A Conversation with Dr. Dennis Slamon: The Breakthrough Behind Herceptin and the Future of Cancer Research
In this special episode, Dr. Sujuan Ba, CEO of the National Foundation for Cancer Research, sits down with Dr. Dennis Slamon, recipient of the 2024 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research. Together, they explore the pioneering research and collaborations that eventually led to the FDA approval of Herceptin—a life-saving therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. Dr. Slamon reflects on his early scientific journey, the team-driven efforts behind the breakthrough, and the pivotal partnerships with Genentech and patient advocates that helped turn promising science into transformative treatment. He also shares insights on the evolution of targeted therapies, the growing promise of early detection, and his advice for the next generation of cancer researchers. This episode is a tribute to scientific perseverance, patient collaboration, and a shared vision for advancing cancer research.