Episode 53: Innovations in Personalized Cancer Care with Dennis Watson & Clifford Reid

In this episode, we talk with Dennis Watson and Cliff Reid, two entrepreneurs in the cancer space. They speak about the difference between genetics and genomics, and the role of genetic and genomic testing in clinical decision-making. They also touch on the history and impact of DNA sequencing and the challenges in applying genomics to cancer treatment. This conversation explores the development of Travera, a company advancing personalized cancer treatments. Dennis and Cliff share their hopes for the future of oncology, including the expansion of diagnostic tools and the increasing involvement of patients in their own care.

Key Highlights:

1. The field of DNA sequencing has evolved over the years, but the application of genomics in cancer treatment still faces challenges in achieving widespread success. 
2. Sales and commercial teams play a crucial role in educating clinicians about new innovations in personalized oncology, and oftentimes scientific/product innovations take a while to actually become a part of a clinician’s practice. 
3. The future of personalized oncology involves the development of multiple techniques for selecting the right drug for the right patient at the right time, as well as increased patient involvement in their own care.

About our guests:

Dennis Watson joined Travera in July of 2022 as the Vice President of Business Development. He brings 15+ years of extensive sales and management experience in the oncology molecular diagnostic space. Dennis spent nearly 10 years with Agendia, beginning as a field-based sales professional, working his way up to gain experience in multiple facets of the business, receiving top-tier awards and recognition throughout his tenure. He served 4 years as a Regional Director in the Central US, before moving on to lead the US commercial sales organization in January of 2018. Prior to his work with Agendia, Dennis spent 5 years with the Oncology division of Myriad Genetics. Before Myriad Genetics, he also held positions in the pharmaceutical, industrial services, and web services industries.

Clifford Reid was the founding CEO of Travera. Previously, Dr. Reid was the founding Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Complete Genomics (NASDAQ: GNOM), a leading developer of whole human genome DNA sequencing technologies and services. Prior to Complete Genomics, he founded two enterprise software companies: Eloquent (NASDAQ: ELOQ), an internet video company, and Verity (NASDAQ: VRTY), an enterprise search engine company. Dr. Reid is on the Visiting Committee of the Biological Engineering Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a member of the MIT Corporation Development Committee, and an advisor to Warburg Pincus.  

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