Uploaded September 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
For most people, facing a “fork in the road” is a natural part of life’s journey. For Carl June, Immunotherapy Pioneer, "forks in the road" led him to create the first "living drug" in medicine that cures cancer. With an understanding of the immune system’s process, Carl and his team used genetic engineering to build a synthetic immune system that could detect and kill cancer cells. His invention, CAR T cells, divide and multiply in the body to destroy cancer cells. As a “living drug,” a CAR T infusion has the ability to stay on patrol in the body for decades.
Barring setbacks, adverse reactions, high costs, and more, Carl June has developed one of the first drugs in medical history to successfully treat cancer with a high remission rate. Watch his TEDMED 2018 Talk to uncover the research behind this discovery - as well as the “forks in the road” that led to momentous medical progress.
For most people, facing a “fork in the road” is a natural part of life’s journey. For Carl June, Immunotherapy Pioneer, "forks in the road" led him to create the first "living drug" in medicine that cures cancer. With an understanding of the immune system’s process, Carl and his team used genetic engineering to build a synthetic immune system that could detect and kill cancer cells. His invention, CAR T cells, divide and multiply in the body to destroy cancer cells. As a “living drug,” a CAR T infusion has the ability to stay on patrol in the body for decades.
Barring setbacks, adverse reactions, high costs, and more, Carl June has developed one of the first drugs in medical history to successfully treat cancer with a high remission rate. Watch his TEDMED 2018 Talk to uncover the research behind this discovery - as well as the “forks in the road” that led to momentous medical progress.
