In this episode, Dr. Hind Rafei dives into the cutting-edge world of CAR-NK cell therapy and its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. Unlike their T-cell counterparts, CAR-NK cells promise enhanced safety and innate tumor-killing ability. But what if their power could be dialed up even further?

Dr. Rafei discusses her team's groundbreaking discovery of CREM, a transcriptional regulator that shapes CAR-NK function and limits its full therapeutic potential. We explore how modulating CREM—particularly by deleting or suppressing it—can reprogram these cells to become more effective, resilient cancer fighters.

We unpack the science behind the PKA–CREB pathway, CREM-driven epigenetic changes, and how these findings might lead to next-generation immunotherapies and even cancer vaccines. Finally, Dr. Rafei offers insights on clinical translation and the path ahead for CREM-tuned therapies.

Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, or patient advocate, this episode sheds light on one of the most promising frontiers in cellular immunotherapy.

• #CARNKCells

• #CellTherapy

• #CancerImmunotherapy

• #GeneEditing

• #Epigenetics

• #TranscriptionFactors

• #CREMgene

• #CancerBiology

• #ImmunoOncology

• #NextGenTherapies

• #CancerInnovation

• #PodcastEpisode

• #SciencePodcast

• #MedicalPodcast

• #CancerResearch

• #Immunotherapy

Dr. Marie Nakhoul reflects on growing up in Lebanon, the emotional complexities of migration, and how her work as an OBGYN in the U.S. deepens her understanding of grief, memory, and identity. A powerful conversation on belonging, nostalgia, and writing as a way to return home.

From the smells of her childhood village to the silence of clinical spaces, this conversation weaves together stories of home, healing, and hope. Whether you're part of a diaspora or simply navigating your own journey of identity and place, this episode will resonate deeply.

#UnfinishedStories #MemoryAndMigration #DiasporaVoices #CulturalIdentity #ImmigrantStories #WomenInMedicine #LebaneseVoices #HomeAndBelonging #GriefAndHealing #MemoirWriting #Nostalgia #MedicineAndMeaning #OBGYNVoices #WomenInHealthcare

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wael Hanna, thoracic surgeon and founder of NodeAI, a pioneering startup transforming the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes through artificial intelligence. Dr. Hanna shares the inspiration behind NodeAI, the clinical problem it aims to solve, and how its cutting-edge platform helps stratify lymph node malignancy risk with speed and precision. We explore the implications of this innovation for lung cancer diagnosis, biopsy decision-making, and patient care — and take a look at what the future holds for AI in thoracic oncology. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or health tech enthusiast, this conversation offers a compelling look at how AI is reshaping diagnostic medicine from the inside out.

#NodeAI #AIinHealthcare #MediastinalLymphNodes #LungCancerDiagnosis #HealthTech #MedicalAI #ThoracicSurgery #AIinMedicine #PrecisionDiagnostics #StartupSpotlight #CancerDetection #MedicalInnovation #FutureOfMedicine #RadiologyAI #ChestImaging #DigitalHealth #AIStartup #OncologyTech #HealthcareInnovation

This episode can also be found on YouTube