What do cancer and heart disease have in common? | Nicholas J. Leeper | TEDxVienna

Heart disease and cancer are the two leading killers, worldwide. Traditionally, scientists have viewed these as distinct entities, with different biological origins necessitating distinct therapeutic approaches. However, emerging epidemiological and genetic evidence suggests these disorders may not be as unique as previously imagined, and that the two diseases may actually arise via a collection of shared and overlapping pathways. In this lecture, we will review the evidence supporting this claim, and describe how the medical field might leverage these observations to simultaneously target the two greatest causes of mortality. Dr. Leeper is a Professor of Surgery and the Chief of Vascular Medicine at Stanford University. He is a practicing cardiologist and co-founder of two biotechnology companies, 47 Inc. and Bitterroot Bio, which aim to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. His research studies the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines including human genetics, immunology and vascular biology, and is focused on developing new therapies for the world’s leading killers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx