Gene therapy is gaining momentum as a noteworthy adversary to cancer, and we are thrilled to be joined today by one of the pioneers of immune system-based treatments. Professor Waseem Qasim applies his craft at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, which is notorious for being the largest concentration of children’s health research in Europe. Professor Qasim explains why he pursued a career in gene therapy, how three patients and technological advancements formed the basis of his groundbreaking treatments, what he thinks about autologous and allogeneic therapies, and what he has to say about his work being linked with a cure for cancer. We learn about the rapid advancement of medical technology, how accessible this technology is to disadvantaged communities, why pricing gene therapies is a slippery slope, and the factors that could lead to a cost reduction in Prof. Qasim’s treatments. To end, our guest shares advice on how to merge foundational research and practical applications, why the health industry needs to do more in supporting foundational research, and what Prof. Qasim thinks about the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine.

• Introducing today’s guest, Professor of Cell and Gene Therapy, Waseem Qasim.