Dr Akila Viswanathan begins a special series focusing on women in radiation oncology at Johns Hopkins in this edition of the On Target podcast. Today she speaks with Dr Ana Kiess about treating patients with prostate cancer and head and neck cancers, her research on the integration of radiopharmaceutical therapies, and the unique challenges women face in academic medicine while balancing leadership roles, research, and clinical responsibilities.

Radiopharmaceuticals are a specialized group of drugs containing radioisotopes that emit radiation. They are used primarily in nuclear medicine and oncology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These treatments deliver targeted radiation doses directly to tumors, damaging the cancer cells’ DNA and preventing their growth and spread. Dr Kiess highlights the ongoing clinical trials and advancements in radiopharmaceutical therapies, which are opening new possibilities for cancer treatment, especially in cases of prostate cancer.

The discussion also emphasizes the collaborative environment at Johns Hopkins, where specialists from multiple disciplines work together to advance the field. Dr Kiess explains how this collaborative approach enhances research and patient care, allowing for the development of innovative treatment protocols that can more effectively target cancers.