From T cells to tumor takedowns, The ImmunoVerse™ podcast from the Moffitt Cancer Center is igniting a conversation around the visionaries and breakthroughs transforming how we treat cancer. A tumor immunologist and physician-scientist by training, Patrick Hwu, MD, president and CEO of the Moffitt Cancer Center, spotlights leading voices and stories from the field of immunotherapy.
With each monthly episode, the podcast invites listeners—whether cancer patients, scientists, or those simply curious—into the dynamic intersection of cancer research, care, and immunotherapy. The goal here is to foster deeper dialogues and inspire hope for the future of cancer treatments through researchers at the frontlines of scientific discovery.
Rosenberg’s journey from the wild west to the research frontier
In the premiere episode of The ImmunoVerse, Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD, chief of surgery branch at the National Cancer Institute, tells the story of his career trajectory, from aspiring cowboy to luncheonette employee to physician-scientist cancer pioneer, ultimately helping shape the field of immunotherapy as we know it. Rosenberg recounted his early motivations to help people, drive discovery, and create the medicine of tomorrow. After developing the first effective immunotherapies for those living with advanced cancers, his goals looked beyond to offer life-changing treatments, long-term survival, and even cures for cancer patients. Dedication, curiosity, and clinical needs propelled him forward.
While the field of cancer immunology research was originally met with skepticism and low interest, Rosenberg remained fascinated and motivated by the idea of training the immune system to outsmart cancer. Shifts in thinking about how tumors are recognized by the immune system paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries, and Rosenberg stayed dedicated to his work and primary purpose.
Immunotherapy’s evolution and what’s next
Looking ahead to the future of cancer care, the conversation pivots to the promise of personalized immunotherapies by identifying unique mutations in a patient’s tumor and matching them to targeted T cells. Beyond a more personalized approach, combination therapies and deeper insights into the tumor microenvironment’s role in immune response will also shed light on future approaches in the field.
Listeners can look forward to future episodes of The ImmunoVerse, where the minds driving immuno-innovations to cancer care and treatment share their stories. Each episode offers insight into the evolving science, personal stories of innovation, and a hopeful outlook for the future of cancer care.
