Episode #3 of All Things Cancer Featuring Dr. Dennis Slamon Now Available
Dr. Dennis Slamon of UCLA Health is the latest leader in cancer research to join NFCR’s Dr. Sujuan Ba on our latest episode of the All Things Cancer podcast! Dr. Slamon is the recipient of the 2024 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research, recognized for his groundbreaking work in developing the cancer drug Herceptin (trastuzumab). Herceptin is a targeted therapy used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer and has significantly improved outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
Dr. Slamon reflects on his early interest in biology, his academic training, and the influence of his mentors. He explains how clinical observations and laboratory studies led to the identification of HER2 as a distinct subtype of breast cancer associated with poor outcomes. His work demonstrated that HER2 could be targeted using antibodies, which ultimately led to the development and approval of Herceptin.
He also describes the challenges faced during the drug’s development, including skepticism from pharmaceutical partners and regulatory hurdles. Patient participation in early clinical trials played a critical role in advancing the research and keeping the project alive.
In this episode, you’ll also get a glimpse into the future of cancer research:
- Next-gen therapies like antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
- Early detection breakthroughs using circulating tumor DNA
- The evolving role of immunotherapy and the microbiome
If you care about where cancer research is heading—and how innovation truly happens—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
He concludes by encouraging young scientists to take advantage of the advanced tools now available in research and emphasizes the need for scientifically sound approaches when developing new therapies.
Don’t miss out—subscribe today on Spotify and be part of the movement transforming cancer research.
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.
