Stanford Engineering
15 August 2025
Neurologist Michelle Monje studies the close relationship between cancer and the nervous system, particularly in an aggressive brain cancer that often strikes in childhood. Her research shows that the cancer cells are electrically integrated into the brain itself and these connections actually help the cancer to grow. Monje and collaborators have now developed an immunotherapy that has shown great promise in mice and early human trials. One patient had a “complete response” and is cancer-free four years after treatment, Monje tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Michelle MonjeConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Michelle Monje, a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford University. (00:03:39) Focus on Cancer Research Monje’s clinical observations led to exploring cancer-neuron interactions. (00:05:28) Neurons and Glial Cells The role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and disease. (00:08:32) Gliomas in Children An overview of gliomas and their origins in glial precursor cells. (00:10:12) Rethinking Brain Cancer Behavior How gliomas don’t just grow—they integrate with brain circuits. (00:14:49) Mechanisms of Tumor Growth Two primary mechanisms by which cancer exploits the nervous system. (00:16:32) Synaptic Integration of Cancer Cells The discovery that glioma cells form synapses with neurons. (00:20:06) CAR T-Cell Therapy Adapting CAR T-cell immunotherapy to target brain tumors. (00:22:52) Targeting GD2 Antigen Identification of a surface marker enables precision CAR T-cell therapy. (00:24:35) Immune Access to the Brain The ability of CAR T-cells to reach the brain, despite prior understanding. (00:26:16) First Clinical Trial Results The significant tumor reduction and response from CAR T-cell therapy. (00:28:21) Combined Therapies Pairing immune therapy with neural signaling blockers for better outcomes. (00:30:35) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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