The PQI Podcast

S9 E14: Immunotherapy and the MyMelanoma Project

Melanoma used to have almost no effective treatment options. Now? Immunotherapy is changing lives — and Oxford’s Dr. Mark Middleton joins us to unpack the science, the turning points, and the innovations reshaping melanoma care. In this episode, he reflects on decades of research — from the early trials that taught researchers what not to do, to the breakthroughs in checkpoint inhibition and precision approaches that dramatically improved outcomes. We also dive into MyMelanoma, a nationwide effort gathering real-world patient data to answer questions traditional trials often leave behind. Takeaways: * What researchers learned from early immunotherapy trial failures — and how those lessons shaped today’s strategies  * The evolving science behind checkpoint inhibitors and why certain patients respond more durably than others * How MyMelanoma is uncovering insights on risk, survivorship, lifestyle factors, and real-world outcomes at scale  * The future of melanoma treatment, including biomarkers, combinatorial approaches, and better trial designs

S9 E13: A Season of Gratitute

In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Ginger talks with Chuck Akanegbu, PharmD, a PGY1 resident and longtime NCODA PSO leader, whose involvement in the student community led to something bigger than he ever expected: donating stem cells through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Chuck reflects on how the PSO shaped his interest in oncology, what leadership taught him, and how he went from supporting donor drives as a student to becoming a donor himself. He breaks down the donation process in a straightforward way and shares how the experience is shaping his approach as a future oncology pharmacist. It’s a timely reminder of what Giving Tuesday represents at NCODA: showing up for others, supporting patients and peers, and taking action when you have the chance to make an impact. Learn more about NMDP here [https://www.ncoda.org/nmdp/].

S9 E12: “We Won the Battle, Now Let’s Paddle”

What happens when a group of breast cancer survivors climb into a 40-foot boat and start paddling together? You get the Mammoglams — a Jacksonville dragon boat team turning survivorship into strength, resilience, and community! In this episode, we’re joined by Pam Reckner, breast cancer survivor, Team USA paddler, and Team Captain of the Mammoglams, along with Jeri Millard, breast cancer survivor, longtime patient advocate, and Founder/CEO of In the Pink, a nonprofit boutique supporting cancer patients in Jacksonville. Together, they share how dragon boating has become a powerful part of recovery — improving mobility, supporting lymphedema management, and offering survivors a place to rebuild confidence and connection. They also take us inside the global breast cancer paddling community, talk about what it’s like to compete internationally, and describe how the Mammoglams support survivors at every fitness level with a truly “no paddler left behind” approach. In this episode: * How dragon boating supports strength, mobility, and physical healing after breast cancer * Why survivors describe the Mammoglams as a genuine “floating support group” * Pam’s path from treatment to Team USA paddler and team captain * Jeri’s advocacy journey and the origins of dragon boating in Jacksonville * Insight into the international breast cancer paddling movement and upcoming world competitions   Learn More: Mammoglams Website: www.mammoglams.com [http://www.mammoglams.com/] Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club: www.jacksonvilledragonboatclub.com [http://www.jacksonvilledragonboatclub.com/] In the Pink nonprofit: https://inthepinkboutique.com [https://inthepinkboutique.com/]

S9 E11: Honoring Veterans Through Early Cancer Detection

This Veterans Day, we’re shining a light on care for those who’ve served. Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) O’Donnell, Director of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, joins the PQI Podcast to discuss the Sentinel Study—a Department of Defense–sponsored clinical trial offering multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing to U.S. veterans. Through a single blood draw, the test can screen for more than 50 types of cancer, addressing the urgent need for improved screening among veterans, who face a cancer risk nearly 20% higher than the general population. Dr. O’Donnell shares how this innovative study combines science, service, and compassion to bring life-saving research to those who’ve served—and what it could mean for the future of oncology care. Listen to learn more about: * How early detection technology is transforming the future of cancer care * Why veterans face unique cancer risks linked to their service * What makes the Sentinel Study a model for accessible, equitable screening * The personal motivation that drives Dr. O’Donnell’s work For more information on the Sentinel study or to determine eligibility, visit redcap.link/VeteransScreeningStudy [https://redcap.link/VeteransScreeningStudy] or contact the Sentinel Team at dfciprevention@mgb.org [dfciprevention@mgb.org]

S9 E10: Advancing Clinical Research

Before every breakthrough in oncology, there’s phase I research — where innovation, teamwork, and patient trust come together. In this episode, Dr. R. Donald Harvey, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, FASCO, Vice President of Clinical Research and Executive Director of the Emory Clinical Research Office, joins hosts Ginger Blackmon, PharmD, and Maddy Floysand, PharmD, for an inside look at how early-phase clinical trials lay the groundwork for new cancer therapies. Dr. Harvey, also Professor of Hematology/Medical Oncology and Pharmacology and Associate Dean for Clinical Research at Emory University, shares how phase I studies are evolving to balance discovery, safety, and patient care while expanding access beyond academic centers. He talks about: * How early-phase trials shape the future of oncology treatments * Collaboration between academic and community sites to improve access and equity * The vital role of pharmacists in study design, safety, and education * How AI and data are changing trial design and patient matching * Advice for clinicians and students interested in research careers Dr. Harvey also reflects on the teamwork that drives meaningful progress and what continues to inspire him after decades of leading research that connects science to patient impact.