Testicular Cancer Conference Indiana University School of medicine
October 27-28, 2023
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED AND ATTENDED THE TESTICULAR CANCER CONFERENCE IN INDIANA 2023!
Our conference was a huge success. We are most grateful for this amazing community!
This year’s Testicular Cancer Conference was held at the University School of Medicine campus in Indianapolis, home to Dr. Lawrence Einhorn and the development of the curative chemotherapy regimens and RPLND surgical techniques for testicular cancer.
Bringing Survivors, patients, Caregivers, And Medical Experts Together
We are focused on bringing an international group of TC patients, survivors and their loved ones together to address the physical and emotional toll of being diagnosed and treated for a cancer at a young age. We discuss life with and after cancer, and lifestyle changes that can help the healing process. We invite a panel of medical experts to provide pertinent information for patients currently fighting and resources for long-term survivorship. TCAF provides attendees with information and resources to advocate within their community about the importance of early detection.
HUGE thanks to everyone who helped with, or attended our Testicular cancer Conference in Indiana!
It was a huge success! We are most GRATEFUL for this AMAZING community!
Friday October 27, 11:30-5:00 pm. followed by Dinner Social
Saturday October 28, 9:00-3:30 pm.
Presentation & breakout Topics:
Testosterone Replacement & Fertility: Who. When. How.
Fear of Recurrence: Will My Cancer Come Back?
Self-Care: Before, During & After. Diet, Exercise, Nutritional Supplements
Inspirational Speaker
Q&A with TC Medical Experts
Breakout Sessions
Survivors Unite
Caregivers Unite
Guest Speakers:
Lawrence Einhorn, MD
Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Honorary Speaker
Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, Distinguished Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. In 1974, he added an experimental drug to the chemotherapy regimen for testicular cancer, and almost overnight, he turned the research world upside down, and a disease that was almost universally fatal became eminently curable. A major current area of focus for Dr. Einhorn is supportive care and survivorship, especially as it applies to patients who are cured with platinum-based chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
Clint Cary, MD, MPH
Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Clint Cary is an Associate Professor of Urology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Cary serves as the Director of the Germ Cell Tumor Program. His research interests predominantly focus on the surgical management of advanced testicular cancer and subsequent outcomes.
Geo Espinosa, ND, L.Ac, CNS
Self-Care: Before, During & After. Diet, Exercise, Nutrional Supplements, Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Geo Espinosa is a Clinical Assistant Professor and holistic clinician in Urology at New York University Langone Medical Center. Dr. Geo is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and formulator at XY Wellness, LLC, and lectures internationally on the application of science-based holistic treatments in urological clinics. Dr. Geo Espinosa is a naturopathic doctor, licensed acupuncturist and certified Functional Medicine practitioner recognized as an authority
in holistic urology and men’s health. https://drgeo.com/https://www.xywellness.com/
Helen L. Bernie, DO, MPH
Testosterone Replacement & Fertility: Who. When. How., Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Helen L. Bernie is board certified, fellowship-trained urologist and the Director of Sexual and Reproductive Medicine at Indiana University. She is also an Assistant Professor of Urology at the IU School of Medicine where she teaches medical students. Dr. Bernie is passionate about men’s health, cancer survivorship and fertility preservation. She treats all aspects of men’s health to include male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.
Richard Frankel, PhD
Patient Conversations that Lead to High Quality Care, Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Richard Frankel is a Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Frankel is a Core Investigator in the VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Health Information and Communication and Senior Research Scientist at Regenstrief Institute. Dr. Frankel’s research is focused on clinician- patient communication and its effects on quality and safety, the effects of exam room computing on physician patient communication and effective organizational change strategies. Since joining Regenstrief Institute in 2002, he has devoted his career to nurturing the social and emotional contexts of the doctor-patient relationship, and the researchers who study it, to improve medical care and outcomes.
Shelley A. Johns, PsyD, MS, HSPP, ABPP
Fear of Recurrence Workshop
Dr. Shelley Johns is a Clinical Health Psychologist, Associate Professor of Medicine, and Walther Scholar in Psycho-Oncology at Indiana University School of Medicine. She is also a Health Services Researcher at Regenstrief Institute, Inc. Dr. Johns patient-oriented research primarily focuses on testing integrative mind-body interventions to reduce cancer-related fatigue and associated symptoms for post-treatment cancer survivors and improving adaptive coping and quality of life for adults with advanced-stage cancer and their family caregivers.
Aditya Bagrodia, MD, FACS
Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Aditya Bagrodia is an Associate Professor of Urology at UC San Diego Health. Dr. Bagrodia leads the genitourinary disease team training medical students, residents, and fellows. He has focused his clinical and research interests on understanding molecular attributes of germ cell tumors, which cause testicular cancer, with the goal of ultimately improving treatments and clinical care. He also has been actively involved in understanding and overcoming societal and epidemiological barriers to optimal care in testicular cancer patients. He is dedicated to guiding his patients on a path that is best for them, both in terms of survival and quality of life including navigating the latest treatments.
BJ Lange
Emcee, Survivors Unite, TC Survivor
BJ Lange is an Actor/TC Survivor, & TCAF Board Member. Seen on MTV, General Hospital and The Rookie, BJ is a graduate of The Second City, where he is now an instructor. He is also an alumnus of iO West and UCBTLA, and a member of Warriors for Peace Theatre – a veteran Shakespeare Company. He’s a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actor's Equity. Off the screen and stage, BJ uses his experience as a retired USAF medic as a clinical instructor at UCLA's Center for Prehospital Care at the David Geffen School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine. Connect and watch BJ follow his dreams at BJLange.com
Sean Q. Kern, MD, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
Inspirational Speaker, Survivors Unite, Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Sean Kern is a Urologic Oncologist in the Murtha Cancer Center and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland. He is the founding Director of the military’s Testicular Cancer Enterprise for Survivorship, Treatment, and Investigational Sciences “TESTIS” Program and the Program Director of the Walter Reed Urology Residency. He completed his urologic oncology fellowship at Indiana University. Dr. Kern's research interests are focused on genetically targetable mutations of germ cell testicular cancer as well as the surgical treatment and management of chemotherapy-resistance testicular cancer. Dr. Kern was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2023 and is a survivor today.
Click here to learn more about Sean’s story.
Aneta Kern, PHD
Inspirational Speaker, Caregivers Unite
Dr. Aneta Kern is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and specializes in Rehabilitation Psychology, Pediatric Neuropsychology, and Perinatal Mental Health at Collaborative Support and Psychological Services, PLLC. Dr. Kern practices via telehealth and is licensed in Virginia.
Khalid Alkhatib, MD, MMSc
Q&A with Medical Experts & TC Survivor
Dr. Khalid Y. Alkhatib, MD, MMSc is a Clinical Research Fellow at Penn Urology. Dr. Alkhatib is interested in urological oncology and men’s health after cancer. His research interests include the long-term side effect of cancer treatment, survivorship, the economic intact of cancer, sociodemographic disparities, and surgical urological outcomes in different health system settings.
Joseph D. Shirk, MD
Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Joseph D. Shirk, MD is Chief of Urology at the Greater Los Angeles VA Health System and Assistant Professor of Urology at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Shirk performs complex urologic oncology operations, including retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, and tumor thrombectomy. His primary research interests include the development and use of advanced, innovative imaging techniques.
Timothy Masterson, MD
Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Timothy Masterson is a Professor of Urology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Masterson completed his fellowship in urologic oncology at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He specializes in the treatment of adult genitourinary cancers and reconstruction, offering both open and minimally invasive surgical approaches. His top areas of expertise are testicular cancer, bladder cancer, orchiectomy, and cystectomy.
Nabil Adra, MD, MS
Q&A with Medical Experts
Dr. Nabil Adra is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Urology at Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Adra is the program leader for Genitourinary Oncology at IU Simon Cancer Center and serves as service line leader for medical oncology and medical co-director of the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. His research focus is on novel therapeutics and biomarkers in testicular, prostate, and bladder cancer.
Join us for this year’s testicular cancer conference!
This year’s conference was possible thanks to our platinum sponsor, Fennec Pharmaceuticals. Registration includes 2-day conference, survivorship knowledge, gift bag, Friday evening Dinner Social, Saturday lunch, and lifelong friendships!
If you have any questions, please email us at info@testescancer.org.
Donations are accepted and greatly appreciated if you like to help support this year’s conference.
the Hampton Inn by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Hampton Inn by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI is conveniently located near the Ruth Lilly Auditorium. Book your room today!
Reservation includes complimentary hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Address:
414 West Vermont St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
We greatly appreciate our sponsors for helping make a positive impact in the fight against this disease and supporting this year’s Testicular Cancer Conference.
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor:
Fennec Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving the lives of adolescent and young adult testicular cancer patients who are treated with cisplatin to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsors:
Back 9 Golf & Entertainment in Indianapolis is a year-round driving range offering fun for everyone. Join us at Back 9 Golf & Entertainment Friday evening after the conference for a night of fun!
Dinner Social Sponsored by Fennec Pharmaceuticals.
Back 9 Golf & Entertainment
1415 Drover St.
Indianapolis, IN 46221
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Whether your needs are local or abroad, we promise to know you and help you. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.
Thompson Philanthropic Trust in Honor of Will Thompson, TC Survivor
Thank you to our Silver Sponsors:
Fellow provides at-home sperm collection kits and cryotherapy preservation to testicular cancer patients.
Flagstone Foods (“Flagstone”), one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of private label snack nuts and trail mixes in North America, has acquired Emerald Nuts. Their snacks not only taste great, but help you feel good because they are curated with the finest ingredients from around the world.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI is conveniently located near the Ruth Lilly Auditorium in the Riley Outpatient Center/University School of Medicine campus.
Positive Phrases was created to cultivate a community centered around the idea that words have the power to heal and motivate. Their book “Everything is Perfect” is a tool to create or maintain a positive outlook on life, and it can be an excellent resource for testicular cancer patients and survivors. Something as simple as a positive phrase can be especially helpful for individuals who are undergoing treatment and are looking for ways to maintain a positive mindset during their journey.
Discover Odd Balls Funguy: organic energy balls infused with lion’s mane and cordyceps mushrooms, designed for thrivers who are determined to boost their performance and live with purpose. Founded by a Testicular Cancer survivor, they're not just about fueling your journeys; they're committed to raising awareness about the 'odd' balls, bumps, or lumps—that could be early indicators of something more serious. And with their One Ball Initiative, they give back to nonprofits focused on supporting young adults impacted by cancer. So, take a bite, step into the unknown and thrive with us!
Thank You To Our In Honor of Sponsor:
“In Honor of” Sponsor, Jacob Menagh, was diagnosed with stage IIa that had spread to his abdominal lymph nodes in 2020 which required chemotherapy. Eight months later, Jacob relapsed requiring RPLND surgery. 3 months later, he had a second recurrence in the same area requiring high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant at Indiana University under the care of Dr. Lawrence Einhorn.
Jacob is a testicular cancer survivor!
Special thanks to Jacob’s parents and caregivers, Robert & Denise Menagh, for their generous sponsorship.
Thank You to Our In Memory of Sponsor:
“In Memory of” Sponsor, Jordan Jones, was diagnosed with late-stage testicular cancer in 2007 at the early age of 13. The Jones family soon learned that tc was the leading cancer in young men, and hardly no information or recourses were available about the disease, nor support to those affected.
Jordan’s battle inspired his mom, Kim Jones to start the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation to educate others about the signs and symptoms, along with the importance of monthly self-exams and early detection. Jordan made a full recovery, but unfortunately, relapsed 7 years later. After a yearlong battle, Jordan Jones passed away June 8, 2016. Jordan’s legacy lives on through the foundation and continues to inspire others to never give up, and to never stop fighting.
Jordan Jones
11/8/93 - 6/8/16
Special thanks to the Roberts Family and Lisa Roberts, TCAF Board President for their generous sponsorship in Jordan’s honor.