Early-Stage Research: Exploring the Science Behind a Keto Diet and CAR T Therapy in Lymphoma
This episode explores new preclinical research suggesting that a ketogenic diet may enhance CAR T cell therapy for lymphoma. Join our expert panel as they break down the science, the potential implications, and what’s coming next for a first-in-human clinical trial.
Hannah introduces the agenda and our featured speakers Marco Ruella, MD, Shan Liu, PhD, Puneeth Guruprasad, PhD, Maayan Levy, PhD
Come with your questions and we will answer them!
Marco Ruella, MD
Dr. Marco Ruella is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ruella treats patients affected by hematological cancers and specializes in immunotherapy approaches. His laboratory focuses on the mechanisms of relapse after CAR T cell therapy with the goal of rationally design innovative combined immunotherapies for relapsing/refractory leukemia and lymphoma.
Hannah Loosle
Hannah joined HealthTree Foundation as the Lymphoma Education Manager in 2024. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist and is passionate about helping patients feel empowered through education and connection. Before joining HealthTree, Hannah worked in healthcare policy helping patients advocate for better care, research, and funding. Hannah enjoys baking and going to concerts in her free time.
Shan Liu, PhD
Dr. Shan Liu is a postdoctoral researcher who joined the Ruella Lab in January 2025. In the Ruella Lab, Shan investigates how lifestyle factors—such as diet—affect the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies. Her research focuses on developing novel, bench-to-bedside strategies that target metabolism and the gut microbiome to enhance CAR T cell function and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Maayan Levy, PhD
Dr. Maayan Levy joined the Stanford Medicine Department of Pathology as an Assistant Professor and the Arc Institute as an Innovation Investigator in Residence. Dr. Levy’s scientific mission is to understand, develop, and apply the concept of metabotherapy. Her lab’s primary focus is on inflammatory diseases, neurological diseases, and cancer.
Puneeth Guruprasad, PhD
Dr. Puneeth Guruprasad is a Research Specialist in the Ruella Lab at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his PhD in Spring of 2024 and is now a medical student within the Perelman School of Medicine.