Ep46: Focused Ultrasound and the Future of Cancer Immunotherapy with Natasha Sheybani, PhD
Tue Jan 27 2026
In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Natasha Sheybani, PhD, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) and research director of the UVA Focused Ultrasound Cancer Immunotherapy Center. Dr. Sheybani shares insights into her groundbreaking work using focused ultrasound–based immunotherapy approaches in patients with metastatic breast cancer and other solid tumors.
She explains how precisely delivered sound waves can do more than destroy tumors—helping to reshape the tumor microenvironment, overcome immune evasion, and activate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The conversation also explores Dr. Sheybani’s strong commitment to mentorship and interdisciplinary training, as well as her efforts to integrate patient advocates directly into the research process.
Discussion Highlights:
Sheybani Lab Research: The lab explores how focused ultrasound can help activate the immune system and improve the delivery of immunotherapy drugs to solid tumors, including brain cancers such as glioblastoma and metastatic breast cancer.
Era of Hope Scholar Award: Learn about the prestigious $5.5 million Department of Defense grant awarded to Dr. Sheybani—the first ever at UVA—to accelerate the development of focused ultrasound technologies that improve the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy for patients with breast cancer.
Patient-Centered Science: Hear how Dr. Sheybani is redefining the research process by integrating breast cancer survivors directly into her grant writing and experimental design, fostering scientific innovation that is deeply informed by real-world patient experience.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.
Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.
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In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Natasha Sheybani, PhD, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) and research director of the UVA Focused Ultrasound Cancer Immunotherapy Center. Dr. Sheybani shares insights into her groundbreaking work using focused ultrasound–based immunotherapy approaches in patients with metastatic breast cancer and other solid tumors. She explains how precisely delivered sound waves can do more than destroy tumors—helping to reshape the tumor microenvironment, overcome immune evasion, and activate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The conversation also explores Dr. Sheybani’s strong commitment to mentorship and interdisciplinary training, as well as her efforts to integrate patient advocates directly into the research process. Discussion Highlights: Sheybani Lab Research: The lab explores how focused ultrasound can help activate the immune system and improve the delivery of immunotherapy drugs to solid tumors, including brain cancers such as glioblastoma and metastatic breast cancer. Era of Hope Scholar Award: Learn about the prestigious $5.5 million Department of Defense grant awarded to Dr. Sheybani—the first ever at UVA—to accelerate the development of focused ultrasound technologies that improve the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy for patients with breast cancer. Patient-Centered Science: Hear how Dr. Sheybani is redefining the research process by integrating breast cancer survivors directly into her grant writing and experimental design, fostering scientific innovation that is deeply informed by real-world patient experience. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/