Episode #23: Dr. Web Cavenee on NFCR’s Funding Model, Proven History, and More
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- The personal story behind his landmark retinoblastoma research
- How NFCR’s funding model evolved from supporting individual scientists to backing collaborative, peer-reviewed research
- The origin of GBM AGILE, the adaptive clinical trial platform he helped found, is now running in over 100 institutions worldwide
- What’s kept him closely involved with NFCR for over two decades
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Dr. Webster “Web” Cavenee joins NFCR President and CEO Dr. Sujuan Ba on the latest episode of the All Things Cancer podcast, recorded on the eve of the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship. Dr. Cavenee has served as a scientific advisor to NFCR for more than 25 years and currently chairs NFCR’s Scientific Advisory Board. A former President of the American Association for Cancer Research, his lab provided the first conclusive evidence of tumor suppressor genes in humans in 1982, a discovery that reshaped the field’s understanding of how cancer develops.
In this conversation, Dr. Cavenee and Dr. Ba look back on more than two decades of collaboration, including the evolution of NFCR’s research funding model from supporting individual investigators to backing broader, more transparent, peer-reviewed programs. They trace the origin of GBM AGILE, the adaptive clinical trial platform co-founded by Dr. Cavenee, Dr. Ba, and Dr. Anna Barker, now operating in more than 100 institutions across the U.S., Australia, Europe, and Canada.
Dr. Cavenee also shares the personal story behind his groundbreaking retinoblastoma research and reflects on what continues to drive him after 25-plus years working alongside NFCR.
Listen to the full episode of All Things Cancer — available anywhere you listen.
About All Things Cancer
Each episode of All Things Cancer will spotlight the most pressing topics in oncology, from cutting-edge treatments and emerging research to personal stories of resilience and hope. More than just a podcast, it’s a platform for raising awareness, advancing cancer education, and fostering a global community of support and collaboration.
Hosted by NFCR CEO, Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., this compelling series will bring together the entire ecosystem of cancer research—including leading scientists, oncologists, doctors, patient advocates, caregivers, biotech innovators, and survivors—for powerful discussions on the breakthroughs shaping the future of cancer research, treatment, and care.
All Things Cancer is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes released biweekly.
Subscribe now to stay up to date on the latest episodes and join the conversation that’s shaping the future of cancer research. Cancer impacts everyone—whether you’re a patient, caregiver, advocate, or researcher, this podcast delivers invaluable insights from those on the frontlines of the fight against it.
