Azra Raza is a physician, scientist, author, and outspoken advocate for reconfiguring the current model of research in cancer. In this episode, Azra discusses the content of her book, The First Cell, which takes a critical look at the outdated models being used to study cancer resulting in a lack of progress in survival rates for cancer patients. Azra offers a solution which focuses on early detection and prevention, and she concludes with an optimistic outlook for the future of cancer research. We discuss:
- Azra’s upbringing, interest in oncology, and the basis for writing her book [3:30];
- The lack of progress in cancer treatment over the decades [18:45];
- What is holding the oncology field back? [33:15];
- Do the purported advances in oncology reflect the billions of dollars spent on cancer research? [40:00];
- Economics of new cancer drugs—how small increases in survival come with staggering financial burdens [47:00];
- How good intentions can still lead to misaligned incentives and a broken system [1:03:00];
- Why 95% of new cancer drugs fail—a critical review of the cancer research model [1:11:15];
- Early detection and prevention—a potential solution to the cancer problem [1:22:30];
- Coping with the loss of her husband to cancer [1:46:00];
- Azra’s optimistic view of the future [1:49:30]; and
- More.
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