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Roche’s CMO Levi Garraway on Personal Journey, Developing Foundation Medicine, and Cancer Research
Sep 5, 2025, 08:07

Roche’s CMO Levi Garraway on Personal Journey, Developing Foundation Medicine, and Cancer Research

In this special episode of OncoInfluencers, hosted by Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, we are honored to welcome Dr. Levi Garraway, one of the most influential figures in modern oncology and the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development at Roche. From growing up with a passion for science to co-founding Foundation Medicine and shaping the era of precision oncology, Dr. Garraway shares the pivotal moments that defined his journey.

The discussion touches on:

  •  The vision and founding story of Foundation Medicine
  • How genomic breakthroughs have revolutionized cancer treatment
  • His evolution from academic researcher to pharma executive
  • The power of mentorship, diverse leadership, and inclusion in healthcare
  • Advice for the next generation of oncology leaders

00:00 Introduction
00:33 Welcoming Dr. Levi Garraway
01:06 Influence of Philipp Kantoff and early mentorship
01:32 Family’s role in shaping academic and professional values
03:00 How his father’s cancer diagnosis led to a career in oncology
04:39 Pioneering cancer genomics and early career breakthroughs
07:01 Birth of Foundation Medicine and the “actionable genome”
07:31 Overcoming a near-failed clinical trial project
09:39 What inspires Dr. Garraway today
11:30 Hopes for his legacy in oncology
12:01 Foundation Medicine’s origin story and development
15:12 Biggest challenges in global cancer care today
17:14 How Roche approaches oncology innovation differently
19:27 Reflecting on mentors and mentees
22:06 Advice to the younger generation in oncology
23:42 Book recommendations that shaped his leadership
25:13 If not medicine, what else?
25:31 Who should be interviewed next
26:25 Why drug development, despite setbacks, is worth it