Hot vs. Cold Tumors: Decoding the Tumor Microenvironment, ft. Dr. Thomas Gajewski

Dr. Patrick Hwu sits down with Dr. Thomas Gajewski, a leader in tumor immunology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Gajewski discusses his pioneering work defining “hot” versus “cold” tumors — an insight that transformed how immunotherapists understand tumor response. The conversation dives into how the tumor microenvironment, patient genetics and even the gut microbiome shape immune activity in cancer. His work continues to drive strategies to turn cold tumors into responsive ones, giving new hope to patients across all cancer types.  What You’ll Learn from Dr. Gajewsk Origins of the hot vs cold tumor concept and its impact on immunotherapy. How checkpoint inhibitors revive immune responses in T-cell–infiltrated (“hot”) tumors. Challenges of cold tumors and strategies to convert them into hot, immune-responsive tumors. Pioneering work linking the gut microbiome to immunotherapy response. The significance of interdisciplinary research, from tumor genetics to immunology.Humanizing science: the role of music and culture in building community and sustaining belief. Access more show notes, links and transcript here: https://www.moffitt.org/about-moffitt/podcasts/immunoverse/hot-vs-cold-tumors/