Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Chen is genetically re-engineering cancer-infecting viruses so that, once inside a tumor cell, they flip on a built-in “self-destruct” circuit called pyroptosis. This explosive form of cell death not only wipes out the infected cell but also broadcasts an alarm that rallies the immune system against the whole tumor. By pairing this viral upgrade with an ultrasound trigger, Dr. Chen aims to turn treatment-resistant pancreatic cancer—and, ultimately, other solid tumors—into diseases the immune system can eradicate. Dr. Chen received his PhD and MS from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, and his BS from Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu.