In this episode we have a returning guest Wes Wilson. As you may recall in our previous episode, Wes is a scientist who is using the immune system to fight certain types of cancer. In our last episode, Wes and I talked about his research, his Tedx Talk, and his blog/podcast Mostly Science.

We catch up on what he has been up to: Wes moved from Australia (where he lived when last episode was recorded) and now lives in Canada. At the time the episode was recorded (April 2nd), most of the world was under lockdown and Wes tells us how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected cancer research, how it has affected the treatment of cancer patients, and the scientists involved in this research.

Wes also gives us an update on what he has been doing as a science communicator and some of his upcoming scicomm projects, one of which is a new YouTube channel where he talks to cancer patients about their journey; the treatments they are undergoing; some myths, and fears; and what others should know as they undergo their own cancer journey. As you may recall, Wes is also the host of the Mostly Science podcast.

Using the Immune System to fight Cancer

Wes filled us on what he has been up to since we last spoke on this podcast. He first started working on pediatric brain tumors at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Wes transitioned to research on mesothelioma as he became interested in immunotherapy—a form of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight certain cancers.

One way this can be done is with vaccines: Vaccines are a form of immunotherapy as you are getting the body’s immune system to fight disease. Wes recommends the manga series Cells at Work! if anyone would like to learn more about the immune system.

Cancer Treatments and the Coronavirus Pandemic

At the time this episode was recorded, most of the world had gone under lock down because of the coronavirus pandemic. As Wes explained , his research focuses on clinical trials and it was a literal warzone as hospitals dealt with the novel coronavirus: health care workers were doing the best they can as they dealt with increased patient flow; lack of equipment; and protocols that changed daily (if not hourly). This was an incredibly challenging time for cancer patients as they are immunocompromised

A new YouTube channel: Tumor Talk

Wes also tells us about his new YouTube channel, Tumor Talk, where he talks to cancer patients about their cancer journey.

Follow Wes on social media:

• Twitter: @wesleywilson and @MostlyScience 
• Check the Mostly Science Blog 
• Check the Mostly Science Podcast
• Check out Tumor Talk on YouTube
• Follow Mostly Science on Facebook