Holy protein misfolding, Batman! The alien's reaction is spot-on! Prions are like the zombie apocalypse of the protein world - they're misfolded proteins that convince normal proteins to join their twisted cult. Unlike cancer (which is cells gone wild), prions are rogue proteins that spread their misfolded shape to others through "corrupt conversion." They cause brain diseases like Mad Cow and Creutzfeldt-Jakob that are 100% fatal with NO CURE. So yeah, cancer with extra terrifying steps is pretty accurate! They're basically molecular supervillains that laugh at antibiotics, heat, radiation, and most disinfectants. Even scarier? They can spontaneously appear in your brain RIGHT NOW. Sweet dreams!