer, including EGFR and KRAS-targeted therapies. They also discuss Spira’s leadership in oncology research, his thoughts on the evolving ‘town-gown’ dynamic in US medicine, and his hopes for the future of cancer care.
Apple | Amazon Music | Youtube | Download MP3 (20 mins)
Alexander Spira is Director of the Thoracic and Phase I Program at Virginia Cancer Specialists and Co-Director of the US Oncology Research Network. He is a nationally recognised leader in early-phase clinical trials and precision oncology, with a focus on lung cancer, targeted therapies, and translational research.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:50 – Most memorable family travel adventure
03:30 – What inspired you to go into oncology
05:49 – Three recent publications in lung cancer
07:02 – Real-world data on colorectal cancer
08:15 – Sex/gender differences in non-small cell lung cancer
11:53 – The science of KRAS mutations and drug development
15:07 – Accelerating diagnostics and access to therapies
17:13 – The ‘town-gown’ debate in American healthcare
18:09- Three Wishes
