#121 - Azra Raza, M.D.: Why we're losing the war on cancer

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 09:30:00 +0000

Azra Raza is a physician, scientist, author, and outspoken advocate for reconfiguring the current model of research in cancer. In this episode, Azra discusses the content of her book, The First Cell, which takes a critical look at the outdated models being used to study cancer resulting in a lack of progress in survival rates for cancer patients. Azra offers a solution which focuses on early detection and prevention, and she concludes with an optimistic outlook for the future of cancer research.

We discuss:

Azra’s upbringing, interest in oncology, and the basis for writing her book [3:30];

The lack of progress in cancer treatment over the decades [18:45];

What is holding the oncology field back? [33:15];

Do the purported advances in oncology reflect the billions of dollars spent on cancer research? [40:00];

Economics of new cancer drugs—how small increases in survival come with staggering financial burdens [47:00];

How good intentions can still lead to misaligned incentives and a broken system [1:03:00];

Why 95% of new cancer drugs fail—a critical review of the cancer research model [1:11:15];

Early detection and prevention—a potential solution to the cancer problem [1:22:30];

Coping with the loss of her husband to cancer [1:46:00];

Azra’s optimistic view of the future [1:49:30]; and

More.

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