As the year draws to a close, the Podcast team is taking a moment to celebrate the incredible chairs, guests, groundbreaking discussions, and you, our dedicated listeners, that made this our most successful year yet.
In 2025, we re-branded the podcast series to ‘Conversations in Lung Cancer Research’, produced an interview format hosted by A/Prof Mel Moore to highlight the incredible members of TOGA, released 14 new episodes (+40% YoY), and increased our downloads by 110% YoY!
To close out the year, we want to shout out the guests and episodes from Conversations in Lung Cancer Research that represented the very best in thoracic oncology research, clinical practice, and TOGA spirit.
Top Podcast Contributor: A/Prof Mal Itchins
We want to recognise an individual whose ongoing support, insights, and energy have consistently enriched our podcast and the broader TOGA community.
A/Prof Mal Itchins is a generous member of TOGA. With six appearances on the podcast, including two episodes this year (and another recording on the way), Mal is a true podcast veteran.
Not only does she contribute invaluable clinical expertise to the industry through her talks at education events, she also embodies dedication through her fundraising efforts. Thank you for your continued support, enthusiasm, and insight!
Listen to A/Prof Mal Itchins in The Role of Liquid Biopsy in Modern Oncology:
Listen to Exploring EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations:
Episode that Broke TOGA Records: Vaccines in Thoracic Oncology
With well over 1,000 listens, this episode featuring special guest Prof Georgina Long, alongside Prof Tom John and Prof Ken O’Byrne, became our most popular of the year and highest listens ever.
The discussion was timely and cutting-edge, delving into the technological advances spurred by COVID-19 vaccine development. The panel explored promising results from recent melanoma and lung cancer vaccine trials, and the enormous potential for personalised neoantigen mRNA vaccines to change the treatment landscape. If you missed this one, it’s a must-listen!
Listen to Vaccines in Thoracic Oncology: The Next Frontier in Immunotherapy
Best Inspirational Quote: A/Prof Bryan Chan
Every year, a guest delivers a quote that truly resonates, offering advice that extends far beyond the clinical world. This year, the winner is Bryan for a powerful message about professional growth and managing self-doubt:
“In terms of getting yourself out there, look it is scary at the beginning and even now everyone has imposter syndrome… but you do have to say yes to things. So when invited, rather than think of reasons why you might not be the best person to take the challenge, say, ‘okay, how can I best do this?’ And if you fail, well you fail. Just try again harder next time. But, I do think, especially in the beginning, it is about accepting challenges and rising to them.”
As this year’s ASM Convenor, this quote from Bryan is a fantastic reminder that courage, a willingness to fail, and the simple act of saying “yes” are the keys to professional advancement in a challenging field.
Listen to Bryan’s episode:
Episode with the Best Deep Dive: Optimising Lung Cancer Treatment in Older Adults
The Best Deep Dive recognises the episode that tackles a topic with exceptional clarity, detail, and compassion.
Hosted by Dr Michael Krasovitsky, this episode of Conversations in Lung Cancer Research expertly focused on the nuances of lung cancer treatment in older adults. The comprehensive discussions with experts A/Prof Christopher Steer, Prof Shalini Vinod, and Ms Nicole Webb explored:
Critical distinction and application of geriatric oncology
The importance of conducting geriatric assessments
Unique challenges and necessity of tailored, supportive care
The pervasive impact of ageism in cancer treatment decision-making
This conversation provided practical tools for assessing frailty and underscored the critical need for an open, compassionate, and holistic approach to cancer care in this population. It was an essential and educational listen.
Listen to Challenging Ageism: Optimising Lung Cancer Treatment in Older Adults
Thanks to You
Thank you to all of our award winners, every single guest who shared their time, and especially to our listeners for tuning in, sharing, and engaging with the Conversations in Lung Cancer Research Podcast.
We took a risk with a rebrand of the podcast this year and we couldn’t have done it without your support to make this season of episodes the most successful yet! We look forward to bringing you more stories from TOGA members and current edge research in the new year!
