Why Cancer Fights Back: A Conversation with Jeffrey Tyner

FeaturingJeffrey TynerProfessor, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPrinciple Investigator, ARTNet AML U54 CenterDr. Tyner is a leading researcher in cancer biology and therapeutic resistance, with a focus on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), functional precision oncology, and mechanisms of acquired resistance to targeted therapies.Hosted byDavid GoodrichProfessor, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterARTNet Coordinating and Data Management CenterDr. Goodrich leads discussions exploring the science, collaboration, and translational impact of cancer resistance research across the ARTNet Consortium.Episode SummaryThe conversation explores the complexity of acquired resistance in cancer therapy, emphasizing the role of cell state and cellular plasticity in driving resistance mechanisms. Dr. Tyner discusses the challenges of studying dynamic resistance processes, the promise of targeting cell state plasticity to overcome therapeutic failure, and how resistance trajectories evolve over time.The discussion also highlights the importance of identifying the optimal window for intervention and the growing role of collaborative science within the ARTNet Consortium in advancing cancer resistance research. Despite the complexity of the problem, the episode reflects a strong sense of optimism about the future of precision oncology and translational cancer research.Key TakeawaysAcquired resistance is a dynamic and evolving process in cancer therapyCell state plasticity plays a central role in therapeutic resistanceResistance mechanisms can differ across patients and tumor contextsUnderstanding resistance trajectories may reveal new therapeutic opportunitiesCollaborative research and data sharing are essential for advancing precision oncologyChapters00:00 Introduction to ARTNet Consortium05:15 From Targeted Therapy to Tumor Complexity10:15 Understanding Acquired Resistance and Tumor Evolution19:50 Cell State Plasticity and Therapeutic Resistance24:05 Resistance Trajectories and Future Treatment Strategies29:00 The Future of Precision Oncology and the Role of ARTNet