In today's episode, the first in our ongoing “Live Chat” series — informal conversations with members of the medical community, advocates, and patients about what matters most to them and to us, hosts Victoria Goldberg and Dr. Ellen Landsberger are joined by Dr. Sherry Shen, a breast cancer medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, for a clear, patient-centered conversation on the evolving role of SERDs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders) in hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer.

Dr. Shen explains the science behind SERDs, the importance of ESR1 mutations, and why oral SERDs are generating excitement. We review recent and ongoing trials—including evERA (giredestrant), SERENA-6 (camizestrant), and updates on FDA‑approved agents such as elacestrant and imlunestrant—while discussing regulatory and insurance hurdles, quality-of-life considerations, side-effect management, and how these drugs are shaping real-world treatment strategies and combination approaches.
Bonus clip: a preview from an upcoming episode with Rebecca Shatsky, MD, where she discusses the evERA trial and shares her enthusiasm for emerging combination strategies, including capivasertib paired with oral SERDs.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or clinician, tune in for practical insights, expert perspectives, and a hopeful look at the future of breast cancer therapy.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

This is the first episode of the recurring MBC Insiders series created by and starring the podcast team. In the first episode, published on October 13th, the National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, we meet seven panelists with 80+ years living with Metastatic Breast Cancer between them and they are here to share the hard-won wisdom of true MBC insiders. We'll explore the issues that matter most to people living with MBC, including how the language clinicians and media use can harm or help, and candid conversations about progression and the idea of "cure."

Joining Victoria Goldberg:

1. Martha Carlson -- diagnosed de novo in December of 2014, a writer and advocate who mentors, contributes to research and publications, and works to improve understanding of the MBC patient experience.
2. Melanie Sisk -- diagnosed with early breast cancer at 43 and later, metastatic at 47, which ended her nursing career, she channels urgency into advocacy.
3. Lynda Weatherby -- living with MBC since 2013 after 2001 DCIS, a Seattle-based patient advocate and advocate founder of “The Project to End Postpartum Breast Cancer."
4. Ellen Landsberger, MD -- a retired OB/GYN from New York has lived with metastatic breast cancer for years, but it was the loss of a close friend to the disease that sparked her interest in using her voice to help educate others.
5. Jill Tirabassi, MD -- researcher and advocate, and another physician on our team, diagnosed with breast cancer during her second pregnancy at the age of 36, she now works part-time while raising her two young sons with her husband outside of Buffalo, New York.
6. Alexis Desai -- born and raised New Yorker, and former educator, diagnosed with MBC at the age of 37, actively involved with Metavivor and is a recent graduate of NBCC Project Lead.
7. Last but not least, Judy Perkins -- cancer Immunotherapy pioneer, who is the first person to be very likely cured of metastatic breast cancer through a form of immunotherapy known as tumor infiltrating lymphocytes or TILs.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

In this episode of "Live from Stage 4: MBC News for Us, by Us," host Victoria Goldberg sits down with Dr. Gloria Echeverria, a leading researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, to discuss the urgent challenges facing cancer research in the United States. Dr. Echeverria shares her career path from PhD student to running her own lab, focusing on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)—one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease.

The conversation delves into the real-world impact of federal funding cuts on scientific research, the importance of diversifying funding sources, and the ripple effects on young scientists and future breakthroughs. Dr. Echeverria explains the critical role of mitochondria in TNBC, the day-to-day realities of running a research lab, and the vital connection between researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates.

Despite the uncertainty and challenges, Dr. Chavarria offers hope, highlighting recent scientific advances and the resilience of the research community. Whether you’re a patient, advocate, or simply curious about the future of cancer research, this episode provides an inside look at the passion, perseverance, and innovation driving the fight against breast cancer.

Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening discussion about the future at risk—and the people working tirelessly to protect it.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.