The Cancer Researcher Podcast

What does it take to bridge the gap between researchers and patients? This episode features a panel of scientists, researcher-oncologists, and patient advocates from several European countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Slovenia) as well as Canada and the United States. They discuss how collaboration between patients and researchers can be promoted in order to strengthen research outcomes. Our guests address the importance of sharing medical data, biomarkers, and collective learning, while also considering related issues like the right to be forgotten or diagnosis- related discrimination, before focusing on the development of meaningful research advocate partnerships. Different existing models of incorporating patient opinions are discussed alongside some practical advice and calls for action for both patients and researchers to help move these efforts forward. This episode has been adapted, with permission from the panellists, from the open forum discussion at the EACR-OECI Conference on Patient Involvement in Cancer Research, a virtual event held on 28 October 2025. 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

Professor Xin Lu, Director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford Branch, and keynote speaker at EACR 2026, talks about her scientific journey shaped by the early, influential studies of P53 and its role as a central tumour suppressor. Tracing her journey from early training in China to landmark work in the UK, the conversation explores how fundamental questions about DNA damage, cell death, and oncogene stress led to the discovery of the ASPP family of P53 regulators. The discussion further expands into the concept of cellular plasticity as a driving force in cancer initiation, progression, and therapy resistance, with insights into how tumour suppressors, infection, and environmental stress shape cellular identity. Together, these reflections highlight how decades of curiosity-driven research have helped define modern cancer biology. 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

What you eat – specifically the type of fat – might matter for how well your immune system can fight cancer under conditions of obesity. Dr. Hannah Prendeville and Dr. Britta Kunkemoeller, two key researchers behind this work, will discuss the key mechanisms they uncovered that involve weakened immune systems’ “killer” cells. 🔗 Read more about the publication: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-december-2025/6 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

In this episode, we take a quick dive into the rapidly evolving field of cancer neuroscience. Joining us are Dr. Andreas Trumpp and Dr. Vera Thiel from DKFZ and HI-STEM, who introduce Trace-n-Seq, a groundbreaking technology that enables the molecular characterization of neurons within tumours at single-cell resolution. We discuss the application of this cutting-edge innovation in pancreatic cancer, from the insights it offers into neuron–cancer–microenvironment interactions, to the powerful clinical implications. This episode focuses on the following publication in Nature (10.1038/s41586-025-08735-3), highlighted in a recent edition of the EACR’s Highlights in Cancer Research. 🔗 Read more about the publication: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-july-2025/9/ 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

We speak with Dr. Georgia Konstantinidou and Dr. Chiara Pozzato from University of Bern about their recent pre-clinical research investigating a new potential treatment approach for KRAS driven cancers. The conversation explores the role of FAK signalling in KRAS driven NSCLC and potential approaches to bypass drug resistance against FAK inhibitors from the molecular mechanisms involved to the impact of their study for the wider cancer research community. This study has been published in EMBO Molecular Medicine and was included in the EACR's Highlights in Cancer Research, a summary of the most interesting and impactful recent papers in cancer research. 🔗 Read more about the publication: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-december-2024/7/ 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast

In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we interview Professor Charlie Swanton, Deputy Clinical Director of the Francis Crick Institute and Chief Clinician at Cancer Research UK on his research interests, the evolution of the field and how he turned round his failing PhD. Charlie also shares with us what he’s looking forward to at the EACR Congress ahead of his Keynote Lecture and gives some excellent advice to early-career researchers on how to break away from the shyness that could hold some back from asking questions and networking at conferences. 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast. 🔗 Find out more about the EACR Congress at eacr.org/congress

In this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast we welcome back Professor Carlos Caldas, Clinician Scientist and Professor of Cancer Medicine at the University of Cambridge. As a keynote speaker at the upcoming EACR Congress, he shares insights into his breast cancer research, the evolution of cancer science, and the power of patient-derived xenograft models. We also discuss the Congress programme, networking tips for early-career researchers, and why Lisbon is the perfect host city. 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast. 🔗 Find out more about the EACR Congress at eacr.org/congress

A cancer diagnosis is understandably stressful for a patient. But how does chronic stress influence cancer progression and metastasis? In this episode, Dr. Xue-Yan He discusses her recent research on the impact of stress on the tumour microenvironment, with a focus on the altered balance between neutrophils and lymphocytes and its role in promoting tumour spread. This study, published in Cancer Cell (Volume 42, Pages 474–486), was selected for the EACR Highlights in Cancer Research, showcasing its significance to the field. 🔗 Read the Cancer Cell article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccell.2024.01.013 🔗 Explore the EACR Highlights: https://magazine.eacr.org/highlights-in-cancer-research-june-2024/3/ 🔗 Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the interplay between stress and cancer biology, and its implications for understanding tumour progression.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pursue a career in scientific management? What would a regular workday look like? What skills are valued in this sector and what are the opportunities for career progression? Tune into this episode of The Cancer Researcher Podcast for an insightful conversation with our three expert guests who each work in scientific management in different positions and sectors. Our guests in this episode: Lynn Turner, Director of Research at Worldwide Cancer Research Olivia Tort, International Project Manager at IRB Barcelona Javier Carmona, Head of Scientific Strategy and Translational Programs at Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Does becoming an editor mean you are leaving research? Can you ever go back to academia? And why should you "follow the cookies"? Join us as we chat with seasoned professionals who have transitioned from the lab bench to the editorial desks at Molecular Oncology, Nature Reviews and Cell. They share their personal journeys, highlight the skills necessary for this unique career path, and offer advice for researchers considering a shift into scientific publishing. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

In this episode you'll learn top tips from experts in both academia and industry to help you master your next interview. Discover strategies for overcoming nerves, handling unexpected questions, and making a lasting impression, whether in-person or via Zoom. Learn how to navigate job descriptions, emphasise desirable skills, and leave a positive impression even after a rejection. This conversation was adapted from a 'Meet the Interviewers' panel at the second edition of the EACR's Early Career Researchers Conference, a much loved virtual conference tailored for early career scientists seeking expert guidance to thrive in all aspects of their research careers. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

In this episode we continue our exploration of gender diversity in cancer research with Johanna Joyce, Marisol Soengas, and Mireia Crispin Ortuzar. Drawing from the challenges discussed in the previous episode, they discuss practical measures to break the glass ceiling for women in cancer research. They share insights into the importance of supportive networks, mentorship, and the involvement of both men and women in addressing gender disparities. Join us on this journey through statistics, personal experiences, and practical solutions, as we remain dedicated to breaking barriers and promoting equity in cancer research. Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.

Tune in for a journey through the unexpected. In this episode we unravel the magic of curiosity-driven research in revolutionising cancer breakthroughs. Join us with our guests Prof. Ruth Palmer (Sweden), Professor Daniel Peeper (Netherlands) and Professor Iwona Lugowska (Poland) as we explore captivating stories, from DNA sequencing to unexpected discoveries in tyrosine phosphorylation. Discover why nurturing curiosity is crucial and how it shapes the future of cancer research and treatment. Note: Iwona joined us from a windy outside location, so we apologise for the variations in sound quality! Access transcripts for all our episodes at magazine.eacr.org/podcast.