Cancer research is moving faster than ever—but too many patients never feel the impact of that progress. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as one tool that could help change that. In the Season 6 finale of Science Will Win, Dr. Raven Baxter follows the human journey behind AI in oncology—from the moment of diagnosis to the real‑world barriers that determine access to care. Along the way, we explore how thoughtfully designed artificial intelligence is reshaping trial design, enrollment, eligibility, and access—helping patients regain agency and bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real‑world cancer care. As the season concludes, one thing is clear: progress matters most when it reaches the people who need it. Featured guests: – Dr. Lionel Kankeu Fonkoua, Medical Oncologist and Translational Researcher, Mayo Clinic – Jeff Legos, Chief Oncology Officer, Pfizer – Dr. Ravi Parikh, Medical Oncologist; Director, Human‑Algorithm Collaboration Lab – Maya R. Said, Founder and CEO, Outcomes4Me Dive into the episode here: 00:00 – Past episodes introduce us to an emerging tech advancement 04:16 – What is a clinical trial? 07:35 – AI accelerating the pace of oncology 12:42 – Clinical trials and AI: How can it help? 16:17 – A gap between innovation and patient access 19:16 – Maya&#x27;s story 23:47 – Clinical trials for AI tools 27:54 – Conclusion: building pathways alongside scientific innovation Check out our YouTube channel (@Pfizer) to watch full interviews between Raven &amp; some of the patients featured. Season 6 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Dr. Raven Baxter. It’s produced by Acast Creative Studios. Hosts in this podcast series were compensated for their time. *The content in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Pfizer does not endorse or sponsor third‑party tools referenced. Patients should not use the tools described as a replacement for discussions with a healthcare provider. Patients should consult their healthcare provider regarding medical decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pace of Science: AI in Cancer Care

Science Will Win

# Full Transcript

**Podcast:** Science Will Win

## Transcript

Cancer's overwhelming. It's complex, uncertain, and deeply personal for people with cancer, their families, clinicians, and researchers alike. But woven across every story this season was one theme that inspired hope. Cancer moves fast, but science is moving fast, too.

We wanted to explore what cancer is, who it affects, how it's changing, and how modern medicine and technology are working to meet that complexity head-on. But most importantly, we wanted you to hear from the people living it. And I instantly pulled it up on my computer and I went, oh my goodness, I have lung cancer. I didn't think that cancer would ever play a factor in my life, personally.

I was just like, I guess, most 28-year-olds living my best life. And I found a lump on my left breast. My initial reaction was simply being stunned. Scared. I think that was probably the word that came to mind. I was terrified. We talked about early detection, biomarker testing, precision medicine, targeted therapies that didn't exist a decade ago.

And what living longer with cancer means for patients and the healthcare system. And yet, there's one innovation that's helping shape all of it. Not just changing what's possible in oncology, but how quickly it becomes possible. That's artificial intelligence, or AI. I think the potential and possibilities from AI are limitless. And I think we're really just starting to scratch the surface.

That's Pfizer's chief oncology officer, Jeff Legos. He's helping drive the integration of AI and digital technologies across his organization. From how cancers are detected, to how treatments are designed. And even how clinical trials are built.

If people can be diagnosed much earlier, if they can be treated faster, if they can be treated better with more precise therapies that are truly tailored for them as individuals, this can result in dramatic changes of how they are treated and the outcomes that they may have. Everywhere you look, people are talking about AI and new technology. But for a long time, healthcare has lagged behind that innovation curve.

And in cancer care, that gap matters. Because progress isn't just about discovery. It's about how quickly that discovery reaches patients. AI has the potential to help close that gap. Moving breakthroughs from the lab to the exam room faster. And that speed matters. Because time is life. Just seeing over the past few years, you know, how much AI and digital tools can improve.

Right? And how much they are already improving. Gives me incredible hope for what this could mean for patients. What's up listeners? I'm Dr. Raven Baxter. A.k.a. Raven the Science Maven. I'm a molecular biologist and science educator. And this is Season 6 of Science Will Win. In this episode, we're exploring the growing role that artificial intelligence or AI is playing across oncology.

In the lab, AI is already transforming early discovery. Helping scientists identify ...

The Pace of Science: AI in Cancer Care

Transcript

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The Pace of Science: AI in Cancer Care

Transcript

Built for investment professionals

Every day you wait, your competitors are findingedge in conversations you're not hearing.

Every day you wait, your competitors are finding
edge in conversations you're not hearing.