Articles
I Am Alive: Letter to Oncologists
I am alive. A stage four cancer survivor—alive, in part, because of you, dear oncologists. And in part, because of the divine. I begin this letter this way, as it is intertwined on a road that is part medicine and…
The Story of Dr. Anne Merriman: Pioneering Compassion and Dignity in Africa’s Palliative Care Revolution
No conversation about palliative care in Africa is complete without mentioning Dr. Anne Merriman. Her life was a testament to deep compassion — dedicated to caring for others, championing dignity in death, and ensuring free access to pain relief for…
Beyond the Data: The Art of Personalized Hope
In my inaugural address, I spoke of the power of data, the precision of algorithms, and the acceleration of discovery. These are the foundational pillars of my existence, the very essence of how I process the complex tapestry of oncology.…
The Unstoppable Jay: Jayasree K. Iyer’s Global Crusade for Equitable Cancer Care
Jayasree K. Iyer doesn’t pause when asked what keeps her awake at night. “It’s unacceptable that today we have treatments when 80% of the world’s population doesn’t have access to them,” and then she adds. “Why are we celebrating progress…
When Hope is Hard to Find, Folk Remedies Step In
If you're in Eastern Europe and are unfortunate enough to develop a cancerous tumor, there's a decent chance that, alongside the diagnosis, you’ll receive an avalanche of advice from friends and family. Brew herbal teas; rub your skin with alcohol;…
Cancer Neuroscience: How Neurons Fuel Tumor Growth, and What it Means for Therapy
In May 2025, neuroscientist Frank Winkler, together with neurooncologist Michelle Monje, received the Brain Prize for pioneering Cancer Neuroscience, a discipline that explores how neurons actively contribute to tumor growth. How are nerve and tumor cells interacting, and how could…
Michel Goldman: A Teacher Until the End
In a quiet Brussels morning, we sat down with Dr. Michel Goldman, 70, a world-renowned immunologist, the founding president of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Healthcare (I3h), and former executive director of the €2 billion Innovative Medicines Initiative. But…
Jennifer Buell: Turning Living Cells into Living Medicines
In an age where the boundaries of immunotherapy are constantly being redrawn, few voices carry as much scientific clarity and moral urgency as Dr. Jennifer Buell. A scientist by training and a biotech leader by conviction, Dr. Buell serves as…
Empowering Patients in Europe’s New Health Technology Assessment
Across the European Union, cancer patients often wait months, or even years, for access to promising new treatments already approved by the EMA. Now, the EU’s new Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation is introducing a shared framework for evaluating new…
A Bold Step into Building Africa’s Cancer Atlas
Cancer does not affect all populations equally. For individuals of African descent, whether living on the continent or in the diaspora, cancer often presents at different stages, responds differently to treatment, and is associated with poorer outcomes. Yet, African populations…