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We Are ETH

Tackling Drug Resistance in Cancer Treatment – Stefanie Flückiger

Oct 3, 2024
Stefanie Flückiger, co-founder and CEO of Tolremo Therapeutics, leads a dynamic biotech company focused on combating non-genetic drug resistance in cancer treatment. In this conversation, she shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of diversity in driving innovation. Stefanie delves into the science behind cancer cell resistance, discussing how tumors adapt to treatments. She also reflects on her personal aspirations and the valuable lessons learned along the way, blending scientific rigor with heartfelt insights.
26:35

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Stefanie Flückiger emphasizes the impact of diversity in leadership on driving innovation and achieving significant advancements in cancer treatment.
  • Tolremo Therapeutics focuses on understanding non-genetic drug resistance in cancer cells to develop innovative therapies that prevent cancer's adaptation to treatments.

Deep dives

Innovations in Melanoma Treatment

Breakthroughs in melanoma treatment are highlighted, particularly the introduction of BRAF inhibitors, which have shown dramatic effects on tumor reduction. These drugs represent a significant advancement, allowing tumors that were once resistant to therapy to rapidly shrink within weeks. However, the excitement is tempered by the reality that these responses are often short-lived, as tumors frequently regain their strength after this initial phase. This phenomenon has led researchers to investigate why and how cancer cells develop drug resistance, marking a critical area of study in ongoing cancer research.

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