54. Immunotherapy Breakthroughs with Dr. Gregory Friedman

What does the future of pediatric cancer treatment actually look like?In this episode of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with Dr. Gregory Friedman pediatric oncologist, CKc-funded researcher, and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at  Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc), to talk about one of the most exciting areas in childhood cancer research: oncolytic viral therapy.Dr. Friedman explains how modified cold sore viruses can be used to safely target and kill pediatric brain tumor cells while also triggering the child’s immune system to attack the tumor. He shares the science behind this innovative immunotherapy approach, what his clinical trials have shown so far, and why the future of pediatric brain tumor treatment may depend on combination therapies that work with the immune system rather than against it.If you’re interested in pediatric cancer research, immunotherapy, brain tumor treatment, clinical trials, childhood cancer advocacy, or how nonprofit funding helps move science forward, this episode is packed with insight.In this episode, we cover:What oncolytic viral therapy is and how it works in pediatric brain tumorsWhy traditional immunotherapy has struggled in childhood brain cancersHow modified viruses may help the immune system recognize and attack cancerEarly clinical trial outcomes in children with high-grade gliomaWhy pediatric cancers need pediatric-specific treatmentsHow research moves from the lab to clinical trialsThe role of the Scientific Advisory Board at CKcWhy funding pediatric cancer clinical trials is so importantWhat the future of immunotherapy for childhood cancer may look like over the next decadeDr. Friedman also shares why he believes we may be approaching a new era in pediatric cancer treatment, one driven by smarter, more targeted, and more durable immune-based therapies.If you believe every child deserves better treatment options and a better chance at survival, this conversation matters.Learn more about Cannonball Kids' cancer Foundation and support pediatric cancer research: cannonballkidscancer.org----------------------------------Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaknichols/Connect with Val: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-solomon/Upcoming Ckc Events: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/category/make-an-impact/events/----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/