Pipettes to Patients

Inside the Science of Breast Cancer: Discoveries Driving New Therapies

In this episode of Pipettes to Patients, host Dr. Brittany Simone highlights the cutting-edge breast cancer research and compassionate clinical care taking place at Upstate Medical University. Joined by cell biologist Dr. Mira Krendel and medical oncologist Dr. Sam Benjamin, the discussion explores how discoveries in the lab, such as Dr. Krendel’s work on the role of the myosin 1E gene in cancer cell movement, are advancing the understanding and treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Benjamin shares how genomic testing, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments are reshaping patient outcomes, particularly for aggressive subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer. Together, they reflect on the power of collaboration at a smaller institution like Upstate, where close connections between basic scientists and clinicians accelerate progress from bench to bedside and bring hope to patients across Central New York.

Training Tomorrow’s Researchers: Students Shaping the Future of Cancer Care

Episode 4 of Pipettes to Patients explores what medical school is like through two very different paths in medicine. Host Brittany Simone, DO, welcomes Miriam, a third-year medical student in Upstate’s accelerated three-year MD program, and Kevin, a fifth-year MD/PhD student studying prostate cancer. Episode 4 of Pipettes to Patients explores what medical school is like through two very different paths in medicine. Host Brittany Simone, DO, welcomes Miriam, a third-year medical student in Upstate’s accelerated three-year MD program, and Kevin, a fifth-year MD/PhD student studying prostate cancer.     They reflect on their early experiences in cancer research, what drew them to oncology, and how lab training, data analysis, and mentorship shaped their paths. They reflect on their early experiences in cancer research, what drew them to oncology, and how lab training, data analysis, and mentorship shaped their paths.     The conversation also dives into unique opportunities at Upstate;  The conversation also dives into unique opportunities at Upstate;      Collaborative research retreats Collaborative research retreats     Specialized lab training at the National Cancer Institute Specialized lab training at the National Cancer Institute     Early clinical exposure through the three-year MD track Early clinical exposure through the three-year MD track     Both guests emphasize the collaborative culture at Upstate and share meaningful patient interactions that shaped their views on the humanistic side of medicine. Both guests emphasize the collaborative culture at Upstate and share meaningful patient interactions that shaped their views on the humanistic side of medicine.     Other topics include their unconventional routes into medicine, their views on AI in research, and advice for students aspiring to enter oncology. They close by reflecting on their hopes for future careers while underscoring the persistence it takes to thrive in science and medicine. Other topics include their unconventional routes into medicine, their views on AI in research, and advice for students aspiring to enter oncology. They close by reflecting on their hopes for future careers while underscoring the persistence it takes to thrive in science and medicine.

Facing Sarcoma: Science, Loss, & the Power of Advocacy

In honor of Sarcoma Awareness Month, this episode of Pipettes to Patients brings together Dr. Tim Damron, an orthopedic oncologist and clinician-scientist at Upstate Medical University, and Kathy Higgins, a passionate patient advocate with the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association. Together, they explore the many faces of sarcoma; from diagnosis and treatment advances to the powerful role of advocacy. With deeply personal stories and clinical insights, this conversation sheds light on how science, surgery, and support systems are changing outcomes and saving lives.

The New Era of Uterine Cancer: Genetics, Diagnosis, and Breakthrough Treatments

For Uterine Cancer Awareness Month, we sit down with two Upstate faculty: Dr. Jeffrey Ross, the David B. Jones/Robert F. Rohner Endowed Professor of Pathology and Medical Director at Foundation Medicine, and Dr. Allison Roy, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Together, they shed light on the rapidly evolving landscape of uterine cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Roy shares how new therapies and clinical trials are offering fresh hope to patients, while Dr. Ross explains the critical role of genomic testing in shaping personalized cancer care. The conversation dispels common misconceptions about both molecular pathology and gynecologic oncology and highlights how genetic insights are revolutionizing uterine cancer detection, risk assessment, and treatment options. Tune in to learn why this is such an exciting, and hopeful, time in the fight against uterine cancer.

Inside the Brain Tumor Fight: Research, Radiation, and Real-World Impact

In this kickoff episode of the Upstate Cancer Center podcast, Dr. Brittany Simone sits down with Dr. Mariano Viapiano, a neuroscientist and director of Upstate’s Brain Tumor Repository, and Dr. Michael Mix, a radiation oncologist, to shine a spotlight on brain tumor research and care.