From Bench to Fireside

What if our immune cells could be reprogrammed to sense, decide and act—outsmarting even the most elusive tumors?In this episode of From Bench to Fireside Kole Roybal, PhD, Director of the Parker Institute of Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCSF, joins PICI Chief Scientific Officer John Connolly, PhD, to break down how engineered immune cells are moving from the lab to the clinic—and changing how we approach solid tumors. They discuss how technologies like SynNotch and SNIPR are giving immune cells programmable intelligence—and how PICI’s collaborative model helped accelerate these innovations from discovery to patient-ready therapies.Along the way, Dr. Roybal reflects on mentorship, team-building and how engineered immunity could reshape medicine far beyond cancer.—From Bench to Fireside™ is a podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead.Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

In this episode of From Bench to Fireside, host John Connolly, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), interviews Roberta Zappasodi, PhD, Assistant Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology and member of the PICI Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.Dr. Zappasodi has been instrumental in uncovering immunotherapy resistance -- from her early career preparing vaccines from tumor samples, to her current, cutting-edge research on how tumor environments impact treatment. Together, they explore her discoveries on the relationship between tumor glycolytic states and vasculature, the importance of T-cell trafficking, and the transformative potential of combining therapies.They also discuss the importance of moving immunotherapies to earlier treatment stages, PICI's role in fostering collaborative research, mentoring the next generation of researchers, her upcoming research on tumor metabolism... and more!--From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead.Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

In this episode of From Bench to Fireside, host John Connolly, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), interviews Antoni Ribas, MD, PhD, Director of the PICI Center at UCLA, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the Tumor Immunology Program at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.Dr. Ribas, who led one of the largest phase 1 clinical oncology trial to date, has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies. Together, they explore Dr. Ribas' journey from his early work in immunology to his current cutting-edge research in reprogramming immune system cells, discussing overarching trends in patient outcomes and the transformative potential of multiplex trials. They also discuss PICI's collaborative approach to uniting scientists, investors and cell therapies together, Dr. Ribas's perspective on prioritizing scientific advancement over publication, his vision of shifting cancer from a surgical disease to an immunotherapy-treatable condition, his insights on mentoring the next generation of researchers… and more.--From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead.Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

In this episode of From Bench to Fireside, host John Connolly, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), interviews Elizabeth Mittendorf, MD, PhD, MHCM, FASCO - Director of the Breast Immuno-Oncology Program and Co-Director of the PICI Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Robert and Karen Hale Distinguished Chair in Surgical Oncology and the Director of the Breast Immuno-Oncology Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the 2026-2027 incoming President for the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO). A leading expert in cancer immunotherapy, Dr. Mittendorf’s groundbreaking research has advanced the role of vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancer treatment.Together, they discuss how Dr. Mittendorf made the move from engineering to medicine, the impact of her military experience on her early medical career, her frontline studies of tumor microenvironments, how the rise of generative AI has impacted patients' knowledge base and clinical trial design, the benefits of mentorship and importance of "paying it forward," insights on the future of breast cancer immunotherapy, and more.--From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead.Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

Join Carl June, MD, the Father of CAR T-cell therapy, as he discusses the groundbreaking approval of CAR T-cell therapy and its implications for cancer treatment. He dives into the evolution of cancer immunotherapy and the revolutionary potential of CRISPR technology. Carl shares insights from his recent award trip to Spain and reflects on the importance of mentorship in shaping future scientists. Lastly, he emphasizes the significance of teamwork in advancing research and achieving a work-life balance in the fast-evolving biopharma sector.

2022 Parker Bridge Fellow at UCLA, Katie Campbell, PhD, is a rising star in cancer informatics. In this episode, Katie talks with PICI Chief Scientific Officer John Connolly, PhD, about her journey into personalized medicine and the pivotal role of advanced spatial profiling techniques in unraveling the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment. She shares insights on integrating genomics with immunology, investigating antigen presentation, and advancing beyond single-cell analysis to comprehend regional biology within tissues. Additionally, she provides her perspective on how AI can discern crucial features and streamline the complexity of cancer into actionable insights for clinical settings. Get ready to go from bench to fireside with Katie Campbell, PhD. ++ From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

In this episode, Robbie Majzner, MD, a PICI Investigator at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, sits down with PICI Chief Scientific Officer John Connolly, PhD, to discuss efforts to engineer next-generation CAR T cells using synthetic biology to enhance the therapeutic potential for fatal pediatric cancers. Formerly a researcher at Stanford University, where he was mentored by Crystal Mackall, MD, Center Director for the PICI Center at Stanford Medicine, Robbie is among the founding members of Cargo Therapeutics, a PICI investment company.  Listen as Robbie covers collaboration in the pediatric oncology field, the distinct characteristics of pediatric cancers and their immuno-biology versus adult cancers, and drug development obstacles for children.   Get ready to go from bench to fireside with Robbie Majzner, MD. ++ From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases.  From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

In this episode, PICI Member Researcher Evanna Mills, PhD, a distinguished professor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, joins PICI Chief Scientific Officer John Connolly, PhD, to discuss her groundbreaking research in immuno-metabolism. Evanna explores how cellular metabolism and metabolites can influence critical immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, potentially advancing cancer immunotherapies.  Listen as she explains the urgent need to decode immune cell behavior within tumors, the technological advances required for this cutting-edge endeavor, and her advice for young scientists interested in the field.  Get ready to go from bench to fireside with Evanna Mills, PhD. ++ From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

In this episode, Justin Eyquem, PhD, Parker Senior Fellow and PICI Member Researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, talks about his visionary work pioneering CAR-T cell therapies and synthetic biology with PICI Chief Scientific Officer John Connolly, PhD. Listen as Justin provides an inside look at the CAR-T revolution, from next-generation therapies to cutting-edge advancements like in vivo delivery and AI-powered design. Hear him discuss his journey from bioengineering student to gene-editing innovator with support from PICI’s collaborative network of experts and resources. Get ready to go from bench to fireside with Justin Eyquem, PhD. ++ From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.

In this episode, Nina Bhardwaj, MD, PhD, a PICI Network Investigator and the Director of Immunotherapy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, sits down with PICI Chief Scientific Officer John Connolly, PhD, for an in-depth conversation about her journey from rheumatology to cancer immunology.  Listen to Dr. Bhardwaj, who also holds the position of Ward-Coleman Chair in Cancer Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discuss her groundbreaking research in modulating the immune system, the evolution of treatment methods, personalized vaccines using tumor-encoded mutant antigens and the role of mentorship in conquering cancer. Get ready to go from bench to fireside with Dr. Bhardwaj. ++ From Bench to Fireside™ is a new podcast from the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) that takes you from behind the lab bench to the frontiers of cancer research. Each episode features an interview with members of the PICI Network, pioneers in cancer immunotherapy and leaders at world-renowned cancer research institutions. Throughout the conversations, these experts weigh in on the potential of the human immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, from the latest breakthroughs in immuno-oncology to their impact on patients. Along the way, they unpack the hurdles encountered and the opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to hear from scientific leaders who stand at the forefront of developing breakthrough immune therapies with the goal of turning all cancers into curable diseases. From Bench to Fireside™ is produced by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Follow PICI on LinkedIn, X @parkerici or visit www.parkerici.org.