What does it take to lead one of the world’s largest gatherings of cancer researchers and to deliver cancer care on the front lines of a war zone? In this powerful episode of Believe in Progress, brought to you by the AACR Foundation, we sit down with two extraordinary individuals shaping efforts to drive progress in cancer science and medicine.

Part One features Dr. Matthew G. Vander Heiden, Cochair of the AACR Annual Meeting, Director of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, and practicing oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Vander Heiden offers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into building a scientific meeting of this scale, why interdisciplinarity matters, and how today’s trainees will become tomorrow’s leaders. He also reflects on his work in cancer metabolism and how caring for patients shapes his scientific mission.

Part Two features Dr. Inesa Huivaniuk, surgical oncologist at the Kyiv Regional Oncological Center and Executive Director of the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance (GMKA) in Ukraine. Dr. Huivaniuk shares what it’s like to perform surgery during missile attacks, support displaced patients, and maintain cancer care amid war. Her work highlights resilience, innovation, and the global collaboration required to ensure every patient receives care, even in wartime crisis.

Together, these conversations capture the spirit of the AACR Annual Meeting: uniting every discipline, every discovery, and every person behind progress against cancer.

This special episode of Believe in Progress was recorded live at the AACR Annual Meeting in Chicago. It’s part of a series that features dynamic conversations with researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and student scholars contributing to the effort to defeat cancer. From breakthrough diagnostics to trailblazing health services research, our guests in this series share their stories of science, innovation, and hope.

Featured Guests

Dr. Matthew G. Vander Heiden - Cochair, AACR Annual Meeting; Director, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT

A global leader in cancer metabolism and scientific strategy, Dr. Vander Heiden discusses how the Annual Meeting is built, why collaboration across disciplines matters, and how supporting future scientists remains central to the AACR’s mission.

Dr. Inesa Huivaniuk - Surgical Oncologist, Kyiv Regional Oncological Center; Executive Director, GMKA Ukraine

From operating during missile strikes to restoring cancer services in a war zone, Dr. Huivaniuk speaks to the courage and innovation required to care for patients under extraordinary circumstances.

Key Topics:

Part One – Dr. Vander Heiden

• How the AACR Annual Meeting, with its more than 22,000 attendees, is planned
• How the conference ensures representation across basic science, clinical trials, population science, and policy
• How it spotlights emerging researchers and first-time presenters
• Insights into cancer metabolism and nutrient pathways in tumor growth
• Balancing leadership, research, and clinical practice
• How the AACR supported his early career and why he’s committed to mentoring the next generation

Part Two – Dr. Huivaniuk

• Delivering cancer care in a war zone: disruption, courage, and adaptation
• Providing care to both cancer patients and injured soldiers
• Barriers to medication access, radiation supplies, and medical infrastructure
• Supporting physicians who cannot travel to meetings for education and collaboration opportunities
• Using technology and international partnerships to maintain continuity of care
• Personal experiences operating under missile fire and her refusal to abandon patients
• How her mother’s medical journey inspired her to pursue medicine

Take Action in the Fight Against Cancer:

If this episode moved you, here’s how you can take action to advance cancer research:

• Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving innovation at https://AACR.org/Give
• Share this episode: Help amplify the message that bold ideas and global collaboration can change the future of cancer care
• Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts

Production Credits:

Host: Mitch Stoller

Guests: Matthew G. Vander Heiden, MD, PhD; Inesa Huivaniuk, MD, MPA

Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes

Executive Producer: Michael Leary

Director: Anthony Lopes

Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary

Writer: Anthony Lopes

Editor: Michael Leary

Associate Producer: Heather Holland

Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.