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The Naked Scientists Podcast

Titans of Science: Charlie Swanton

Jan 28, 2025
Charlie Swanton, a world-leading cancer expert from Cambridge University, dives into the complexities of cancer, exploring how it disrupts normal growth and metabolism. He discusses the Warburg effect and the urgent need for innovative therapies. The conversation touches on the launch of bowel cancer screening in the UK, dietary links to cancer, and recent advancements in gene editing for targeted treatment. Swanton also highlights the tumor-immune system dynamic and how tumors evade immune detection, paving the way for better treatments and preventive strategies.
31:35

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies are transforming cancer treatment by specifically targeting mutations and reactivating the immune system.
  • Changes in Western diets and lifestyle factors are potentially increasing cancer risk in younger populations through impacts on the microbiome and inflammation.

Deep dives

Understanding Cancer Mechanisms

Cancer is defined as an uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can breach tissue barriers and spread to other organs. This process results from genetic mutations and metabolic changes that prevent the immune system from functioning properly, often leading to organ failure. Specifically, cancer cells can disobey biochemical rules governing their growth, resulting in excessive glucose metabolism as demonstrated by the Warburg effect, which aids in imaging cancer's spread within the body. Such insights into the mechanisms of cancer development are crucial for developing effective treatments.

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