Headlines
Annual Meeting Spotlight: The Future of Patient Navigation
Patient navigation has become an essential piece of the health care puzzle in the United States, where it is used to address disparities in the accessibility and affordability of health care. During "Mapping the Future of Patient Navigation," experts will share their perspectives on patient navigation, along with strategies for improving the navigation experience. The session will be held at 9:45 am central time on Monday, October 21, during the 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Registration is open for three upcoming AACI webinars.
Registration is open for three upcoming AACI webinars. The October 2 CARDS webinar will explore the use of spatial data to analyze cancer center catchment areas. On October 3, AACI will co-host a webinar with SIRUM on the topic of repurposing surplus cancer medications. And AACI's Physician Clinical Leadership Initiative (PCLI) will host a webinar on October 8 about providing cancer care in underserved rural and urban communities.
Call for Abstracts: CADEx Conference
Abstract submissions are now being accepted for the 2025 CADEx Conference, January 29-31, at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa in Coronado, CA. This year’s meeting theme is Acquisition, Analysis, Action. The deadline to submit a completed abstract is 5:00 pm Pacific time on Monday, November 11.
AACI Participates in Advocacy Events, Endorses Legislation to Improve Clinical Trials
As part of its ongoing engagement with cancer-related public policy, AACI participated in a variety of advocacy events in Washington, DC, in September, reflecting our commitment to advocating on behalf of academic cancer centers.
Pictured, left to right: Jennifer W. Pegher, Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli, Dr. Matthew Vander Heiden
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News from the Centers
Tucker Receives Presidential Recognition
In recognition of her work to build healthier communities and provide hundreds with power over cancer, Carolyn M. Tucker, PhD, has received a 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the office of President Joe Biden. Dr. Tucker has dedicated her career to creating programs that promote health equity, mental well-being, physical health, and food security in low-income communities in Gainesville and Jacksonville.
Fishel Named Scholar in Cancer Research
The Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center has named Melissa L. Fishel, PhD, the Myles Brand Scholar in Cancer Research. Recognized for her research in pancreatic cancer, Dr. Fishel is a tumor cell biologist working toward new targets and treatments for the often aggressive disease.
Up to $35 Million Awarded to Advance Precision Cancer Imaging and Therapy
A team of researchers, led by Stanford Cancer Institute member Katherine Ferrara, PhD, has been awarded an up to $35 million federal contract from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to innovate precision radiopharmaceutical imaging and therapy.
$25 Million Gift to Benefit Patients at New Breast Cancer Center
A $25 million gift from the Weiser Charitable Foundation will support establishing the Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. The funding will improve treatment experiences by creating programs to support patients and their families. The center will be co-led by Melissa Pilewskie, MD, and Monika Burness, MD.
Prostate Cancer Program Awarded SPORE Grant
UCSF is the recipient of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant for prostate cancer. The program will receive about $7 million to develop new approaches to the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. In addition to the prostate cancer SPORE, UCSF has SPORE grants in brain tumors and pediatric malignancies
Researchers Awarded $6.8 Million to Replicate Lung Cancer Screening Success
A groundbreaking lung cancer screening project co-led by the UK Markey Cancer Center and the University of Colorado Cancer Center is set to expand its reach, thanks to a $6.8 million grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
NCI-Funded Study Takes Aim at Reducing Smoking in Rural Appalachia
Researchers at the OSUCCC – James Center for Tobacco Research will use a five-year, $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to study the effectiveness of oral nicotine pouches in reducing tobacco use among smokers in rural Appalachia, which has the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States.
Using Mathematical Models and AI to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
A team of Stony Brook University researchers are developing a new way to analyze breast cancer imaging that incorporates mathematical modeling and deep learning. The work is supported by a new four-year National Cancer Institute $1.2 million grant that runs through August 2028.
American Cancer Society CEO Announces Transition Plans
Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD, has announced her transition from CEO of the American Cancer Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. An interim CEO is expected to be appointed before the end of the year followed by a national search for a new CEO. Dr. Knudsen is a past president of AACI.
Inaugural DEI Leadership Team Appointed
The Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center of Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has appointed a trio of physicians and researchers to oversee the center’s first Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI): Eloise Chapman-Davis, MD, Minerva Romero Arenas MD, MPH, and Monica Guzman, PhD.
Associate Director for Quantitative Data Sciences Named
The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center has named Veera Baladandayuthapani, PhD, as associate director for quantitative data sciences, a role that recognizes the increasing significance of data-driven and data-intense endeavors such as Big Data in cancer research.
Mammen is New Physician-in-Chief
Joshua Mammen, MD, PhD, has small-town roots and wants to ensure that Nebraskans know that the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is the cancer center for all of Nebraska. Dr. Mammen, who became the center's physician-in-chief on August 1, grew up in Kaplan, Louisiana, population about 5,000.
Associate Director for Shared Resources Named
John M. Ashton, PhD, MBA, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Genetics, has been promoted from assistant director to associate director of shared resources at Wilmot Cancer Institute. He joins six other associate directors on Wilmot’s executive leadership team.
Harlan-Williams Named Associate Director for Education
Lisa Harlan-Williams, PhD, associate professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, has been appointed associate director for education at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. She will oversee cancer-related educational and career development initiatives across a broad spectrum, supporting individuals from high school students through undergraduates, graduates, and medical students, to junior faculty.
Medical Director of Data and Technology Applications Shared Resource Named
Ravi B. Parikh, MD, MPP, FACP, a physician-scientist and expert in health care artificial intelligence and machine learning, joined Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University on September 1. Dr. Parikh will serve as medical director of the Winship Data and Technology Applications Shared Resource.
Samudio-Ruiz Named Shared Resources Associate Director
Sabrina Samudio-Ruiz, PhD, assumed the role of shared resources associate director on September 16. She will oversee the development of all eight of the center's shared resources, set the direction for new technological acquisitions, and help procure new equipment to carry out UNM Cancer Center research initiatives.
Koestler Appointed Assistant Director for Shared Resources
Devin Koestler, PhD, professor and associate director of research operations in the Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, has been appointed assistant director for shared resources at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Researchers Develop Tool for Deciphering Telomeres
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Scientists Uncover Limits of Metabolic Flexibility in a Skin Cancer
Scientists at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA have identified key metabolic mechanisms that squamous cell skin cancers use to resist treatment, offering new insights into how to potentially stop cancer growth.
Protocol Improves Follow-up for Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer
A nurse-led initiative at the Vanderbilt Breast Center has set up a system so that women identified at high risk for breast cancer have greater opportunities for recommended follow-up screenings and genetic counseling.
Researchers Identify Key Markers in Pancreatic Cancer Progression Using a New Analysis Pipeline
Using a new workflow that integrates spatial transcriptomics and machine learning for imaging analysis and integration with single-cell datasets, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified novel molecular and cellular markers in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Mechanism Predicts Severity of Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer
Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah have made a significant breakthrough in predicting the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Their research has led to the development of a new mechanism that accurately forecasts the aggressiveness of TNBC.
Disparities Narrowing Among Patients Undergoing Blood Stem Cell Transplant
Every year, more than 22,000 patients in the U.S. undergo a potentially lifesaving blood stem cell transplant. But historically, some patients with blood cancers have been less likely than others to receive the treatment. A new study shows that while progress has been made in reducing those disparities, older adults and Black patients are much less likely than people from other groups to receive a blood stem cell transplant.
Indicators to Improve Multidisciplinary Care of Brain Metastases
An international panel of top cancer doctors led by UVA Health experts has identified indicators that reflect the effectiveness of coordinated team care to improve outcomes for patients with brain metastases. The experts reviewed 48 potential indicators of high-quality metastasis care before settling on 29 measurements agreed to be of critical importance.
Pancreatic Cancer: Study Finds Most Early Staging Inaccurate
Staging of patients with early pancreatic cancer is inaccurate as much as 80 percent of the time, according to a new Cedars-Sinai Cancer study. The finding underscores the urgent need for advancements in diagnostic technology and staging, which could significantly alter early pancreatic cancer treatment and research.
Scientists Identify Genes Linked to Relapse in Most Common Form of Childhood Leukemia
Scientists from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Seattle Children’s, and the Children’s Oncology Group have identified novel genetic variations that influence relapse risk in children with standard risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Tumor-Induced B Cell Changes Reveal Potential Biomarker for Treatment Response in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions have discovered new insights into tumor-induced B cell changes in blood and bone marrow of triple negative breast cancer patients. The findings show two distinct patterns of B cell abnormalities that could serve as blood biomarkers for determining likelihood of response to standard-of-care chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy Before Surgery Helps Patients With Nose and Sinus Cancer Avoid Eye and Bone Removal
Results from a clinical trial by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group show a striking improvement for patients who received chemotherapy before surgery to remove advanced squamous cell-type cancer of the nose or sinus.
Multiple Myeloma Risk and Outcomes Associated With Pathogenic Germline Variants in DNA Repair Genes
Researchers have published a report on pathogenic germline variants in DNA repair genes and how these inherited genetic variants might impact both the risk of developing multiple myeloma and patient outcomes. Findings suggest up to 10 percent of multiple myeloma patients may have an unsuspected cancer predisposition syndrome.
FDA Approval of New Drug Regimen Helps Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence for Patients With Early-Stage Disease
An international clinical trial, called NATALEE, has led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approving ribociclib in combination with hormonal therapy for the adjuvant treatment of HR-positive, HER2-negative, early-stage breast cancer.
Study: Molecular Tumor Boards Improve Identification of Cancer-Linked Genes
Results from a new UK Markey Cancer Center study show that molecular tumor boards can play an important role in identifying potential inherited cancer risks, leading to better patient care. Specifically, Markey Cancer Center’s Molecular Tumor Board identified possible hereditary genetic mutations in 12 percent of patients with cancer who underwent tumor DNA testing.
Immunotherapy Before and After Lung Cancer Surgery Reduces Death Risk, Disease Recurrence
People with operable non-small cell lung cancers may fare better over the next few years by receiving immunotherapy treatments before and after surgery instead of only before surgery, according to a new analysis by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center investigators.
More Research Confirms the Value of Knowing the Whole Person in Geriatric Oncology
Two recent scientific papers about optimal treatment of older patients with cancer not only improves clinical care but also demonstrates Wilmot Cancer Institute’s international leadership in this growing field.
Treatment Regimen Doubles Progression-Free Survival in Metastatic Kidney Cancer
A Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with metastatic kidney cancer demonstrated that a novel two-agent treatment regimen developed at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center more than doubled progression-free survival compared with single-agent treatment.
Drug Discovery Enters Clinical Testing, Secures Commercialization Partner
A new therapeutic agent discovered and developed at The Ohio State University will soon be used for cancer treatment at the patient’s bedside as part of a clinical trial. Jabez Biosciences is the industrial development partner for the single-center trial, the first human testing of a new, best-in-class DHODH inhibitor known only as HOSU-53 while in testing.
Fever Drives Enhanced Activity, Mitochondrial Damage in Immune Cells
Fever temperatures rev up immune cell metabolism, proliferation and activity, but they also—in a particular subset of T cells—cause mitochondrial stress, DNA damage, and cell death, Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers have discovered. The findings offer a mechanistic understanding for how cells respond to heat and could explain how chronic inflammation contributes to the development of cancer.
Complimentary Registration, ACCC Membership for AACI Members
In support of our shared goals to advance equitable cancer care, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is offering AACI members who are not already ACCC members a one-year complimentary ACCC Cancer Program Membership. As an introduction to the organization, ACCC is also offering one complimentary registration per program to its National Oncology Conference in Minneapolis, October 9-11.
Advancing Patient Navigation
The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) is the largest national specialty organization dedicated to promoting the role of oncology nurse and patient navigators. AONN+ provides a network for collaboration, leadership, and development of best practices for the improvement of patient access to evidence-based cancer treatment.
ACS Medal of Honor Call for Nominations
The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Medal of Honor recognizes a distinguished cancer researcher working in basic, clinical, translational or population science whose work has led to advancement in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship. The nomination deadline is Thursday, October 31. The awardee must be available to attend the award ceremony in Washington, DC, on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Siteman Opens New Building
Siteman Cancer Center—based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis—is opening a new home for outpatient cancer care. The nine-story, 657,250-square-foot building emphasizes multi-disciplinary care, enhances connections to research, and prioritizes the comfort of patients and their family members.
Center of Excellence for Gynecologic Cancer Opens
The Center of Excellence for Gynecologic Cancer, part of The Tisch Cancer Institute, launched in September 2024. It provides comprehensive services, including advanced gynecologic cancer screening and diagnosis and innovative treatments. The center is led by co-directors Stephanie V. Blank, MD, and Dmitriy Zamarin, MD, PhD.
How a Spike in Cancer Deaths Triggered a Life-Saving Partnership
Prostate cancer screenings among Black men have tripled at some San Francisco health providers as part of the San Francisco Cancer Initiative (SF CAN), a UCSF-City of San Francisco project that’s paving the way for state-wide changes. The initiative uses data from sources like the Greater Bay Area Cancer Register, housed at UCSF, to create tailored cancer prevention and screening strategies at the neighborhood level.
Teen Cancer America funds expansion of UF Health Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer program
With a nearly half-million-dollar grant from the nonprofit Teen Cancer America, the UF Health Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer program—one of four in the state—will add three positions to expand clinical care and support services tailored to the age-specific needs of patients.
Chemoprevention Innovator Advances Center's Impact on Early-Stage Trials
In her 25-plus years at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, Sherry Chow, PhD, has made an impact far beyond her work with early-phase cancer prevention research trials, improving the lives of her students, post-doctoral fellows, coworkers, and mentees with her calm, capable, compassionate approach to both people and science.
Fox Chase Cancer Center to Host Symposium Celebrating 20-Year Anniversary of Nobel Prize for Discovery That Advanced Understanding of Cancer and Development of New Drugs
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Center for Immunology will host its 14th Annual Scientific Symposium on Friday, October 18. The event will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry being awarded for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. Much of that work was done at Fox Chase.
Celebrating 25 Years of World-Class Cancer Research and Care
On September 13, 2024, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah celebrated 25 years of groundbreaking cancer research, education, and patient care. Since opening its doors in 1999, Huntsman has made significant contributions to cancer prevention and treatment, saving lives and expanding its reach to patients from six continents.