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Andrew Poklepovic, M.D., oncologist and member of the Developmental Therapeutics research program at VCU Massey Cancer Center and assistant professor in the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care at VCU School of Medicine, presents at this year’s TEDxRVA event. Dr. Poklepovic’s presentation, “Redefining the War on Cancer,” discusses targeted therapies, which target specific DNA mutations found to contribute to or help prevent the growth and development of cancer, and next generation immunotherapies, which are treatments that “reprogram” a person’s immune system cells so that they can better recognize and ultimately destroy cancer cells. He also highlights the importance of clinical trial participation by showcasing the fact that many of these revolutionary treatments are only available through participation in clinical research.

Created in the spirit of TED’s mission of “ideas worth spreading,” the TEDx program was designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue at a local level. Last year’s inaugural TEDxRVA was sold-out with over 500 attendees and many more watching through a live online stream. Massey’s Amir Toor, M.D., hematologist and member of the Developmental Therapeutics research program, spoke at the event about developing cancer treatments that harness the power of the immune system. Watch his talk in the video below.

This year’s event is on March 28 in the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre at 114 W. Broad Street, with the theme “re____.” This theme leaves a space for the speakers to add their voice to the conversation and leave it open to interpretation by the community.

For more information on the event, visit www.tedxrva.com. 

Written by: Alaina Schneider