"The National Academy of Medicine said that every American, at least once in their lifetime, will likely experience a diagnostic error, some of which will have devastating consequences," says Christina Cifra, MD, MS, of Boston Children's Hospital. In this episode, Cifra discusses her work as a health services researcher focusing on patient safety and ways to prevent diagnostic error.  

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3xs34i9

Improving Patient Safety

Optimisation immunotherapy clinical trials investigate ways of reducing the intensity of immunotherapy cancer treatment. This could be beneficial for patients’ quality of life. But these trials can be challenging to run, as patients may be concerned about the impact that reducing the intensity of treatment could have on the cancer. 

This episode of the Trial Talk podcast focuses on the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL’s OPTIC study, which explores how people with cancer feel about taking part in optimisation immunotherapy trials. Clinical Fellow Sophie Merrick discusses the main barriers that patients face and recommendations to address them. 

Resources:
•OPTIC study page: https://www.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk/studies/all-studies/r/refine/optic/ 
•OPTIC results paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-024-02756-x.pdf 
•REFINE podcast episode: https://on.soundcloud.com/Fe3C76csHkgCg2or5
 
For questions or feedback on the series, message us at mrcctu.engage@ucl.ac.uk 

For more information and to access the transcript: https://bit.ly/4c9SfAr 

As a listener, your opinion is very valuable to us. Please help us to improve the podcast in future by filling in this short survey: forms.office.com/e/PjfjQ5Mn6g

The OPTIC study: Patient views on optimising immunotherapy in cancer

In this episode, Professors Grant Stewart and Stephen Price discuss what it means to be both a cancer surgeon and a clinical researcher. They talk about how they can improve surgery for brain and kidney cancer patients, how they can identify cancer as quickly as possible through screening, and how they can improve on the outcomes of surgery by augmenting it with other treatments such as radiotherapy and drugs.

Grant is co-lead of both the Institute for Integrated Cancer Medicine and the Urological Malignancies Virtual Institute at the CRUK Cambridge Centre, UK, and is Professor of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Stephen is co-lead of the Brain Cancer Virtual Institute at the CRUK Cambridge Centre, UK, and is Professor of Neurosurgical Oncology and Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Integrated Cancer Medicine: Research in Focus

Surgery and clinical research in cancer

"[Health equity] is a term that we often listen to, but it involves so many things," says Frans Serpa, MD, Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology. On this podcast, Serpa discusses his innovative work at the intersection of cardiology, health equity, and health economics. Tune in to learn more about how common heart conditions and outcomes are evaluated through epidemiology and cost analysis.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/4d6mmJ0

Equity, Economics, and Health Outcomes in Cardiology

Sharing data in the context of community-engaged research involves specialized practices and considerations. Our latest episode, hosted by Karen Emmons, PhD, faculty lead for Harvard Catalyst's Community Engagement program, discusses critical aspects of data sharing and privacy that researchers need to know with Susan Adams, PMP, and Cheryl Clark, MD, ScD, of Massachusetts League of Community Health.

Transcript: bit.ly/46yawp2

Data sharing in Community-Engaged Research

It’s well known that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but research shows they can also offer new insights into how cells maintain their metabolic balance, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies to help fight diseases. Marjana Ndoci MSc, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, shares her research on this topic.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/4d6Ep1i

Investigating Mitochondria

"Growing up in Fiji, I witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on small island communities," says Nile Nair, PhD, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In our latest episode, Nair shares his research studying the effects of climate change and the accelerated nutrition transition on Indigenous populations.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3YeDzu3

The Effects of Climate Change on Indigenous Populations

In part one of this two-part special, we take a look back at some of our interviews from 2024. In this episode, hear from Jason Vassy, MD, MPH, of Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, on how patient DNA might be used to improve healthcare and prevent disease. Also hear from Mayank Chugh, PhD, of William & Mary, as he shares how social inequity dimensions such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and citizenship impact STEM education; and Meg Simione, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, as she discusses her research examining the determinants and impacts of pediatric disorders and ways to improve access to care. 

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3ZD5fcS

2024 In Review: Part One

In this episode of "Beyond the Endpoint," hosts Emily O'Brien and Manesh Patel are joined by guest host Jenny Cook to discuss grief among healthcare providers with Tony Galanos, a researcher and physician at the Duke University School of Medicine. Galanos — "Dr. G" as he's called around Duke — shares insights from his 12-year program helping other clinicians to address and process the grief that can be an inevitable part of their work. He highlights the emotional toll that healthcare work can take and the importance of acknowledging and processing grief. The episode explores the concept of the "hidden curriculum" in medical training, the practice of "the pause" after intense resuscitation efforts, and also dives into how everyone can better manage their own grief after losing a loved one. 

🔗 Access resources related to this episode https://dcri.org/blog/ep-1-caring-through-loss-role-grief-clinical-settings

Caring Through Loss: The Role of Grief in Clinical Settings

Bioadhesive materials have the potential to support patient care in a number of ways, from wound healing to repairing the dura to assisting with leaks of cerebral spinal fluid. In this follow-up to our 2022 interview, Ben Freedman, PhD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, shares technological advancements and discoveries made by his team over the past three years.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/42btErk

Advancing Research on Bioadhesive Materials

In the first episode recorded of Happy Biotech, Micah and Suus introduce themselves and the vision for the show—sharing stories, laughter, and behind-the-scenes insights from the biotech and pharma world. They dive into the new normal of video meetings: the pros, the awkward mishaps, and whether we’ll all be replaced by vegetable-shaped avatars. It’s biotech meets reality… with a webcam.

Happy Biotech -  Moving to video

In case you missed it: Back in 2019, we interviewed Alex Lin, PhD, director of the Center for Clinical Spectroscopy at Brigham and Women's Hospital. In this episode, he discusses his research investigating traumatic brain injuries and how he measures brain chemistry using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3ZwKaRY

Innovative Imaging: Brain Injury Research

In this episode, Beatriz Aguirre—an accomplished leader based in Spain with over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry—shares insights on building thriving, people-first workplaces. With a track record of leading international teams, Beatriz explores how a human-centric approach to leadership can transform organizational culture, elevate service quality, and drive financial performance. Listeners will gain practical strategies for fostering environments where individuals grow both professionally and personally. Tune in for a compelling conversation on the power of empathy, purpose, and authentic leadership in today’s evolving business landscape.

Episode 27: How Genuine People Care Drives Business Success

In this episode, Mélanie Pomerleau, Vice President of Quality and Compliance at Indero, joins us to explore the upcoming ICH E6 (R3) guideline revision. With over 25 years in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, Mélanie shares expert insights on key changes, including the restructured document format, modernized GCP principles, enhanced patient centricity, and the integration of decentralized and adaptive trial designs. We also discuss evolving regulatory expectations, audit trends, and the growing importance of data governance. Tune in to understand how sponsors, CROs, and sites can prepare for the July 2025 implementation and navigate this transition. 

Episode 28: What is New With ICH E6 (R3)?

In this follow up to our 2019 interview, Alex Lin, PhD, of Brigham and Women's Hospital shares updates on his research investigating brain injuries. In this episode, Lin discusses his research over the past six years, including his work studying the impact of hormones on the brain and gender differences in concussion. 
Transcript: http://bit.ly/4k54AJn

Investigating Brain Injuries

In this episode, Sarah Ballard, Agency Director at KDM, dives into the strategic power of PR in navigating the complex world of scientific and clinical communications. With over 20 years in B2B marketing, Sarah reveals how public relations drives trust and credibility amid digital disruption and stringent regulations. Explore how value-driven storytelling aligns with business growth, stakeholder expectations, and investor confidence. The episode also unpacks real-world challenges like reputation fragility, AI’s role in content creation, and the necessity of human nuance.

Episode 32: Strategic Storytelling: The Role of PR in Biotech & Pharma Stakeholder Engagement

Micah and Suus dive into the wild world of CROs—those mysterious entities every biotech loves, tolerates, or just can’t live without. From cost structures to accountability, training to trial execution, they explore what makes CROs essential, frustrating, and—dare we say—kind of lovable.

Happy Biotech - Working with CROs in R&D

How does growing up with two NFL football players spark a career in research? In this re-airing of our May 2022 interview with Alicia Whittington, PhD, of the Football Players Health Study, Whittington shares how her upbringing helped lead her to her current work in health equity and community-engaged research.

Transcript: http://bit.ly/3J1wlpb

The NFL & Community-Engaged Research

Launched in 2014, the Football Players Health Study is the largest study of living former NFL players, with more than 4,800 participants. In this episode, Alicia Whittington, PhD, assistant director of engagement and health equity research, joins us to discus her work on the study, including a family initiative and resources for former NFL players. 

Transcript: http://bit.ly/47iyKpX

Updates from Harvard's Football Players Health Study

Phase Forward: Your Gateway to Dermatology and Rheumatology Clinical Research
Dive into the world of dermatology and rheumatology clinical research with Phase Forward, the podcast that brings you the latest insights, innovations, and expert advice. Powered by Indero, a leading full-service CRO, this podcast is your go-to source for everything you need to know about managing and conducting clinical trials in these fields.
Each episode features engaging interviews, thought-provoking discussions, and captivating stories from the forefront of clinical research. Whether you are a sponsor, investigator, or study coordinator, you will find valuable information and practical tips to enhance your work.
Stay ahead of the curve with updates on the newest advancements in trial design and methodology, and gain a deeper understanding of the processes and considerations in clinical research.
Don't miss out—subscribe now and join the conversation on dermatology and rheumatology clinical research with Phase Forward!

The Duke Clinical Research Institute is drawing on gold-standard research and real-world evidence to bring you Beyond the Endpoint, a podcast that is demystifying clinical research and healthcare through conversations with renowned clinicians and scientists.

The Trial Talk podcast explores how our work at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL is improving health in the UK and worldwide. In this series, we hear from world-leading experts about the studies we carry out. We delve into trials on cancer, infections and neurodegenerative diseases, explore how public and patient involvement shapes our work, and discover new ways to run smarter studies.

The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre unites over 1,000 world-leading biologists, chemists, physicists, engineers, mathematicians, computer scientists, clinicians, nurses and allied healthcare professionals from across Cambridge, UK to tackle cancer from every angle.

Our mission is to end death and disease caused by cancer through research, treatment and education. We are detecting cancer at its earliest stage and are developing personalised treatments for every patient through facilitating new collaborations and driving the translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical applications to improve patient care. By working together across a range of different disciplines, our members are breaking down the barriers between the laboratory and the clinic, enabling patients to benefit from the latest innovations in cancer science.

New tracks tagged #Clinical Research