Dr. Katie Spina Joins Columbia DocTalks Panel on Cell Engineering and Therapy

On October 14, 2025, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons hosted a DocTalks panel on Cell Engineering and Therapy at The Times Center, bringing together leading experts to explore how engineered cells are shaping the future of medicine. Moderated by Pulitzer Prize–winning physician and author Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, the discussion focused on how reprogramming the body’s own cells into “living medicines” may open new pathways for treating complex diseases—from cancer and blood disorders to autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions.

Dr. Katie Spina, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Columbia VP&S, joined the panel alongside Drs. Ben Izar, Claire S. Riley, and Michel Sadelain. Drawing from her work at the intersection of clinical care and translational research, Dr. Spina joined the team in explaining why emerging cell-based therapies offer so much promise for metastatic cancer and other immunologic disorders. Her participation underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration as these therapies move closer to routine clinical use.

The panel highlighted not only the scientific promise of cell engineering, but also the value of accessible, public-facing conversations about where medicine is headed. Through DocTalks, Columbia continues to create space for experts to engage wider audiences in discussions that bridge research, clinical practice, and patient impact—reinforcing the idea that the future of care will be shaped as much by collaboration and communication as by innovation itself.

Originally published by Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Read the full article here.

Written by Joshie Amposta