Outperform Cancer

About Outperform Cancer

Actionable, anti-cancer strategies found in peer-reviewed, scientific research to improve cancer outcomes.

Publisher

Marybeth Gilliam

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Sept 2023

Latest episode

5 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 5 Aug 2026

   Can We Predict Which Cancer Treatment Will Work Before You Take It? | Edward Chow, PhD

   Every time a cancer treatment fails, patients lose something valuable: time. They also endure unnecessary side effects, experience tremendous uncertainty, and may lose the opportunity to receive a treatment that could have worked better. What if choosing a cancer treatment became less trial-and-error and more data-driven? In this episode of Outperform Cancer, Marybeth Gilliam speaks with Edward Chow, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Scientific Co-Founder of KYAN Technologies, about one of the most promising advances in precision oncology: functional precision medicine. KYAN's technology tests multiple treatments directly against a patient's living cancer cells and uses mathematical modeling to rank which therapies are most likely to work for that individual. Together, Marybeth and Ed discuss the growing clinical evidence behind functional precision medicine, how it complements biomarker testing, its current limitations, and how patients can access the technology today. Most importantly, they explore how better data may help patients and oncologists make more informed treatment decisions—reducing unnecessary trial and error and bringing greater confidence to one of the highest-stakes decisions a cancer patient will ever face. At Outperform Cancer, we believe every important cancer decision should be as evidence-based and data-driven as possible. This conversation explores a future where choosing the next treatment relies less on educated guesswork and more on how a patient's own cancer responds in the laboratory before treatment even begins.

2. 1 Jul 2026

   The Activated Patient Advantage: How Speaking Up Can Improve Cancer Outcomes | Samira Daswani

   Research increasingly shows that activated cancer patients — patients who ask questions, communicate with their care team, and participate more fully in decisions — may have better outcomes. But cancer care is complex, appointments are short, and many patients are left trying to navigate life-changing decisions without the tools they need. In this episode of Outperform Cancer, Marybeth Gilliam speaks with Samira Daswani, founder and CEO of Manta Cares, an award-winning platform designed to help cancer patients and caregivers move from overwhelmed to informed and activated. Samira shares her own experience being diagnosed with stage 2 triple-positive breast cancer at age 30 and how that experience revealed a major gap in cancer care: patients and families are expected to manage an enormous amount of complexity, often without guidance that is personalized, practical, or easy to act on. Manta Cares was created to help fill that gap. The platform helps patients understand diagnostic and treatment options, prepare for oncology appointments, manage symptoms and side effects, and access non-clinical support — including mental health, sexual health, financial toxicity, and peer support. Marybeth and Samira also discuss how Manta Cares’ Hope AI can help patients ask better questions, understand biomarker testing, prepare for conversations about progression or clinical trials, and find language that may help them be heard by their care team. This conversation is about more than technology. It is about helping patients find their voice, participate in their care, and become one of the most underused resources in healthcare: the activated patient.

3. 18 Jun 2026

   Mammograms Save Lives—So Why Are Women Still Diagnosed With Late-Stage Breast Cancer?

   In this episode of Outperform Cancer, Marybeth Gilliam speaks with Dr. Ryan Polselli, a fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologist and founder and CEO of MammoLink, about one of the most important questions in breast cancer care: if mammograms save lives, why are women still being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer? Dr. Polselli explains that the problem is not simply whether mammograms work — it is whether the screening system is working for patients. Too many women are not getting screened annually, dense breast tissue can make cancer harder to detect, genetic risk is often identified only after diagnosis, and unnecessary friction in the healthcare system causes patients to delay or skip screening altogether. The conversation explores how breast cancer detection can become more personalized through annual screening, risk assessment, genetic testing, breast density awareness, AI-supported imaging, same-day ultrasound when appropriate, and better access through mobile mammography. Dr. Polselli also discusses how MammoLink is working to remove barriers by bringing breast imaging directly to workplaces and communities, making screening easier, faster, and more patient-centered. Marybeth also shares her own experience of being diagnosed after insisting on further testing despite a “clear” mammogram, reinforcing one of the episode’s most important messages: women should trust their bodies, understand their risk, and advocate for additional imaging or biopsy when something does not feel right. This episode is a call to rethink breast cancer screening as a strategy — one that uses the tools we already have more effectively to catch cancer earlier, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and help more women get the care they need before it is too late.

4. 2 Jun 2026

   A New Operating System for Cancer: How Sid Sijbrandij is Outpacing an Evolving Disease

   What do you do when you’re told: “There’s nothing more we can do”? That’s the moment Sid Sijbrandij faced after exhausting standard of care for osteosarcoma. Instead of accepting it, he did something radically different. He went “Founder Mode” on his cancer—applying the same mindset he used to build GitLab to create a completely new way of approaching treatment. What emerged isn’t just a set of therapies. It’s a new operating system for cancer—one built on: maximal diagnostics continuous data collection testing treatments in parallel and learning faster than the disease evolves In this episode, we break that system down—not just as Sid’s story, but as a framework patients can start using today. This conversation is not about doing everything Sid has done. It’s about learning how to think differently—so you can ask better questions, access better options, and make more informed decisions about your care. Because cancer isn’t one problem. It’s a system. And when you start treating it that way, everything changes.

5. 14 May 2026

   Can Broccoli Sprouts Fight Cancer? What 30 Years of Research Shows

   What if one of the most studied anti-cancer compounds isn’t a drug—but a compound found in broccoli sprouts? In this episode, Jed Fahey, a nutritional biochemist and one of the world’s leading experts on sulforaphane, breaks down over 30 years of research on this powerful compound and its potential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Recent research has taken this conversation to another level. A 2024 review in the journal Cancer found that sulforaphane demonstrates “potent chemosensitizing capabilities across diverse cancer types,” meaning it may help make cancer cells more responsive to chemotherapy while counteracting treatment resistance. In this conversation, we explore: - How sulforaphane works at the molecular level, including its effects on detoxification pathways like NRF2 - Why broccoli sprouts contain dramatically higher levels than mature broccoli - The difference between supplements and whole foods—and what patients should consider - The emerging science around cancer stem cells, metastasis, and recurrence - How sulforaphane may work synergistically with cancer therapies This is not about replacing standard treatment. It’s about understanding how simple, science-backed strategies—like broccoli sprouts—may play a meaningful role alongside it. If you’re looking for actionable, research-driven ways to support your body, this episode translates complex cancer biology into clear, practical insights you can use today.

6. 16 Apr 2026

   The Cancer Test Too Many Patients Still Aren't Getting — And Why It Matters

   Biomarker testing is helping turn personalized medicine from an idea into a reality by giving doctors a better understanding of what is actually driving a patient’s tumor and which treatments are most likely to work. In this episode, Dr. Nathan Fowler, Chief Medical Officer of BostonGene and former Professor of Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains why biomarker testing may be one of the most important tools in modern oncology — and why too many patients still aren’t getting it. Together, we discuss what biomarker testing, tumor sequencing, molecular profiling, liquid biopsy, and ctDNA actually mean, how this information can uncover treatment options and clinical trials, and why Dr. Fowler believes testing should happen as early as possible. He also shares a remarkable story of a patient with advanced lymphoma whose tumor biomarker matched an experimental therapy and led to a complete remission that has lasted more than a decade.

7. 17 Feb 2026

   22 Years Metastatic: How Teri Pollastro Combined Standard Treatment, Cancer Vaccines & Self-Advocacy

   After being diagnosed with DCIS and told she was cured, her cancer returned four years later as metastatic breast cancer to her liver. She immediately pursued every appropriate standard of care therapy, including chemotherapy and HER2-targeted treatment. But she didn’t stop there. Teri advocated for additional therapies that were not yet standard practice at the time, including: —Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) —Participation in a Phase I HER2-targeted cancer vaccine trial —Later vaccine boosters —Strategic lifestyle interventions and immune-supportive habits These decisions involved risk. The therapies were promising but not yet widely adopted. Today — more than 22 years later — she remains without evidence of active disease. In this episode, we discuss: —Why clinical trials should not be a last resort —How patients can responsibly evaluate emerging therapies —The role of immunotherapy and cancer vaccines —Scan anxiety and recurrence —Lifestyle strategies that may support long-term health —The power of daily joy and purposeful living Teri’s story is not about rejecting conventional medicine. It’s about combining standard treatment with informed, responsible innovation. You are not a statistic. And, patients do not need to be passive recipients of care.

8. 7 Nov 2025

   Dr. Abby Overacre — A Warning for Cancer Patients: Sucralose May Block Immunotherapy

   Artificial sweeteners may do more harm than anyone realized—especially for cancer patients on immunotherapy. Dr. Abby Overacre, an immunologist and microbiome researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, explains new research showing that sucralose (the sweetener in Splenda and many “sugar-free” products) can disrupt the gut microbiome, drain immune-supporting nutrients like arginine, and blunt the tumor-fighting power of immunotherapy drugs such as Keytruda and Opdivo. Even small amounts—just three packets a day—were linked to faster tumor growth and poorer outcomes. Dr. Overacre discusses what patients can do right now to protect their microbiome, improve response to treatment, and make diet a powerful ally in cancer care. Learn more at OutperformCancer.com Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more actionable, science-backed strategies to help you Outperform Cancer.

9. 4 Jun 2025

   Kristen Dahlgren on the Cancer Vaccine That’s Changing Lives

   Journalist KRISTEN DAHLGREN discusses her breast cancer diagnosis and founding the Cancer Vaccine Coalition to promote therapeutic cancer vaccines as a promising treatment option in this interview episode.

10. 7 May 2025

    Are Cancer Vaccines the Breakthrough We’ve Been Waiting For? Dr. Nora Disis Explains

    What if your immune system could be trained to find and destroy cancer cells—before they come back? Discover why cancer vaccines are one of the fastest-growing areas of clinical research in this powerful interview with Dr. Nora Disis, a world-renowned expert in cancer immunology. Learn how therapeutic cancer vaccines train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, the difference between therapeutic and preventative vaccines, and why NOW is the critical time for patients to explore clinical trials. Dr. Disis shares breakthroughs in vaccine development for breast, lung, melanoma, and other cancers, the potential role of the gut microbiome in boosting vaccine effectiveness, and how patients can access promising clinical trials today. If you or a loved one has cancer—or is in remission—you won’t want to miss this hopeful and actionable conversation. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more actionable, science-backed strategies to help you Outperform Cancer. Learn more at OutperformCancer.com

11. 4 Apr 2025

    The Future of Cancer Radiation Treatment with Dr. Henry Park

    Can radiation actually help cure cancer? In this powerful episode of the Outperform Cancer podcast, Dr. Henry Park—Vice Chair for Radiology Clinical Research at Yale—challenges outdated assumptions about radiation therapy. He explains how, in the right cases, radiation isn't just used to shrink tumors or relieve symptoms—it can eliminate cancer completely. Dr. Park breaks down how modern radiation techniques allow for precise, high-dose treatment with fewer side effects, and why patients with metastatic cancer should still ask if radiation can be used with curative intent. He also reveals which gender responds better to radiation therapy—and why that insight could change how we personalize treatment. Plus, you'll discover a breakthrough in radiation therapy: RefleXion SCINTIX, a cutting-edge technology that enables doctors to target multiple tumors in real time—even tracking tumors while the patient is breathing. This real-time tracking reduces radiation exposure to healthy lung tissue and could make it possible to treat late-stage cancers more precisely, aggressively, and safely than ever before. If you or a loved one is facing cancer, this episode is a must-listen. You'll walk away informed, empowered, and maybe even surprised by what's possible with radiation therapy today.

12. 5 Feb 2025

    Dr. Xiang Zhang: Bone Trauma & Cancer; The Hidden Risk No One Talks About & What to Do

    Surprising New Research by Dr. Xiang Zhang Reveals the Hidden Cancer Risk of Bone Trauma and How His Work is Helping Patients Did you know that bone is one of the most common sites for cancer metastasis? If you've had breast, prostate, lung, renal, liver, or bladder cancer, this is a must-watch conversation. Dr. Xiang Zhang, a leading cancer researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, joins us to discuss groundbreaking findings on bone metastasis, including: -- How bone fractures, injuries, and even osteoporosis can awaken dormant cancer cells -- Why exercise plays a crucial role in reducing recurrence risk by up to 50% -- How bisphosphonates may help prevent bone metastasis -- New precision therapies being developed to stop bone metastasis in its tracks As a metastatic breast cancer survivor, this conversation was mind-blowing for me. Understanding these risks is critical for anyone looking to outperform cancer and take control of their health. If you found this valuable, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help others access life-saving information!

13. 20 Nov 2024

    Double Survival in Pancreatic Cancer: High-Dose IV Vitamin C Breakthrough in New Randomized Trial

    Distinguished Professor of Surgery Dr. Joseph Cullen shares groundbreaking research on high-dose IV vitamin C's double survival benefits in pancreatic cancer patients through a pivotal randomized phase II clinical trial.

14. 13 Nov 2024

    Dr. Magdalena Naylor: Mindfulness Expert and Radical Remission Survivor

    In this episode of Outperform Cancer, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Magdalena Naylor, MD, PhD. Her remarkable story exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of mindfulness. Join us as we explore the compelling journey of this distinguished psychiatrist and mindfulness expert who faced the ultimate test—her own stage 4 metastatic cancer diagnosis. Dr. Naylor, who spent her career pioneering innovative treatments for chronic pain and exploring the brain's response to mindfulness at the University of Vermont Medical Center, became the patient in 2012 when she was given just six months to live. With cancer widespread through her uterus, lymph nodes, and lungs, she found herself grappling with the same fears and uncertainties she had helped so many patients navigate: pain, guilt, and the looming specter of death. Yet in a pivotal moment—whether triggered by her deep-seated clinical knowledge, a profound inner acceptance, or divine intervention—a remarkable transformation occurred. Dr. Naylor's body began to heal, leading to a radical remission that defied medical expectations. Now, over 12 years later and cancer-free, Dr. Naylor shares her story publicly for the first time. Listeners will gain unparalleled insight into her emotional and psychological journey, the practical applications of mindfulness in overcoming extreme adversity, and the science behind why it works. As a leader in the fields of psychiatry, neuroscience, and mindfulness, Dr. Naylor's unique blend of raw personal experience and empirical evidence makes this conversation both inspiring and enlightening. Tune in to learn from Dr. Naylor’s moving, honest, and analytically grounded account of healing. Discover the deep connections between mind, body, and spirit that could inspire your own resilience and self-care practices. This episode is not only a testament to Dr. Naylor’s legacy in the medical community—where she directed the Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit and led groundbreaking studies in fMRI brain imaging—but also an invitation to reimagine what is possible when science and mindfulness unite in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

15. 5 May 2024

    Dr. Joseph Cullen: Clinical Trial Breakthroughs with High-Dose Vitamin C

    Is high-dose vitamin C the game-changer in cancer treatment that it's touted to be? Get the latest insights straight from the forefront of clinical research with the leading expert in the field. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Cullen, a distinguished Professor of Surgery at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Cullen's groundbreaking clinical investigations center on the integration of high-dose vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbate or intravenous vitamin C (IVC), alongside conventional cancer therapies. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Cullen shared insights from several phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials he has conducted. Notably, he discussed the groundbreaking results from the first-ever randomized IVC clinical trial which was conducted amongst pancreatic cancer patients. The trial's success was so remarkable that it was halted early, as it was deemed unethical not to offer IVC to all patients alongside standard care medications. These compelling findings have been submitted for publication in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Oncology. During our conversation, Dr. Cullen also shed light on similar clinical trials being conducted by him and his colleagues at the University of Iowa, targeting glioblastoma, non-small cell lung, and rectal cancers. These trials signify the growing recognition of IVC's potential as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. Delving into the science behind the efficacy of IVC, Dr. Cullen explained its mechanism of action and why it holds such promise in cancer therapy. His laboratory's research focuses on pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-, high dose, intravenous vitamin C) as an adjuvant to standard treatments, particularly for pancreatic cancer but he also addresses its potential for breast and prostate cancers. With an impressive track record comprising 162 peer-reviewed papers and 32 book chapters, Dr. Cullen is at the forefront of advancing our understanding of IVC's role in cancer care. As the principal investigator of multiple clinical trials utilizing pharmacological ascorbate, he continues to spearhead innovative approaches to enhance cancer therapy through the manipulation of redox metabolism.

16. 1 Feb 2024

    Dr. Kathryn Schmitz: Using Exercise to Improve Cancer Outcomes

    Get inspired by Dr. Kathryn Schmitz, a pioneering figure in the field of exercise oncology and a strong advocate for cancer patients worldwide. In this compelling episode, Dr. Schmitz, a Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and past president of the American College of Sports Medicine, shares groundbreaking insights from her extensive research on the transformative power of exercise in cancer care. Learn about the compelling statistics that reveal how regular exercise can dramatically reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by an astonishing 30-50%—a figure that rivals the efficacy of some popular cancer drugs. Listen as Dr. Schmitz delves into the fascinating mechanisms behind exercise's ability to combat cancer, from activating tumor suppressor genes to boosting immune function. She also sheds light on the latest research, including the surprising benefits of short, intense bursts of exercise. Don't miss critical insights from this multi-award winning scientist. 1. The Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society of Behavioral Medicine 2. The Clinical Research Professorship from the American Cancer Society. Learn how exercise can be a powerful ally in the fight against cancer, and get empowered to take an active role in their health and recovery.

17. 3 Jan 2024

    Dr. Connie Jimenez: Infusing Hope; Intravenous Vitamin C's Role in Battling Cancer

    We're thrilled to welcome Prof. Dr. Connie Jimenez, a leading figure in the field of OncoProteomics, to discuss high-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) as an anti-cancer strategy. Dr. Jimenez is the Founder and Head of the OncoProteomics Laboratory and Professor of “Translational OncoProteomics” at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam. The focus of our conversation is her comprehensive 2021 research summary, “High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer,” published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research. This pivotal work delves into an array of studies, encompassing in vivo and in vitro research, omic studies, and clinical trials, providing a detailed look into the efficacy of high-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) in cancer treatment. Significantly, the summary offers tumor site-specific information, making it an invaluable resource for patients seeking relevant and personalized insights. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the optimal dose levels of IVC used in research studies, crucial for achieving effective cancer cell eradication. Moreover, Dr. Jimenez elucidates the fascinating mechanisms of action of IVC, including its ability to reactivate tumor suppressor genes, which play a critical role in cancer prevention and treatment. A particularly intriguing aspect of IVC's mechanism, as discussed by Dr. Jimenez, is its 'Trojan horse' effect, which allows it to penetrate and target tumor cells, even showing promise for cancers with challenging mutations, such as KRAS mutations, which have traditionally been difficult to treat. Additionally, our conversation sheds light on the secondary benefits of IVC, particularly in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy. This dual role of IVC, both as a direct combatant against cancer cells and as a mitigator of chemotherapy's adverse effects, underscores its potential as a multifaceted treatment option. Don't miss this episode as we explore these groundbreaking insights with Prof. Dr. Connie Jimenez, offering hope and new perspectives in the ongoing battle against cancer.

18. 28 Sept 2023

    The Outperform Cancer Podcast: Top Researchers Share Powerful Strategies to Fight Cancer and Thrive

    Welcome to Episode 1 of the Outperform Cancer Podcast. I’m your host, Marybeth Gilliam, and I’m on a mission to bring life-changing research discoveries directly to you, bypassing the staggering 15-year average wait for them to enter clinical practice. For countless cancer warriors, like myself, that wait is too long. In this kickoff episode, I explain my dedication to unveiling actionable, evidence-based strategies to outperform cancer. Together, we’ll bridge the formidable gap between world-leading researchers and cancer patients, ensuring that cutting-edge discoveries translate into actionable steps for prevention, management, and triumph over this disease. The cruel reality is that most cancer patients will never benefit from numerous clinical research discoveries due to the prolonged journey from the lab to the bedside. The Outperform Cancer Podcast is conceived with an unwavering commitment to change this narrative. We connect you directly with esteemed researchers, bringing their pioneering discoveries to the forefront. No waiting. No barriers. Just real-time insights for real-world impact. Actionable Insights: Every discovery we explore is immediately actionable. If you’re surrounded by a sea of breakthrough science news yet stranded without a lifeline of “what now,” you’ve found your sanctuary. We delve into pragmatic strategies for those aiming to evade cancer, prevent its recurrence, or conquer active cancer. Our Promise: In each enriching episode, we engage in enlightening conversations with well-regarded, peer-reviewed, and published researchers. We acknowledge the infancy of some research, often supported by early clinical or pre-clinical data. Yet, together, we will assess the volume and methodologies of studies, meticulously evaluating the strengths and weaknesses to unveil potential pathways to improved cancer outcomes. Join me in this empowering journey. Every episode is a step closer to a world where the latest anti-cancer strategies are not just known but are accessible and actionable for all. Together, we will outperform cancer. Subscribe Now: Join us in this pivotal movement towards a cancer-free world. Subscribe, and let’s transform cutting-edge research into real-life victories.

19. 27 Sept 2023

    Dr. Jed Fahey: Biohacking Cancer, The Promise of Sulforaphane

    In this eye-opening episode of the @OutperformCancerPodcast, we are honored to have Dr. Jed Fahey, a renowned expert in the field of phytochemicals, as our guest. Dr. Fahey dives deep into the remarkable properties of sulforaphane, a potent phytochemical found abundantly in broccoli sprouts. You'll learn how sulforaphane helps to prevent the onset of cancer, kill active cancer cells, and eliminate the cancer stem cells that chemotherapy can’t kill. Chemopreventative Power of Sulforaphane: Discover how this unique phytochemical can help in preventing the onset of cancer. Antiproliferative Capabilities: Understand how sulforaphane can slow down or even stop the growth of cancer cells. Cancer Stem Cell Elimination: Perhaps one of the most striking features of sulforaphane is its ability to kill cancer stem cells—a feat that even chemotherapy often fails to achieve. The information Dr. Fahey shares in this video has profound implications for the future of cancer treatment and prevention. As a naturally occurring compound, sulforaphane offers a range of benefits with minimal side effects, making it a subject of intense scientific investigation.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,118

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

49

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.