The Cancer Researcher Podcast

Two of the biggest challenges for the treatment of most solid cancers are drug toxicity, particularly systemic toxicity, and drug permeation in the tumoral tissue. These obstacles may be mitigated through the development of intracellular delivery systems designed to selectively deliver drugs to the tumour. In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Vishnu Raman, CSO and co-founder at Ernst Pharmaceuticals, the benefits and challenges of using genetically engineered Salmonella strains as a vector for the transport of therapeutic proteins into malignant cells. The focus will be on his recent publication in Molecular Therapy (10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.12.038), highlighted in a recent edition of the EACR’s Highlights in Cancer Research. 🔗 Read more about the publication: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-march-2025/3/ 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

We speak with Dr. Georgia Konstantinidou and Dr. Chiara Pozzato from University of Bern about their recent pre-clinical research investigating a new potential treatment approach for KRAS driven cancers. The conversation explores the role of FAK signalling in KRAS driven NSCLC and potential approaches to bypass drug resistance against FAK inhibitors from the molecular mechanisms involved to the impact of their study for the wider cancer research community. This study has been published in EMBO Molecular Medicine and was included in the EACR's Highlights in Cancer Research, a summary of the most interesting and impactful recent papers in cancer research. 🔗 Read more about the publication: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-december-2024/7/ 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

In this insightful and honest conversation, award winners Karin de Visser, Ido Amit and Marta Kovatcheva talk about their research, career journeys, and excitement for the future of cancer research. From curiosity  and scientific breakthroughs to diversity and balancing life in the lab, they reflect on what it really means to be a researcher today. This episode explores the evolution of the cancer field and why optimism is more important than ever in science. The episode ends with a look ahead to the EACR 2025 Congress in Lisbon, where they’ll join fellow scientists from across the globe to share research and shape the future of cancer science. Karin de Visser is winner of the Pezcoller-Marina Larcher Fogazzaro-EACR Women in Cancer Research Award Ido Amit is winner of the Pezcoller Foundation-EACR Translational Cancer Research Award Marta  Kovatcheva is winner of the EACR-Mark Foundation-Pezcoller Foundation Rising Star Award 🔗 Find out more about the EACR Congress at eacr.org/congress 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we interview Professor Charlie Swanton, Deputy Clinical Director of the Francis Crick Institute and Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK on his research interests, the evolution of the field and how he turned round his failing PhD. Charlie also shares with us what he’s looking forward to at the EACR Congress ahead of his Keynote Lecture and gives some excellent advice to early-career researchers on how to break away from the shyness that could hold some back from asking questions and networking at conferences. 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast. 🔗 Find out more about the EACR Congress at eacr.org/congress

In this episode of the Cancer Researcher Podcast we interview Matheus Diaz about his research in Rene Bernards' lab on a ‘paradoxical’ approach to cancer treatment involving the activation of oncogenic signaling. The conversation explores how this method potentially kills cancer cells and addresses drug resistance, based on Diaz's fascinating recent publication in Cancer Discovery. 🔗 Read more about the publication: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-december-2024/10/  🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast  

In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we welcome back Professor Carlos Caldas, Clinician Scientist and Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Cambridge. As a keynote speaker at the upcoming EACR Congress, he shares insights into his breast cancer research, the evolution of cancer science, and the power of patient-derived xenograft models. We also discuss the Congress programme, networking tips for early-career researchers, and why Lisbon is the perfect host city. 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast. 🔗 Find out more about the EACR Congress at eacr.org/congress

Cross-border collaboration is crucial in cancer research because it fosters knowledge-sharing, accelerates innovation, and maximises the impact of research by leveraging diverse expertise and resources. However, it also comes with many challenges. In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we're joined by four renowned experts — the Director of EMBO, the Director of Research and Partnerships at Cancer Research UK, the Past President of the European Academy of Cancer Sciences, and the Past President of the EACR. The guests discuss the complexities and benefits of cross-border collaboration in cancer research, emphasising the need for careful planning and understanding diverse funding models. They also explore the balance between discovery science and translational research, the importance of investigator-initiated and pragmatic clinical trials, and how such approaches can drive innovation and reduce healthcare costs. 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast. 🔗  Celis, J. and Ringborg, U. (2024), From the creation of the European research area in 2000 to a Mission on cancer in Europe in 2021-lessons learned and implications. Mol Oncol, 18: 785-792. https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.13632

A cancer diagnosis is understandably stressful for a patient. But how does chronic stress influence cancer progression and metastasis? In this episode, Dr. Xue-Yan He discusses her recent research on the impact of stress on the tumour microenvironment, with a focus on the altered balance between neutrophils and lymphocytes and its role in promoting tumour spread. This study, published in Cancer Cell (Volume 42, Pages 474–486), was selected for the EACR Highlights in Cancer Research, showcasing its significance to the field. 🔗 Read the Cancer Cell article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccell.2024.01.013 🔗 Explore the EACR Highlights: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-june-2024/3/ 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the interplay between stress and cancer biology, and its implications for understanding tumour progression.

Dr. Jessica Chitty and Dr. Thomas Cox generated and validated a novel selective and irreversible pan-lysyl oxidase inhibitor: PXS-5505. Their experiments in a series of pre-clinical models show that by acting on the tumour microenvironment, this small molecule drug has the ability to significantly enhance chemotherapy efficacy. Listen to this episode to find out direct from the authors about the effects that PXS-5505 in combination with gemcetabine has on tumour morphology, behaviour and subject survival in pancreatic cancer. This study has been published in Nature Cancer and was included in the EACR's Highlights in Cancer Research, a summary of the most interesting and impactful recent papers in cancer research. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pursue a career in scientific management? What would a regular workday look like? What skills are valued in this sector and what are the opportunities for career progression? Tune into this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast for an insightful conversation with our three expert guests who each work in scientific management in different positions and sectors. Our guests in this episode: Lynn Turner, Director of Research at Worldwide Cancer Research Olivia Tort, International Project Manager at IRB Barcelona Javier Carmona, Head of Scientific Strategy and Translational Programs at Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Welcome to The Cancer Researcher Podcast, from the European Association for Cancer Research. 

Does becoming an editor mean you are leaving research? Can you ever go back to academia? And why should you "follow the cookies"? Join us as we chat with seasoned professionals who have transitioned from the lab bench to the editorial desks at Molecular Oncology, Nature Reviews and Cell. They share their personal journeys, highlight the skills necessary for this unique career path, and offer advice for researchers considering a shift into scientific publishing. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

In this episode we're joined by editors from Cell, Nature Reviews and Molecular Oncology to discuss the process of scientific publishing: from the steps involved, including the peer review stage, to choosing the best home for your research; from preprints to peer-reviewed journals; from APCs and how to get a discount to the importance of engaging in an open conversation about your research with editors even prior to your paper submission. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

In this episode you'll learn top tips from experts in both academia and industry to help you master your next interview. Discover strategies for overcoming nerves, handling unexpected questions, and making a lasting impression, whether in-person or via Zoom. Learn how to navigate job descriptions, emphasise desirable skills, and leave a positive impression even after a rejection. This conversation was adapted from a 'Meet the Interviewers' panel at the second edition of the EACR's Early Career Researchers Conference, a much loved virtual conference tailored for early career scientists seeking expert guidance to thrive in all aspects of their research careers. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

When studying TRAIL expression in the tumour stroma, Dr Massimiliano Mazzone and Dr Carla Riera-Domingo made a surprising discovery with great therapeutic potential: this immunoregulator acts as a gatekeeper of the vasculature at the pre-metastatic niche. Listen to this episode to find out what implications this has for the formation of the premetastatic niche and the therapeutic value this novel finding holds. You can also read the full episode transcript here: magazine.eacr.org/the-role-of-trail-in-premetastatic-niche-formation-in-breast-cancer-episode-11-of-the-cancer-researcher-podcast This study has been published in Science Advances 9 (12), eadd5028. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add5028 and was included in the EACR's Highlights in Cancer Research.

In this episode we continue our exploration of gender diversity in cancer research with Johanna Joyce, Marisol Soengas, and Mireia Crispin Ortuzar. Drawing from the challenges discussed in the previous episode, they discuss practical measures to break the glass ceiling for women in cancer research. They share insights into the importance of supportive networks, mentorship, and the involvement of both men and women in addressing gender disparities. Join us on this journey through statistics, personal experiences, and practical solutions, as we remain dedicated to breaking barriers and promoting equity in cancer research. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

In this episode, we engage in a dynamic discussion on gender diversity in cancer research with guests Johanna Joyce, Marisol Soengas, and Mireia Crispin Ortuzar. Exploring challenges faced by women in science, they address the leaky pipeline, postdoc instability, and the importance of fostering inclusive work environments. Our guests share valuable insights into the need for tailored diversity strategies, supportive networks, and representation at higher career levels in tackling gender disparities. Join us as we navigate through statistics, personal experiences, and practical solutions, working to break barriers and promote equality in cancer research. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Tune in for a journey through the unexpected. In this episode we unravel the magic of curiosity-driven research in revolutionising cancer breakthroughs. Join us with our guests Prof. Ruth Palmer (Sweden), Professor Daniel Peeper (Netherlands) and Professor Iwona Lugowska (Poland) as we explore captivating stories, from DNA sequencing to unexpected discoveries in tyrosine phosphorylation. Discover why nurturing curiosity is crucial and how it shapes the future of cancer research and treatment. Note: Iwona joined us from a windy outside location, so we apologise for the variations in sound quality! Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

What does it really take to move the needle in cancer research? In this episode, we discuss with three experts how to conduct impactful research. We define what constitutes impact and examine how to measure and increase it for your research. We also explore conveying impact in grant applications, and the role of public engagement and patient advocacy. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Join us as we delve deeper into the world of grant applications, continuing the conversation we started in episode 4, 'Let's Talk About Grant Applications'. Our discussion not only unravels the intricacies of the grant writing process but also shines a light on the often-overlooked aspects of the interview stage. Discover the keys to success as we explore topics such as the significance of presenting groundbreaking ideas, the art of cultivating an outstanding track record (and strategies for building one), and much more. Tune in to unlock the secrets that will empower you to craft compelling grant proposals that truly stand out from the crowd. Our guests for this episode are Dr. Arianna Baggiolini, a talented early-career principal investigator, Prof. Greg Hannon, an experienced senior researcher, and Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld, the leader of the well-known funding body The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.