Episode #17: How Kathy Giusti Transformed a Diagnosis Into a Movement
From Fatal to Fearless
When Kathy Giusti was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at 37, she was told she had three years to live. What happened next changed cancer research forever.
In this episode of All Things Cancer, host Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Kathy — founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and author of Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Breaking Cancer in a Broken Medical System — for an honest, inspiring conversation about urgency, leadership, and what it truly takes to put patients first.
Kathy shares how she turned a devastating diagnosis into one of the most effective nonprofit models in oncology, building a collaborative network of academics, pharmaceutical companies, regulators, and patients that has contributed to 15+ approved therapies and pushed the five-year survival rate for multiple myeloma from 32% to over 62%.
In this episode with Kathy Giusti, you’ll hear:
- The founding story of the MMRF and the funding model that set it apart
- Why giving up intellectual property was key to accelerating drug development
- The COMPASS initiative — a landmark longitudinal patient database — and how AI is unlocking new insights from it today
- Kathy’s practical advice for cancer patients and caregivers navigating a complex medical system
- Her vision for taking myeloma survival from 62% to 92%
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, researcher, or simply someone who believes in the power of collaboration, this episode is a masterclass in turning urgency into action.
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About All Things Cancer
Each episode of All Things Cancer will spotlight the most pressing topics in oncology, from cutting-edge treatments and emerging research to personal stories of resilience and hope. More than just a podcast, it’s a platform for raising awareness, advancing cancer education, and fostering a global community of support and collaboration.
Hosted by NFCR CEO, Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., this compelling series will bring together the entire ecosystem of cancer research—including leading scientists, oncologists, doctors, patient advocates, caregivers, biotech innovators, and survivors—for powerful discussions on the breakthroughs shaping the future of cancer research, treatment, and care.
All Things Cancer is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes released biweekly.
Subscribe now to stay up to date on the latest episodes and join the conversation that’s shaping the future of cancer research. Cancer impacts everyone—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or researcher, this podcast delivers invaluable insights from those on the frontlines of the fight against it.
