WSJ Tech News Briefing: Electricity Powers New Frontier in Cancer Treatment

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Victoria Craig
Producer: The Wall Street Journal

Introduction

In this episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing, host Victoria Craig delves into groundbreaking advancements in medical technology, explores the persistent issue of online fraud on Meta’s platforms, and touches upon the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The episode offers insightful discussions with experts and reporters, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and challenges in the tech and medical industries.

Electricity in Medical Treatments

Electricity has long been a staple in medical devices such as pacemakers and treatments like electroconvulsive therapy. However, recent innovations are pushing the boundaries of how electrical technology can be harnessed to combat more complex diseases such as cancer.

Briana Abbott, WSJ health reporter, discusses various cutting-edge applications of electricity in medicine:

• Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields):
  Timestamp [02:38]
  Abbott explains the use of TTFields in treating glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. "Tim Nougat... is currently on a treatment called a tumor treating field invented by NovaCure. These are adhesive patches with electrodes that deliver alternating electric fields to his head. The fields interrupt cellular division in cancer cells, effectively slowing their growth or killing them."

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
  Timestamp [03:34]
  Abbott describes a device in clinical trials aimed at reducing inflammation in autoimmune conditions. "The device is implanted in the neck and sends electrical stimulation down the vagus nerve for about a minute each day, typically while patients sleep. Users might feel a tingle in their throat or a mild cough during stimulation."

Abbott emphasizes the vast potential of electrical technology in various medical applications:
Timestamp [01:56]
"There are researchers working on tiny pacemakers for newborns, expanding TTFields into different cancer types, and even applying electrical treatments in mental health. The opportunities to redeploy electricity for medical uses are vast and promising."

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Nader Mehrabi, Chief Digital and Information Officer at NYU Langone Health, provides insights into the strategic implementation of AI within the healthcare system.

• AI Integration and Strategy:
  Timestamp [10:58]
  Mehrabi outlines the criteria for AI projects at NYU Langone: "Can we improve the quality of care with AI? Can we make care delivery safer and more efficient? Can we enhance the patient experience using AI? Every project is evaluated against these criteria to ensure meaningful impact."

Mehrabi highlights the institution’s proactive approach:
Timestamp [05:21]
"We started back in 2017 to build our understanding of AI. When generative AI surged in popularity, we were already prepared to leverage it to benefit our patients."

Online Fraud on Meta’s Platforms

The episode shifts focus to the escalating issue of online scams proliferating on Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Jeff Horwitz, WSJ tech reporter, investigates how fraudsters exploit these platforms and Meta’s response to the growing threat.

• Case Study: Half Off Wholesale and Edgar Guzman:
  Timestamp [05:53]
  Horwitz introduces Edgar Guzman, who owns Half Off Wholesale, a discount retail business plagued by scammers using his company’s name:
  "A search of Meta's ad library revealed over 4,400 ads falsely listing his address, while only 15 were genuinely from his company. These fraudulent ads offer deals like 'a pallet of power tools for $29' or 'mystery boxes of Amazon returns for $1,' duping customers into scams."

• Prevalence of Scams on Meta Platforms:
  Timestamp [07:52]
  Horwitz explains why Meta has become a hotspot for scams:
  "Meta's platform serves as a cornerstone for online fraud because it provides an extensive reach with minimal enforcement penalties. Internal documents suggest that although Meta imposes 'eight to 32 strikes' on fraudulent accounts, the sheer volume of scams continues to rise."

• Meta’s Response and Challenges:
  Timestamp [09:37]
  Horwitz discusses Meta’s efforts and internal challenges:
  "Meta has ramped up resources to combat fraud, including facial recognition to prevent celebrity impersonation scams. However, an internal document revealed that Meta had previously deprioritized scam enforcement to focus on issues like human trafficking, limiting the effectiveness of their anti-scam measures."

Despite Meta’s claims of taking down over 2 million fraudulent accounts last year, concerns remain regarding the platform’s susceptibility to sophisticated and transnational scams.

Conclusion

This episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing provides a multifaceted look at the intersection of technology and healthcare, highlighting innovative electrical treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, the strategic incorporation of AI in medical institutions, and the ongoing battle against online fraud on major social media platforms. Through expert interviews and in-depth reporting, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current technological landscape and its implications for the future.

Notable Quotes:

• Briana Abbott on TTFields:
  "The idea is if you use the fields to interrupt the cellular division, specifically in those cancer cells, you can slow them or kill them."
  [02:38]

• Briana Abbott on Vagus Nerve Device:
  "Most of the time it happens when patients are sleeping, but you can also feel like a tingle in your throat or maybe a mild cough."
  [03:34]

• Nader Mehrabi on AI Projects:
  "Can we improve the quality of care with AI? Can we make care delivery safer and more efficient? Can we enhance the patient experience using AI?"
  [10:58]

• Jeff Horwitz on Meta’s Scam Problem:
  "There is a growing understanding that Meta's platform is kind of a cornerstone of online fraud."
  [07:52]

• Jeff Horwitz on Meta’s Enforcement:
  "One internal document indicates that Meta will give accounts that are known to have attempted financial fraud between eight and up to 32 strikes."
  [09:37]

For more insights and updates on the latest in technology and healthcare, stay tuned to WSJ Tech News Briefing.