Neurologist Michelle Monje studies the close relationship between cancer and the nervous system, particularly in an aggressive brain cancer that often strikes in childhood. Her research shows that the cancer cells are electrically integrated into the brain itself and these connections actually help the cancer to grow. Monje and collaborators have now developed an immunotherapy that has shown great promise in mice and early human trials. One patient had a “complete response” and is cancer-free four years after treatment, Monje tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Michelle Monje, a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford University.
(00:03:39) Focus on Cancer Research
Monje’s clinical observations led to exploring cancer-neuron interactions.
(00:05:28) Neurons and Glial Cells
The role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and disease.
(00:08:32) Gliomas in Children
An overview of gliomas and their origins in glial precursor cells.
(00:10:12) Rethinking Brain Cancer Behavior
How gliomas don’t just grow—they integrate with brain circuits.
(00:14:49) Mechanisms of Tumor Growth
Two primary mechanisms by which cancer exploits the nervous system.
(00:16:32) Synaptic Integration of Cancer Cells
The discovery that glioma cells form synapses with neurons.
(00:20:06) CAR T-Cell Therapy
Adapting CAR T-cell immunotherapy to target brain tumors.
(00:22:52) Targeting GD2 Antigen
Identification of a surface marker enables precision CAR T-cell therapy.
(00:24:35) Immune Access to the Brain
The ability of CAR T-cells to reach the brain, despite prior understanding.
(00:26:16) First Clinical Trial Results
The significant tumor reduction and response from CAR T-cell therapy.
(00:28:21) Combined Therapies
Pairing immune therapy with neural signaling blockers for better outcomes.
(00:30:35) Conclusion
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