54. Immunotherapy Breakthroughs with Dr. Gregory Friedman

54. Immunotherapy Breakthroughs with Dr. Gregory Friedman

July 7, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

Dr. Gregory Friedman discusses innovative immunotherapy approaches for pediatric brain tumors, focusing on oncolytic viral therapy and its potential impact on treatment.

What does the future of pediatric cancer treatment actually look like? In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with Dr. Gregory Friedman pediatric oncologist, CKc-funded researcher, and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc), to talk about one of the most exciting areas in childhood cancer research: oncolytic viral therapy. Dr. Friedman explains how modified cold sore viruses can be used to safely target and kill pediatric brain tumor cells while also triggering the child’s immune system to attack the tumor. He shares the science behind this innovative immunotherapy approach, what his clinical trials have shown so far, and why the future of pediatric brain tumor treatment may depend on combination therapies that work with the immune system rather than against it. If you’re interested in pediatric cancer research, immunotherapy, brain tumor treatment, clinical trials, childhood cancer advocacy, or how nonprofit funding helps move science forward, this episode is packed with insight. In this episode, we cover: What oncolytic viral therapy is and how it works in pediatric brain tumors Why…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dana Nichols, Val Solomon

Guest: Dr. Gregory Friedman

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Organizations: Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation, CKc

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