Using The Immune System To Fight Cancer

The Brian Lehrer Show | Aug 4, 2016

After being diagnosed with metastatic cancer, former President Jimmy Carter's doctors said he no longer needs cancer treatment. President Carter's remarkable turnaround is credited in large part to the drug pembrolizumab, which targets cancer by ramping up the body's immune system.

Dr. Jedd D. Wolchok, oncologist and researcher at Sloan Kettering, talked about how doctors are treating people with melanoma and working to develop innovative ways to use the immune system to treat cancer.

To date, the diseases that respond best are those that have a lot of genetic damage. Cancers like melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and some kinds lymphoma, which are caused by sun exposure and tobacco use.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Polls open for primary Election Day. Stakes are high for several NY Congressional races.

Voters will decide nominations in an unusually competitive slate of congressional races with big implications for the future of the Democratic Party.
Gothamist |

New York Primary Day Informal, Unofficial, Thoroughly Unscientific Exit Polls

Brigid Bergin talks about voter turnout in the competitive congressional races in New York's primary.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Hillary Clinton on How Donald Trump Lost the Iran War

The former Secretary of State says that Benjamin Netanyahu and others tried to get her on board with an Iran attack. It was Trump who finally took the bait.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

A Guide to Summer Movies

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE