Half a village was dying of cancer. No one could explain why.

For the Season One finale of All Things Cancer, we’re ending with a story that changed the trajectory of cancer research — and saved generations of lives.

What began as a keynote trip to Turkey turned into one of the most extraordinary cancer investigations in modern medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Michele Carbone shares how he uncovered a deadly inherited mutation, confronted government officials, helped relocate entire villages, and identified the BAP1 gene — a discovery that transformed our understanding of mesothelioma and inherited cancer risk.

But the twists don’t stop there.

After four years, $10 million in funding, and zero published results, his research was on the brink of collapse. Then a 1-in-100-billion clue changed everything.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How a remote village in Turkey led to a global cancer breakthrough

• The gene that can guarantee cancer — yet may also help patients survive it

• The policy battle that protected future generations

• Why Dr. Carbone warns against overreliance on AI in medicine

• And how cooking helped him build a cancer center from the ground up

This is a story about persistence, courage, and the power of research to move beyond the lab and into real lives.

As we close out Season One, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why cancer research matters — and what’s possible when science meets compassion.

In this episode, Dr. Sujuan Ba is joined by Dr. Ann Barker, one of the most influential architects of modern cancer research, for a wide-ranging conversation on where the field is headed and what must change to accelerate progress.

Dr. Barker shares why cancer research is at a critical inflection point, driven by an explosion of data, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the urgent need to move beyond siloed science. Together, they explore the promise and limitations of AI in oncology, the importance of high-quality and standardized data, and why collaboration across disciplines is no longer optional.

The conversation also dives into funding challenges, the role of nonprofits in building shared research infrastructure, and how convergence science has powered landmark efforts like The Cancer Genome Atlas and GBM AGILE. Dr. Barker reflects on her career, the lessons learned from large-scale collaboration, and why this moment may be one of the most exciting in the history of biomedical research.

This episode offers a candid, big-picture look at how AI, data, and collaboration could shape the future of cancer research — and what it will take to get there.

In this heartfelt episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Shereen Pavlides and her daughter, Isabella Pavlides, to explore how personal loss can spark powerful action.

From Isabella’s leadership through Play4TheCure and her growing Dine & Donate initiative to the lasting influence of her grandmother Esther’s seven-year journey with pancreatic cancer, this conversation highlights caregiving, resilience, and the next generation of advocates stepping up for cancer research.

It’s a moving reminder of how community, compassion, and initiative help make cures possible.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Dr. Monica Bertagnolli — surgeon, scientist, former Director of the National Cancer Institute and former Director of the National Institutes of Health — for one of the most candid and forward-looking conversations we've ever shared.

Dr. Bertagnolli reflects on her journey from a cattle ranch in rural Wyoming to leading the nation’s most important scientific institutions, the challenges facing today’s cancer research ecosystem, the impact of declining federal funding, and what it will take to protect the future of discovery. She also offers a clear-eyed look at artificial intelligence, the trust required to use it in patient care, and the national learning health system we must build to ensure every community benefits.

A compelling conversation about leadership, equity, scientific progress, and the urgent need to support cancer research.

What happens when a pioneering oncologist and a next-generation immunotherapy researcher sit down to talk about the future of cancer care?

Join NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba as she moderates an eye-opening discussion between Dr. Brian Leyland-Jones and Dr. Avery Posey. From early detection and sequencing to CRISPR and CAR-T breakthroughs, this episode dives into the science — and the human drive — behind making cures possible.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Dr. Isaac Witz, the 2023 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research laureate and a pioneer in tumor microenvironment science. Decades before it became a central focus of oncology, Dr. Witz recognized that cancer is not just about tumor cells—it’s about the environment that surrounds them.

Dr. Witz shares how he challenged conventional thinking, why keeping patients at the center of research matters, and how his discoveries reshaped cancer treatment worldwide. From immune responses inside tumors to overlooked “orphan results” and the role of collaboration, this conversation explores both the groundbreaking past and the future of holistic, patient-driven cancer research.

Listeners will hear Dr. Witz’s insights on:

• The origins of tumor microenvironment research.

• Why therapies must go beyond targeting cancer cells.

• The importance of integrating overlooked discoveries into clinical progress.

• His vision for AI and international collaboration in advancing cures.

In this episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Dr. Drew Pardoll, a pioneer in cancer immunology, to explore the breakthroughs reshaping cancer research. From harnessing the immune system and advancing protein, cell, and microbial engineering to launching biotech startups that translate discoveries into real treatments, Dr. Pardoll shares how innovation and collaboration are driving cures forward. Together, they also reflect on the vital role of young scientists, the importance of smarter clinical trials, and what’s next on the horizon for cancer patients worldwide.

Continuing our Survivor Mini-Series:

In this powerful episode of All Things Cancer, NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba sits down with Cheryl, a stage IV melanoma survivor whose determination and persistence changed the course of her life. Told she might not live to see another holiday, Cheryl refused to accept “no” for an answer. Her relentless search led her to a groundbreaking clinical trial that not only saved her life but helped shape the future of melanoma treatment and cancer research as a whole.

Cheryl opens up about the shock of diagnosis, the uphill battle to find care, the side effects of early-stage therapies, and the unwavering hope that carried her forward. She also shares lessons for patients, families, and doctors about advocacy, resilience, and the importance of communication in cancer care.

Her story is one of courage, survival, and transformation—and a reminder that research saves lives.