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Boundless Life

The Broken State Of Cancer Research, Cancer Detection & Cancer Drugs (& What We Can DO About It!) With Dr. Azra Raza.

Sep 14, 2024
Dr. Azra Raza, a dedicated oncologist and professor at Columbia University, dives deep into the failures of current cancer research and exciting advancements in early detection. She shares her groundbreaking focus on detecting 'The First Cell' and the potential of biomarkers and wearable devices. Dr. Raza opens up about her late husband's battle with cancer, which propelled her into patient advocacy. The discussion also critiques the traditional cancer drug development model, advocating for a more patient-centered approach and substantial funding for innovative research.
01:06:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Azra Raza emphasizes the urgent need for early cancer detection through innovative approaches like biomarkers and wearable devices to improve outcomes.
  • Personal experiences with cancer profoundly shape understanding and communication of the disease, highlighting the importance of recognizing the 'first cell' in cancer development.

Deep dives

The Flaws in Current Cancer Drug Development

The current model of cancer drug development is criticized for being artificial and disconnected from patient experiences. Cancer scientists often work in isolation, primarily studying diseases in mice rather than directly engaging with human patients. This disconnect leads to ineffective treatments, as 95% of experimental drugs fail in clinical trials, with only 5% making it to the FDA approval stage, often benefiting patients marginally. The need for a shift towards understanding human-specific cancer mechanisms and early detection is emphasized as crucial for better patient outcomes.

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